New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install

[Kitfoxbill]

Yes most is standard stuff, if you use the mopar suggested winch and mounting system. I used the Warn winch mounting system which caused the skid plate to be drilled out at the aft two holes, for the mount moved the bumper fwd by 1/4 inch. By moving the power cable it won’t rub, and you can still remove the grille. I remove 1/8 inch off the bottom of the engagement handle to clear the bumper.

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[Kev Mojito]

I think the 12K winch's are the largest body size. It gets a little tight on fit for some bumper and plate combinations. This is just to let everyone know what works and fits.

The nice thing with the Apex is price and extras that come in the box. It lets you remote mount, wireless or any custom way you want to mount.

I found this from the JL site. It will help to not cut the lever.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...p-w_sw44KXYhmr3moGuieRkxDd-F9N2AaAhyTEALw_wcB

 

[Grantee]

My Apex mounting. Rubicon steel bumper. Warn winch plate.
i moved the positive cable from the back to the side so it wouldn’t rub on the grille. I also had to cut down the engagement handle so not too rub on bumper.

How did you cut the engagement handle? Do you have. Photo of it cut down and installed? I’m having the same issue. Thanks

 

[Kitfoxbill]

I used a table top grinder to cut 1/8 inch off. Then a aluminum polishing wheel. You can also raise the winch up with spacer plates per a post early.

 

[DeepSea]

Just got this today. $508.79 out the door!

 

[BamaJeep]

My Apex mounting. Rubicon steel bumper. Warn winch plate.
i moved the positive cable from the back to the side so it wouldn’t rub on the grille. I also had to cut down the engagement handle so not too rub on bumper.

Do you mind sharing with me how you re-routed the positive wire to side like that? That hole is perfect! What tool did you use for that hole and did you get anything to plug the original hole? Thanks!

 

[DeepSea]

Do you mind sharing with me how you re-routed the positive wire to side like that? That hole is perfect! What tool did you use for that hole and did you get anything to plug the original hole? Thanks!

The case is soft metal. Start with a small drill bit to center the hole, then use a step bit to make the hole big enough for the cable. Not to worried about the original hole, because that box is not waterproof. I'll probably stick a whiskey cork in it.

 

[DeepSea]

Warn winch plate with Poison Spyder spacer plates from Northridge 4x4. Need to get longer bolts for the hawse fairlead, but pretty happy with the install.

 

[Veloruche]

Warn winch plate with Poison Spyder spacer plates from Northridge 4x4. Need to get longer bolts for the hawse fairlead, but pretty happy with the install.

looks great, I ordered one yesterday online. Would love to see more install photos if you have them.

 

[DeepSea]

Went to Fastenal and got some bolts and acorn nuts. The bolts supplied with the winch are Grade 8.8 M12 x 40mm. I went with Grade 10.9 M12 x 50mm, because they are stronger and longer but more importantly that's all they had in stock.

 

[BamaJeep]

Went to Fastenal and got some bolts and acorn nuts. The bolts supplied with the winch are Grade 8.8 M12 x 40mm. I went with Grade 10.9 M12 x 50mm, because they are stronger and longer but more importantly that's all they had in stock.

This is very helpful. Thank you so much. Did your step-up drill go up to 3/4" or did you have a larger one that you used? Trying to decide if I need a larger one that is 7/8" to 1 - 3/8" instead. Also, do you happen to know what size plug you used for existing hole or did you still go the whiskey cork route? Which whiskey? (just kidding)

edit: I think my Blantons cork is not going to give me enough clearance so probably need to go try a few different brands....

 

[DeepSea]

This is very helpful. Thank you so much. Did your step-up drill go up to 3/4" or did you have a larger one that you used? Trying to decide if I need a larger one that is 7/8" to 1 - 3/8" instead. Also, do you happen to know what size plug you used for existing hole or did you still go the whiskey cork route? Which whiskey? (just kidding)

edit: I think my Blantons cork is not going to give me enough clearance so probably need to go try a few different brands....

You're welcome for the info. I used a larger step bit and went to 13/16, but I think 3/4 might work. The cork came from Clyde May's straight bourbon whiskey and it fits just right!

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Just got this today. $508.79 out the door!

Mine will be to me Monday, $400 with Managers employee discount and 20% off which included the 2yr warranty as well. My bumper will arrive today. Can't wait to get it all installed.

 

[DeepSea]

Mine will be to me Monday, $400 with Managers employee discount and 20% off which included the 2yr warranty as well. My bumper will arrive today. Can't wait to get it all installed.

Great price! Have fun with the install, I just completed mine with a shackle mount.

 

[JTPatriot]

Installed a Rugged Ridge Arcus front bumper with the Badlands 12000 lb. winch. Man that winch used every bit of space up plus some.

I did what kitfoxbill did on the power cable plus 1/4" spacers on the frame horns to space the winch plate away from the grill and then put some 1/2" washers between the bumper skin and the winch plate, at that point everything cleared. And yes it was a pain getting a bolt thru all of those componets. But it was worth it as I am very happy with the outcome.

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