so i've got my winch and I am installing it right now. I'm having a problem with the fairlead as I don't have anything that can cut 1/4" steel too well. I have a good drill and a crappy jigsaw. Is there any way I can cut out the center section for the winch cable to pass through with just those tools or will I have to get someone else to cut it out. Also would a sawzall *sp* be the best thing to cut it out or what??

 

The only person that right now I can think of that has a winch on their ranger is rangererv maybe he will chime in

 

With a metal cutting blade (well a couple of them) you can cut it out. Drill the corners and only cutting straight lines will make it easier. A crappy jigsaw will do it slowly. I have cut half inch steel with a good Bosch jigsaw. Take your time and it could be done.

 

y do u have to cut it?
im not fallowing u

 

i'm cutting the hole where the winch cable goes through the fairlead... i just got done drilling the holes to hold the fairlead.... i'll see if i know anyone that has a decent jigsaw and buy some metal blades for it... this is the only thing holding me up!!!! I JUST WANT TO PLAY WITH MY WINCH!!!! hehe

 

what kind of winch do u have?
does the fairlead not look like this??

 

it's about time you got a winch on that thing!

 

it's a tabor 9k and the fairlead looks just like that.... i have to cut out the 1/4" steel bumper that the fairlead mounts to

my bumper:

 

well ur info says tabor 9k winch..
this is made by warn right?

is that ur winch?
y are you cutting the fairlead? you should not cut that for any reason, its going to weaken it up.

 

i'm cutting the bumper not the fairlead... the fairlead attaches to the front of the bumper and the bumper has to have a hole for the winch cable to go through :)

 

oooo, i c.
ur cutting the bumper...makes since now.
best way to cut 1/4in is with a sawzall or a cutting torch, but if u had a cutting torch you wouldnt be asking im sure

just mark ur holes, drill out each corner with a big drill bit and go to town.
remember to filt down any sharp edges do you done run the winch cable

 

so i've got the fairlead attached now with no hole tho :( .... i'm gonna see if i know anyone with a sawzall or a good jigsaw tomorrow.... once i cut the hole i'll just need to make my electrical connections and then i'll post some pics of me playing with it :)

night