03 Disco front winch mount

[Rugbier]

Hey Guys,

I have almost exhausted all channels before I've decided to bug you.

Here is my dilema. I want to mount a winch on my 03 disco, BUT, I want to keep the factory bumper and the Poly A-Frame Brushguard. I figue maybe the mesh grill will have to go, but if I look through thatarea, I cab see the frame right after the aluminum end pieces.

I know for the D1 a front 2" receiver mount was offered, but I've always wondered what would happen at a 90 degree pull well even at a 45 pul, I mean, by far I am not Einstein, but receivers were ment to pull straight not angled , right?

So in other words, I checked with the local welder, NO HELP, and I am hoping some of you have done this set and can point me in the direction to obtain one.

Your help it is always appreciated

Thanks in advance

[Disco Mike]

Try to post this on the other site and could reply, so here is my reply.
Mike

First of all, your 03 has already dropped an inch or more from the typical weak Disco springs. If you were to mount a winch it would drop even more.
Second, trying to mount a winch and keeping your front bumper, that will get torn off anyway if you get out onto some pretty good trails, isn't a good way to go. If you aren't going out onto those sorts of trails, a winch isn't necessary anyway.
The last thing to consider is your approach angle, which is bad already, will be worse once your suspension drops with the winch setting out so far.
Consider a suspension and a winch/bumper combination, you will be alot better off.

[Rugbier]

Mike,

I just hate the looks of the ARB, Rovertym, et all. That is why I wanted to keep the original bumper and the Poly A Frame.
As for clearance I have a Toddco 2" lift on it and I am running 265/75/16 Destination ( close to 32 ). In overall my drop will probably be 1/2" max. My winch has rope no cable.
I know DAP makes a discrete, but it looks I might have to chop the A Frame a bit for the Hawse Fairlead.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance

[rmuller]

Do it right, you'll appreciate it more in the future.

Don't do a spacer lift, do a spring left.

Get a real bumper (Look at TJM if you dont like the look of the ARB/RTE).

We've all been there before, when you start getting more into wheeling, you'll realize what you need.

[Alak]

I was looking into a factory winch mount, which in theory should work with the A-frame. I like the look of the stock bumper and didnt do enough 'hard' wheeling to warrent a whole upgrade.

Problem is that its literally impossible to find, and incredably expensive. The DAP mount didnt work with my winch.


The Solution I chose was a Rovertym Bumper with no bells and whistles. Just the slimline bumper. I havent ordered it yet, but it was the most logical choice I could find for the price.

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by rmuller

Do it right, you'll appreciate it more in the future.

Don't do a spacer lift, do a spring left.

Get a real bumper (Look at TJM if you dont like the look of the ARB/RTE).

We've all been there before, when you start getting more into wheeling, you'll realize what you need.

"DITTO"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go for a real coil lift, not spacers, all you get with spacers is a really top heavy Disco that is not controlable off road.

If you don't like some of the ready made bumpers, design and build one yourself like many of us have.

Mike

[Rugbier]

Well the do it right is UP for grabs depending how you look at it.
I've had my days of HARD WHEELING, but they have waved me BYE BYE years ago.
I still believe that the RTE and ARB, other than giving you a better APPROACH they are just awful looking ( hope the GODS of Off Roading are not reading this *LOL* )
Now with the DAP, I am using a LP8500 and the pattern is 10x 4.5 so should not be a problem and indeed I am planning to mount the solenoid on the Bottle box ( and then figure if I am going with a combo of remote + in Cab controls. I know the G4 ones ( besides the ridiculous price tag ) will not allow the Poly A Frame.
Still hoping someone has done something similar and share it.

At the end, I will get the DAP, make a cut out on the A Frame ( support it with some metal in the inner part after cut ) and loose my fingers on the clutch *LOL*
Thank you for all the great input

[Rugbier]

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

"DITTO"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go for a real coil lift, not spacers, all you get with spacers is a really top heavy Disco that is not controlable off road.

If you don't like some of the ready made bumpers, design and build one yourself like many of us have.

Mike

Mike,
I was expelled from ART CLASS when I dumped the LEGO'S all over the teacher , I do not think I should be Building any structures.
Even if I were to attempt such a NOBLE and Crazy task, I still will not get the look I am looking for THE ORIGINAL Bumper and A Frame.
I know 100's will die by RTE ones , another equal amount by RTE and equally by the one's custom made by the .. and so for...

Now why would you say ( trying to learn ) that the COIL LIFT is uncontrollable OFF ROAD? I did not seem to experience that, it makes no difference tha putting a taller and heavier coil like EMU. Again, this is my experience and eager to learn if your point makes a difference.
It is just a matter of likes and dislikes.. and at the end, if I damage the factory bumper ends, I will replace them at once.

[rmuller]

Originally Posted by Rugbier

Well the do it right is UP for grabs depending how you look at it.
I've had my days of HARD WHEELING, but they have waved me BYE BYE years ago.
I still believe that the RTE and ARB, other than giving you a better APPROACH they are just awful looking ( hope the GODS of Off Roading are not reading this *LOL* )

I wonder how much more awful your truck will look when your A-frame bends into your hood and your bumper is ripped apart.

At least ditch the A-bar, and cut the lower half of your bumper off if you want to retain the stock bumper. These things are just way too low with the approach angle... they WILL get destroyed with minor offroading.

Also, whatever route you chose to go, make sure you have some solid mounted recovery point (The loop in the front is NOT a suitable recovery point)...

[Rugbier]

Originally Posted by rmuller

I wonder how much more awful your truck will look when your A-frame bends into your hood and your bumper is ripped apart.

At least ditch the A-bar, and cut the lower half of your bumper off if you want to retain the stock bumper. These things are just way too low with the approach angle... they WILL get destroyed with minor offroading.

Also, whatever route you chose to go, make sure you have some solid mounted recovery point (The loop in the front is NOT a suitable recovery point)...

RMULLER
You are right there , but call me crazy, I 'll take that over the other bumpers. if I go the DAP route , I have to ditch the Factory hook, and I could weld a D Ring ( shckle ) on the winch tray.
I've seen a stock bumper with the lower black plastic removed ( I believe all I need after cutting that is to make some sort of support for the Fender liner.. right? )
Thanks for your input

[Alak]

I had one of these on my KJ (Jeep Liberty) and I've considered building one for the DII on a rainy day. It was fantastic and inexpensive (at the time).

[Jupiter Rover]

I like the look of the Equipe 4x4 bumper best..

[IMOGEN]

Hi,
My 5 cents....take a look at a picture of a Discovery G4 2003 (Google or so..) and take a look at the winch on the front.It has a winch "cradle" thats fixed to the chassis frame.Will post a picture...Then look at the british Landy websites for the part .Seems to be the answer to your question.

[IMOGEN]

Hope you can use this link!!

[IMOGEN]

Take a close look...