I'm considering adding a 2" receiver to the front of my 4Runner for using a removable winch mount. What are your thoughts on such a setup? I don't tend to do much winching when I'm wheeling and don't plan to hang my truck from it. Thanks.

I think that they are good if you don't do much winching, but you need a place to store the winch when you are not using it. You don't want 100 pounds of steel bouncing around in the back of your truck but they kill approach angle so you can't really leave it on the front all the time. In rockcrawling situations some times you can't add the winch to the front because your bumper is up against a rock or similar obstacle. All that said though, they are a far better option than not having a winch at all.

One time is all it takes. So if you are going to do it, do it right. I'm not saying this is how you feel but by the sound of your quote,you are thinking about just rigging something up to work "if" you need it. That can be a recipe for disaster.

I plan on something stout and well engineered but also removable. My point was just that I don't usually do much winching. I certainly want it to be safe and reliable when I am using it.

I've thought about the same setup, with the added benefit you can run the winch off the rear receiver hitch. Also you keep the winch out of the elements during all the times you aren't using it.

Here is what I have so far. I plan to weld on the reciever that is currently bolted on eventually. I think it is a sturdy design and this way I don't have to drag that winch around with me all day as this is my DD.

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...;oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post813236

It can be useful and can be also used as a winch for loading a disabled vehicle on a trailer by welding a reciever on the front of trailer.

here's my setup that i've had for years:



and in action:



it sticks out just a "wee"... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

but if needed, it can popped out in seconds...

i also have a 22' feet of 1/0 guage "extension" power/ground cable that runs to the back (or ANOTHER VEHICLE!!!!!) and winch that way.

i have tested it by doing a triangular winch where the cable exited to the extreme right. i then used a snatch block to a tree to the right side and then attached the hook to my hitch point to the rear bumper.

i was sliding off a muddy uphill trail and by winching that way, i was able to pull myself a foot or away from the left side where it just drops down...

the friend who came up with the front mount isnt a wheeler, but an excellent welder and i told him i want a bulletproof mount up front...

Thanks for the pictures, I'll post some when mine is done.

Built this a long time ago, but never have a winch yet to try it out... There are total of 4 bolts to capture nuts plus 3 others bolts/nuts across the crossmember-square tubing not mounted in the pictures.

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