It can be done!

[Jbevs]

So you mounted the winchplate to the vehicle using the recovery hook bolts. Is that right?

 

[sandbuster]

That is correct but I did not use OEM bolts as they would be too short to go through winch plate, spacer and J bolts. So I used (4) 5" 1/2" grade 8 bolts and that seems to be pretty solid. If you do this you'll have other questions - I'll help you along as needed. What year is your Expedition?

 

[sandbuster]

The first picture shows a ratchet strap used to bring the inter-cooler back towards the radiator. Note the cut-off crossbar in the second picture used (on both sides) to retain the inter-cooler at it's new angle. Also note that I modified the clutch handle as I did not want to cut out a window in the grill to engage/disengage the winch clutch - this took a little engineering to come up with this mod BUT it works. That's about a 20" 3/8th extension bar that is secured midway by a chain link. So it is necessary to pop the hood when you need to lock in or free up the winch spool which is no real hassle.




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[Jbevs]

I really like this. Simple is best, and there A LOT of room behind that lower valence. 2013 so no intercooler for me.