Hidden Winch Install - Badlands

SlashRacer

This guy installs a hidden winch on his Badlands for under $1,000. Might be a work around for anyone not wanting to block the front camera or the adaptive cruise control.

Part 1

Part 2

I'm not sure about the winch and I worry with the angle of the fairlead that the rope might be rubbing but I think this is the direction I would like to go just with a better quality winch

Cornwelltoolman

I'm not sure about the winch and I worry with the angle of the fairlead that the rope might be rubbing but I think this is the direction I would like to go just with a better quality winch

I was unsure about the angle of the fair lead also. Also wonder what kind of affect it will have on the airflow for the intercooler?

SlashRacer

I was unsure about the angle of the fair lead also. Also wonder what kind of affect it will have on the airflow for the intercooler?

it's below the intercooler that's what I like most I think a little more work and you could get the fairlead in straight

SlashRacer

I was unsure about the angle of the fair lead also. Also wonder what kind of affect it will have on the airflow for the intercooler?

You nailed both my concerns too. Looks like the angle is slanted kinda down so could always rub and then definitely seems to be blocking some air to the intercooler

Just completed this on my '22 Squashed Badlands, 2.7l and, there are some real challenges to this install.
1. It is meant to be used with their winch - however, a Warn can be installed, but only the EVO series, NOT a ZEON, too big for the mount (4WP was great help allowing me to exchange the Zeon for an EVO.) There is a YouTube install using the Harbor Freight Badlands Apex 12K... very similar to the Evo...
2. Control Head must be relocated to up in the engine bay - mine is above the Power Train Control Module behind the air cleaner on a custom fab'd plate. Additional correctly sized cabling must be run from the head to the winch.
3. The Clutch handle does sit directly below the radiator support (for most winches including the RC one I think) so a solution is needed as all the plumbing on a 2.7l forbids a hand/arm to get to it from the engine bay. A custom bent Irrigation Valve Key works great.
4. The relocation of the oil cooler on its custom bracket will meet/interfere the inside shutter system of the Intercooler. I removed the lower flaps and using a Dremel, took out the interfering areas of the plastic frame. This shutter system is the passive one. The outside one is an active system.
5. The Warn fairlead will not fit the RC skid plate/fairlead mount. A RC can be had off Amazon at a reasonable price and my spare Warn will have a home should I switch my Classic Bronco to synthetic - currently 3/8 wire rope from a 12 year back upgrade.

If anyone is considering this upgrade, I will get into the finer details with you so you can make a more informed decision than I could.

Black&Blue

Just completed this on my '22 Squashed Badlands, 2.7l and, there are some real challenges to this install.
1. It is meant to be used with their winch - however, a Warn can be installed, but only the EVO series, NOT a ZEON, too big for the mount (4WP was great help allowing me to exchange the Zeon for an EVO.) There is a YouTube install using the Harbor Freight Badlands Apex 12K... very similar to the Evo...
2. Control Head must be relocated to up in the engine bay - mine is above the Power Train Control Module behind the air cleaner on a custom fab'd plate. Additional correctly sized cabling must be run from the head to the winch.
3. The Clutch handle does sit directly below the radiator support (for most winches including the RC one I think) so a solution is needed as all the plumbing on a 2.7l forbids a hand/arm to get to it from the engine bay. A custom bent Irrigation Valve Key works great.
4. The relocation of the oil cooler on its custom bracket will meet/interfere the inside shutter system of the Intercooler. I removed the lower flaps and using a Dremel, took out the interfering areas of the plastic frame. This shutter system is the passive one. The outside one is an active system.
5. The Warn fairlead will not fit the RC skid plate/fairlead mount. A RC can be had off Amazon at a reasonable price and my spare Warn will have a home should I switch my Classic Bronco to synthetic - currently 3/8 wire rope from a 12 year back upgrade.

If anyone is considering this upgrade, I will get into the finer details with you so you can make a more informed decision than I could.

post pics!