New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install

[ttn333]

They're most likely referring to the badland zxr 12000 and not the apex. Disappointing. I've got the same plate. Will need to mod it I suppose.

They're local to me so I was able to return it. Real nice guy there. Too bad it didn't fit cause install was much simpler than the warn one. Ordered a hardrock 4x4.

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[Rockabillyroy]

Was there enough room to shave some material? I might just try that when time comes.

 

[ttn333]

Was there enough room to shave some material? I might just try that when time comes.

I think you just need to shave off the lip area on both sides where it's tight.

 

[UsuallyLost]

I installed a badlands Apex 12000 into my factory steel rubicon front bumper using a grimm off-road kit. Fit was flawless. Installed in an hour and a half. The bracket is super beefy. The combo works really well together.

 

[Rainman519]

After much research on this forum and others, I picked-up a Badland Apex 12K winch today from HF for $519.00. I thought that was a smoking deal so had to get it. Now, I need to confirm the mounting plate and fairlead adapter. I have the factory Rubicon steel winch-ready bumper, and I'm looking at the Warn mounting plate, P/N 101255. Can anyone confirm that this is compatible with the Apex 12K? The mounting pattern is 10" x 4.5" for the winch. Also, it appears (and I called Warn but the tech sounded hesitant) that the Warn mounting plate includes a fairlead adapter (10 inch). Maybe I'll try the Grimm mounting kit as suggested above. Any others have experience with that?

 

[Sorbs]

After much research on this forum and others, I picked-up a Badland Apex 12K winch today from HF for $519.00. I thought that was a smoking deal so had to get it. Now, I need to confirm the mounting plate and fairlead adapter. I have the factory Rubicon steel winch-ready bumper, and I'm looking at the Warn mounting plate, P/N 101255. Can anyone confirm that this is compatible with the Apex 12K? The mounting pattern is 10" x 4.5" for the winch. Also, it appears (and I called Warn but the tech sounded hesitant) that the Warn mounting plate includes a fairlead adapter (10 inch). Maybe I'll try the Grimm mounting kit as suggested above. Any others have experience with that?

Use the Warn plate. It will save you time and the expense in buying a second plate if you go another "cheaper" route to save a couple bucks. WARN 101255 Winch Mount Plate - go to my OP on this thread if you want confirmation...

 

[Rainman519]

Thanks Sorbs - checking now.

 

[DeepSea]

Here's what I used for install on stock steel bumper:
1. Warn OE Rubicon Winch Plate #101255
2. Poison Spyder Zeon Winch Spacer Plates #45-57-010-03
3. Fastenal Hex Cap Screw & Acorn Nut (2 each) for the Fairlead, screw-#M12-1.75x50 acorn nut-M12-1.75
4. Factor55 ProLink Shackle Mount

Everything else came with the winch.

 

[Rainman519]

Thanks DeepSea for the part numbers. I ordered the Warn mounting plate yesterday (should have it Friday) and will install everything this weekend. Fingers crossed!

 

[Sorbs]

Thanks DeepSea for the part numbers. I ordered the Warn mounting plate yesterday (should have it Friday) and will install everything this weekend. Fingers crossed!

Did you go to the first post on this thread?

 

[Rainman519]

Yes, with the exception of the inverter cables etc. I'm slightly concerned over numerous posts stating that the rear bolt holes have to be "notched/rounded) in order to replace the bumper as the mounting kit pushes the bumper out approx 1/4" from it's normal position. Did anyone encounter that?

 

[Sorbs]

Yes, with the exception of the inverter cables etc. I'm slightly concerned over numerous posts stating that the rear bolt holes have to be "notched/rounded) in order to replace the bumper as the mounting kit pushes the bumper out approx 1/4" from it's normal position. Did anyone encounter that?

That's all news to me and none of that is true but to each their own.

 

[Donkey Fluffer]

Not true for me either

 

[Rainman519]

Thanks guys. I mis-spoke in that the rear bolt holes of the skid plate, not the bumper, may need to be notched due to the 1/4" that the winch plate adds. The Warn mounting plate just arrived so I've got what I need to start the installation. I'm pretty jacked and hope all goes well.

 

[bleda2002]

Thanks guys. I mis-spoke in that the rear bolt holes of the skid plate, not the bumper, may need to be notched due to the 1/4" that the winch plate adds. The Warn mounting plate just arrived so I've got what I need to start the installation. I'm pretty jacked and hope all goes well.

Just did for a zeon 12s this weekend with the warn winch plate. Couple of notes that are mostly common sense but worth keeping in mind:

1) The skid plate brackets get sandwiched in when you do the wings of the winch plate, those bolts are only 40 ftlbs and they'll shear around 50. Don't over tighten them like I did.

2) If you have a Rubicon, the sway bar disconnector gets in the way of the carriage bolts, put them in before you bolt on the wings to the frame.

3) The bumper is going to block the front winch mounting bolts locktite and torque them before you get the bumper on

4) The tie wraps that came in mine were basically worthless for holding the plate with the winch on it. I ended up stacking some wood on a jack and using that, it was waaaaay easier.

5) The fairlead bolts go on through the winch plate and bumper

6) The 4 bumper bolts on the inside of the bumper suck. You can get them started by hand but you will need a deepwell 18mm to tighten fully and you will want a wobble or universal plus a variety of extensions to actually tighten them.

7) if wiring is being a pita the airbox is 1 bolt and then just shoved in 2 plugs, pull hard it will come out.

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