so 2 things one i am new to this f150 forum. 2 i have a 2002 f150 fx4 and i have been wanting to put a winch on it. though i hear that you can mount a winch to the frame some on how a plate of steel or something. so i really need some input. thanks.

 

Two ways to mount. A winch specific bumper (grill guard or full replacement) or adding a front hitch with a hitch adapter plate on the winch. The factory bumper really doesn't fit with a winch because they are just too big. Best bet is a full replacement built for a winch. It will have the strength to be able to pull your truck, and will also offer protection from front impacts. The bumper winch combo will add about 250 lbs to the front of the truck. There isn't really anywhere behind the frame where you can just bolt a plate on. You will have to do some welding to make it fit. Might try something like the Power Wagons where they managed to put the winch between separations on the bumper but many OE bumpers aren't set up that way.

 

well i heard and looked up that there is a special kit that puts the winch in betwwen the frame on a plate of steei found on google
this is what

 

Way too low if you plan on keeping a stock height truck. You get into a rut and you'll just drag your $1000 winch and probably ruin it. If that's just the roller fairlead, you risk tearing that off which could do some damage to the winch as well.

 

i plan on get a 6 inch lift but what about just putting a reese trailer hitch and one of those plates that slide into the 2 inch receiver hitch. i have room to put one on. but the 6 inch lift is not going to be for awhile.

 

That works better because you can move the winch from front to rear as you need it and keep it in a tool box to keep the added weight off the front. But they do stick out an aweful lot (up to 18" off the front bumper). Look around at what you can find. A 6" will cost $1500-$2000 on these trucks. You can get grille guards that have the receiver built into them as well as replacements or replacement that are specific for winches. These are the good grille guards because the companies that build these actually base them off their full replacements. You really just have to shop around for what you think is the best deal. Personally, I don't see the point in having a winch when you usually wheel with buddies and a hilift jack and some chain cost a fraction of the price and can be used as a winch, jack, jaws of life, crusher, spreader.

 

Hi-lift jack, by far the most versatile piece of equipment one can own.

Anyone have a clue how much a front end hitch receiver would cost?

Here's a funny dumb story for you about a winch. Buddy of mine thought using his winch and a cheater bar would loosen a rusted bolt. Long story short, he hooked his winch to the end of a cheater bar and hit the button. Winch slipped off and that 3 ft bar goes flying through the air to land 200ft away. To my knowledge, he never tried that again. Luckily his closest neighbors house is a mile away. Please don't try this after reading, be smart when using a winch.

 

heres the 2"reviever with out winch in. the reciever comes out through the middle of the licence plate mount


here it is with the winch

 

Nice light bar! How much did that front reciever cost you?

 

hey zap is your truck a 2wd?