Fairlead/Winch Support Bracket...

**Delray** · 12-26-2007, 05:52 PM

So Installed my bumper and Superwinch today, and realized after the fact that I left the fairlead/winch support bracket out DOH

!

I left a message for James, but would anyone know if you can pull the winch part way out the top (after removing 4 bolts) and slide this in, or is it too tight for that? And to think I was so proud of myself, then noted the extra license plate bracket thingy was not that at all.

**Delray** · 12-26-2007, 08:33 PM

James called right after I posted this.

He says I can pull it out the top and get this bracket in, make sure I have enough battery cable pulled through to move it over and up.

Boy, that was a stupid thing for me to leave out. Big bracket, not like a missed a washer somewhere.

rich_4 · 12-26-2007, 09:15 PM

I was about to say I think you could manage to get it in, but it looks like he answered your question already.

If you're looking for a place for your license plate, you might check the way I did mine. Pics are in the sig link but I put it behidn the fairlead down to where the cable goes in and it is really tight. No problems in about 8 months with it like that.

**Delray** · 12-27-2007, 06:34 PM

FYI. This worked out fine. The same advice applies to those putting in or replacing a winch after the bumper install. Left is your left...

1. Put 2 strips of painters tape the lip/edges of the bumper insert area and also the FJ silver front bezel in the area where you might bump it. I also put a rag around the lip.

2. Have a table or motorcycle lift handy right next to the bumper to place the winch. Make sure there is slack in the electrical lines.

3. After removing the 4 bolts, push the winch to the left and then pull and turn the right side out, then the left side.

4. If installing or re-installing a winch put the nuts in place on the winch (Superwinch) and put a strip of black electrical tape over the slot opening so they don't fall out as you twist the winch into place.

5. Put in the left side first, rotate as needed, slide to the left and carefully maneuver in the right side.

6. Center over bolt holes, and you know the rest

zelig2 · 12-27-2007, 10:55 PM

Thanks for the write-up. I'm going to be installing my bumper next week and then when ever I get the winch it'll go on afterwards. I'm glad to hear I don't have to remove the bumper in order to get the winch installed.