Winch Bumper idea

freebiker · May 25, 2009

I'm thinking of fitting a winch bumper to my freebie to save my brother in law having to come and pull me out in his 90 again.

My thoughts so far... remove the aluminium bumper bar behind the plastic bumper. Fit a boxy looking winch bumper onto the frame where the alu bumper bar was and hope that it sits far enough away from the radiator, if not possibly make a spacer to go between the frame and winch bumper?

Slice the plastic bumper so that the winch bumper fits through the plastic bumper (i expect it would protrude further than the plastic bumper which would add a bit of protection as well).

Then replace my number plate somewhere else.

Would the frame where the OEM alu bar fits be strong enough to hold a winch bumper?

If anyones got any photos of what a bumperless freelander looks like i'd appreciate it, can only find photos of a V6 freebie which has a slightly different bumper section. I found an ebay listing the other day (also posted about it) and looking at the pic on the listing, the front frame looks quite beefy but it doesn't look OEM. I've never had my bumper off before so not sure what the real one on my 1.8 would look like.

If done properly and i measured precise to the mm when slicing the plastic bumper i reckon it could look quite good and also offer the protection of an A frame perhaps?

Kernow nige · May 25, 2009

crewebiker said:
I'm thinking of fitting a winch bumper to my freebie to save my brother in law having to come and pull me out in his 90 again.

My thoughts so far... remove the aluminium bumper bar behind the plastic bumper. Fit a boxy looking winch bumper onto the frame where the alu bumper bar was and hope that it sits far enough away from the radiator, if not possibly make a spacer to go between the frame and winch bumper?

Slice the plastic bumper so that the winch bumper fits through the plastic bumper (i expect it would protrude further than the plastic bumper which would add a bit of protection as well).

Then replace my number plate somewhere else.

Would the frame where the OEM alu bar fits be strong enough to hold a winch bumper?

If anyones got any photos of what a bumperless freelander looks like i'd appreciate it, can only find photos of a V6 freebie which has a slightly different bumper section. I found an ebay listing the other day (also posted about it) and looking at the pic on the listing, the front frame looks quite beefy but it doesn't look OEM. I've never had my bumper off before so not sure what the real one on my 1.8 would look like.

If done properly and i measured precise to the mm when slicing the plastic bumper i reckon it could look quite good and also offer the protection of an A frame perhaps?

Have a look at this one...........[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsBDkLxGCts&feature=related"]YouTube - Xtremelander[/ame]

Dann · May 25, 2009

Interesting project: Your design has to take account of the worst possible situation e.g. vehicle on its side in a ditch or all four wheels bogged to the axles. The ‘pull’ requirement is phenomenal and whilst the winch may have the capability. What is all this stress doing to the vehicle frame?
I believe that what you are after is acheivable but much strengthening of the side frames will be required to reduce twisting.
Ideally you need to get the ‘tractor’ boys interested. Get the bumper off and take some photos to post up together with your ideas. These guys love their landys and know about recovery techniques. Amongst all the jokes I’m sure you’ll get some solid advice.
D..

iannotts · May 26, 2009

i even watched the video and had to laugh at the lack of ground clearence you have, get your self some good size rubber on. Ok you may not be able to fit 235/85 r 16's on but if you can get 225/75 r 16's will help a lot.
as for winching like Dann said you dont want to rip it in half

otherwise the doors will fall off

Sparks · May 26, 2009

If you start seriously modding your Freelander, you'll trash it's resale value. Offroad prepped vehicles sell for less than standard clean ones do as a rule. The guy in the video has obviously spent a small fortune creating a car that can cope with a bit of mud and puddles.

How about buying a cheap disco as an off road toy and keeping the Freelander as your daily transport. It'll probably work out cheaper in the long run, you won't be too worried about bending the disco and you'll be less likely to get stuck.

freebiker · May 26, 2009

I've already trashed it's resale value so that's ok, i don't intend on selling it before it's due to be scrapped anyway. Plus, my parents wouldn't be too happy with two landys on the drive! I've got my reasons for wanting to mod a freebie rather than a disco or 90.

I've got some 215/70/16's on at the moment but will be getting a 2inch lift not too far away in the future.

I may go ahead and buy a winch bumper anyway, i was looking at the stainless steel protection bars for the front (not the full A frames) but a big steel bumper sticking out would be just as good.

I'd seen that video before on youtube and have seen a few pics of the winch setup on some other forums but i'm not too sure about the cosmetics of it. I've got a different type of idea in my mind. Good for inspiration though!

Like Dann said, i may have to strengthen the side frames a bit but hopefully that won't be too difficult.

Kernow nige · May 26, 2009

iannotts said:
i even watched the video and had to laugh at the lack of ground clearence you have, get your self some good size rubber on. Ok you may not be able to fit 235/85 r 16's on but if you can get 225/75 r 16's will help a lot.
as for winching like Dann said you dont want to rip it in half

otherwise the doors will fall off

..er not my veehikle thank feck, could'nt justify spendin that sort of dosh on mine, roof rack dunt look too bad though. . ...

. ... might go fer a black leffer armrest instead . . . . . ......

........... . . .. .

cox325 · Jun 10, 2011

I know this is a very old thread, but just wondering if you ever did get the winch mounted behind the bumper? Id love to have a go on mine and fit a winch, preferably without pay throught the nostrils for a six point nudge bar thats rare as hen teeth.

freemonkey · Feb 10, 2012

did anybody ever get one fitted to a freelander have looked into this a few times never got around to it yet

teddywood1 · Feb 11, 2012

they did make a behind the bumper mount for the freelander which did fix the where the bumper reinforcement bar was also they did a A frame with a winch mount on i had one but sold it because I did not like the way it stood out away fron the car

baptista · Feb 11, 2012

here is how a guy from Chile did it, it's in spanish but it has a lot of pics for help

landroverclub.cl • Ver Tema - Montaje correcto del Winch (fotos)

hope it helps, best regards
Miguel Baptista

harrisp · Feb 11, 2012

Tirfor?

freemonkey · Feb 11, 2012

Yep that's the job seen one before on the web were the lad had fitted the winch behind the bumper so you only seen the rollers can't find it now

joe27979 · Feb 13, 2012

some pics I saved from a previous thread:

freemonkey · Feb 14, 2012

that what im trying to do at the moment

gjudge · Feb 17, 2012

if you want to ask any questions please feel free to ask me

Winch Bumper idea

freebiker

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Kernow nige

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Dann

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freebiker

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