Winch mount???

FISHBREATH · 09-08-2008, 10:17 PM

The question I have is about the winch mount location. The van I have is a 2000 with the 7.3 ps. the front bumper is stock with the platform for the winch located above the bumper. when the winch is installed it will be dead center with the radiator. my question is will overheating be an issue??? Seems like a poor location.......

Thanks FB............

Of course if I had a fatter wallet I could purchase one of those shiney black bumpers and all would be well.

**BroncoHauler** · 09-09-2008, 05:57 AM

So there's a separate winch mount platform built above the bumper? What is it attached to?

I'd be very leary of this. If the platform is attached to, or any part of, the original Ford bumper, it is not strong enough to serve as a winch mounting point.

Herb

jage · 09-09-2008, 08:16 AM

I agree with what Herb said, you should also check the plate rating. Anything winch wise over 12K should be mounted feet forward instead of on a plate, and if it is some Jeep/Landcruiser plate that's been modded it might not be rated for even 12K.

As far as winches you can probably get most Warn models with the control box seperate, which will lower you profile quite a bit, leaving just the spool and cable blocking your radiator.

Ford_6L_E350 · 09-09-2008, 08:32 AM

You are correct to worry about overheating, the 6.0 has marginal cooling capacity.

I have a Warn bumper on my van, and it blocked enough air to cause overheating when climbing steep grades on hot days. Had to drill 11 x 2" holes in the bumper to cure the problem.

You cannot rely on the factory gauge to tell you the engine temp, that gauge doesn't move from the middle from about 160 to 235 degrees.

Mike