Winch Install on 2021 Ford Ranger
One of the biggest projects we had for the truck after buying it was to install a winch. Our 2021 Ford Ranger came with the Tremor package, making it more than capable for the off-roading/overlanding we were likely to do with it. However, after a few trips we realized that a winch would be a great addition.
We often travel alone and like to take the path less-travelled to find some awesome fishing spots. There have been times we’ve turned around, rather than chance getting stuck without a winch to help us out. Now that’s not such a worry!
Watch the video below to follow along as Darrell installed the winch a few weekends ago.
The Pieces
THE WINCH – For the winch we went with a Smittybilt X2O GEN2 10K Winch with Synthetic Rope, ordered from 4 Wheel Parts. The Smittybilts had great reviews and a reasonable price tag. Both of us preferred the synthetic rope to a steel cable. The rope can still cause problems if it snaps, but generally it won’t be as catastrophic.
There’s more care required with a synthetic rope so if you choose to go this route, do your research ahead of time.
WINCH MOUNT – This was the most difficult part to source since we wanted a hidden winch mount. The truck is a daily driver and we wanted a winch that was permanently mounted but out of the way, and one that worked with the factory bumper. The problem was finding a hidden mount for a 2021 Ford Ranger in Canada. They aren’t readily available. That’s when we found the mount from 589 Fabrication in the USA. It was exactly what we wanted. They were out of stock for quite a few weeks but as soon as they were available again, we ordered one.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL RELOCATION BRACKET – To install the winch the Adaptive Cruise Control sensors needed to be moved. We went with the Fab Fours M5350-1 Adaptive Cruise Control Relocation Bracket from TDot Performance. This part was a special order and was going to take a few weeks to get to us. TDot Performance was excellent about communicating timelines with us! I received email updates along the way and it arrived when expected.
**If you are going to relocate your cruise control sensors, get them properly recalibrated by your dealer.**
Other than properly spooling the line on under load, we haven’t had a chance to use the winch, but there’s a piece of mind knowing it’s there and ready for when the occasion calls for it!
argosgirl
Latest posts by argosgirl (see all)
- Open Water Season Begins - March 16, 2024
- A Day Trip To South River - March 2, 2024
- New Year’s Camping At MacGregor Point - February 24, 2024
Hello. I want to do the same to my Ranger Tremor. Did you have any sag in the front or did you need to do anything to the suspension? I think I saw in your video about putting a diamondback on the back. I love mine, can’t go wrong with it!
We haven’t noticed any sag or anything different since installing the winch. Definitely no suspension issues. The install has worked really well for us. Diamondbacks are the best! I’m so glad we got one, not only for keeping gear secure, but also for the weight we can put on top of it. We use it haul firewood out of the forest. I can’t imagine having a truck without one anymore.
Thank you so much. I ordered the same winch and setup as you. Looking forward to installing!!