I will keep this post updated.
1. Follow
this document to convert M12000 so it will fit into bumper and to be foot mounted
(pls contact Aluminess for any questions
http://www.aluminess.com/about.htm)
this picture shows the winch with all the changes completed - NOTE FOUR MAIN BOLT HOLES ARE FACING DOWN, not forwards:
Notes:
a) rotate motor 180 deg - this is really straightforward, you need a 13mm wrench
b) re-index gearbox - the doc says it must be moved 1/3 turn, it is more like 1/5 of a turn, or 2/10 holes (see pictures)
c) mount solenoid box with the W upside down, and rotated forward so it clears the door. I tried to mount mine as close to vertical (but still kicked forward) otherwise the box of the solenoid box will hit the lid
detail of my solenoid wire routing:
d) careful with moving the cross brace rod --- make sure you put a piece of rubber or something to protect it when you hold it with pliers, I gouged mine a little because my pliers cut through the cloth I used which was folded double
2. I used two bolts at the rear - you're connecting into the rear plate which connects to the frame rails, definitely adding a lot of strength here. I used one washer on each side, between the winch and the back of the bumper box, and then installed the four bolts/washers from below. If you use anti-sieze as recommend in the instructions (given how much hassle I had with the old winch, I used it) be aware that this will impact your torque wrench readings, don't accidentally overtighten!