American Hummer Winch setup

[dochummer]

Has anybody tried the American Outfitters winch setup? There's some pics on the website, but want to know if any has actually installed and tried it.

http://www.4x4hummer.com/

[dochummer]

Has anybody tried the American Outfitters winch setup? There's some pics on the website, but want to know if any has actually installed and tried it.

http://www.4x4hummer.com/

[Kevin B]

That looks nice, and its tight from an approach angle point of view (minus the cheesy roller fairlead). With that said, it looks kinda unfinished on the top. I looked but did not see what winch it recomends, did you? Good find , are you going to get one?

[RIC-H0]

Looks like a Warn 8k winch, but I noticed that it's not hooked up, and the relay box doesn't look like it would fit!
What's up with that!?

Ric-H2

[timgco]

Good find. i agree though, it does look unfinished on top. You will see all of the wires once it's hooked up too. that may be the Warn 9500 Winch... not sure though. If you're looking for a winch bumper, check out the WARN Winch Bumper. Very easy installation, you loose minor clearance and I know for a fact that FEVER on this site can get you a great deal.

[DRTYFN]

Sure looks familiar to me.
That picture was taken on January 14th, 2003.

I'll have to contact them to let them know where to send the royalty checks.
Plagiarising asswipes. Funny thing is that even ripping us off they only figured out how to use a little winch. Dicks.

Found the old thread:
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=6706011751&m=420602324 5&r=2516089345#2516089345

[DRTYFN]

You'll see new pics of the finished winch bumper this week. I promise. And as soon as we get the instructions done(with pics) it'll be going on sale.

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DRTYFN:
You'll see new pics of the finished winch bumper this week. I promise. And as soon as we get the instructions done(with pics) it'll be going on sale. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I hope I get to see them in Moab too.

[DRTYFN]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by timgco:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DRTYFN:
You'll see new pics of the finished winch bumper this week. I promise. And as soon as we get the instructions done(with pics) it'll be going on sale. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I hope I get to see them in Moab too. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hopefully, Dennis & I will be there representin'... Boyeee!!!

[Kyle_B]

Here is what the Warn looks like installed. Do some searches here on it and you will see that the thing is a beast. It mounts to the frame at 14 points if I recall correctly. I tried to get mine to shift under load and could not do it. Will be putting on synthetic line when I have had the opportunity to tear up the wire roap.

Fever can hook you up on a deal.

Also, I powder coated mine so the finish is not stock. The stock bumper is glossy.

[Kyle_B]

Close up shot.

[dochummer]

I've seen the Warn setup and It's really nice. I kinda like drtyfn's setup more-so... Guess I just need to see them up close to decide. I think the look of the factory bumper appeals to me more...maybe that'll change tomorrow Drtyfn, you've probably told us before, but which winch are you using in your setup?

[dochummer]

Ok, here's another one. Anyone heard of it?
http://www.h2bumper.com/

[tower]

Yep! It's the Lange.

http://www.langeoriginals.com/index.htm

It might be okay, but it is only compatiible with that Ramsey winch. Personally, I'm not fond of the way the control box is exposed on the front of the bumper (next to the fairlead).

[dochummer]

How do you like that chrome tire carrier? I have the standard black one from predator...

[tower]

Well, they gave it to me for around half price, so I guess I shouldn't complain. But honestly, it rusts almost overnight (cheap chroming and welding). The tow-eye bolts need to be tightened WAY beyond what is recommended to keep the thing from shifting. The swing arm rubs (and ground up the finish) on the base. I swaged a small cable on to the pin so it won't get lost. I need to keep adjusting both lock mechanisms to keep it from rattling. If I had it to do over, I would probably spend the extra money and retrofit the SUT bracket and get the rear fog lights.

[dochummer]

I torqued my bolts to about 120 ftlb. That stopped it from shifting. I then realigned everything so it didn't rub. I also had to cut the rubber pad for the back of the locking area (the soft rubber, not hard rubber) to about 1" wide and attached it to the most lateral portion of the locking mechanism so that the arm would close nicely (this will also keep it from rattling.) I then used a crecent wrench and tightened down the latch bolts and the screw/pin that holds it closed. I also threw a little wd40 on the head of that screw so that it wouldn't squeak with movement. Haven't had any problems since doing all that. I too had some issues with wear, but those have been solved with the above mentioned fixes....

[tower]

Thanks, Doc!

I appreciate your sharing your experience with me. The fit on everything is okay for now, and was okay when I first installed it. It just doesn't seem to stay that way on the latches.

The grinding between the arm and base isn't too bad since I greased it, but it was bad enough to chew up the chrome finish. The problem is that the pivot sleeve on the arm isn't perfectly square. I tried adjusting the cantilever the minimum (1/2 turn) in either direction, but that just changed the location of the scrape from one side to the other. It's fine to use zerk fittings and a bearing race, but then to have it welded so badly that it scrapes? Anyway.

I get an annoying squeak when the rear end drops into a divot, whenever I start an ascent. I don't know if this is a bad LR shock or my tire rack. I will have my dealer check it when I next change oil.

I am looking at having a welder put together a pipe and flange so that I can move the license plate up to the center of the spare (as done on the SUT). If you are interested, I will keep you posted.