Rough Country Hidden Winch / Skid Plate with Front Shackle Kit -- Installed Photos

so another user here
https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/hidden-winch-skid-plate-limited-build.5945/

did the same thing so loved how it looked and went ahead and bought the hidden winch with skid plates
https://www.roughcountry.com/product/configurable/hidden-winch-mount-72011#2921=6655

as well as the front shackle kit
https://www.roughcountry.com/product/toyota-tacoma-front-shackle-kit-73126


I will start off I did not do the winch and bumper install, I got a local shop to do it. Overall they did a great job. Its solid sturdy, the plates fit great and add extra protection.

Some common questions and "concerns"

• you cannot place the winch in free spool mode, theirs a cross bar that blocks the handle, kinda strange, the shop thought the same. You could cut a bar but might hinder the structure. So it's just always engaged and in or out. Honestly not an issue for me as how often do I really plan on using the winch and after testing the winch does spool out surprisingly fast.
• the connector is up to you or whoever does it to install it. The kit comes with a power extension cord. I told the shop whatever they thinks best and I love the spot they picked. Almost looks OEM with the vehicle.
• The d rings are not the ones that come with the front shackle kit, they come with solid black ones but bought these red ones on amazon.

RENO 3/4" D Ring Shackle, 68,000 lbs Break Strength with 7/8" Inch Pin Universal Use with Tow Strap Winch for Off-Road Truck ATV UTV SUV Recovery Towing Trailer (Aluminum, 2 Pack, Red)


Overall I love it, The shop thought and mentioned it was impressive how they got everything to fit under the existing bumper (minus it blocking the winch handle) but seems solid, the skid plate and differential plate seem extremely solid.

If you have install questions though id refer to the other users thread,.

Weight on that winch kit? Website doesn’t say shit.

trailhunger said:

Weight on that winch kit? Website doesn’t say shit.

Click to expand...

im sorry I don't know, Im also looking and looking through the instructions so not sure, you remove the old bumper in its place (which is now sitting in my place since idk what to do with it lol)

and I got it direct shipped to a local shop through them since got a deal so never saw the box. The shackles heavy as hell, that much I can say. sturdy but hefty, so if that's any reflection on the material quality.


EDIT:

unless referring to winch strength than I got the 12000 for only 50$ more it seemed worth it for the stronger winch
https://www.roughcountry.com/product/pro-series-electric-winch-pro12000s

Did you notice any difference in the front height from the additional weight of all this? What is the center of your wheel hub to bottom of fender measurement?

Do you know if the crossbar that blocks the winch handle the crossmember that is present on the Off Road but not the Limited? I read that the crossmember needs to be cut out in order to install the kit in an Off Road. Wondering if your shop was able to work around that and leave it in.