Grille Guard and Front Mounted Winch for 1998 Dodge Dakota
Question:
Hi I have a 98 dodge Dakota and was wanting a grill guard but I also want a versital winch. So I was thinking a front hitch mount but dont really know if they are compatible with each other at the same time could u help?
asked by: Zack
Expert Reply:
Larger trucks like the full-sized Ram have grille guards available that can accommodate a winch. However, with a Dakota the only available winch mounting option we offer would be to install a front mounted hitch like part # 31097. The hitch and the grille guard would use the same mounting points on the outside of the front frame members, so it wouldn't be possible to install them at the same time since the presence of one would interfere with the other.
The correct Westin Sportsmen Grille Guard for a 1998 Dakota would be part # 40-0145. The # 40-1665 you referenced is a fit for later model Dakotas, and it wouldn't fit your truck. If you decided to go with the hitch instead, once the 31097 is installed, you could use the Curt # C31010 receiver mounted winch plate. The plate has mounting holes that are industry standard, and will accommodate most winches.
Since a recovery winch is frequently used to free a vehicle from the mud or snow, you'll want a winch with plenty of capacity like the Superwinch # SW1595200 with its 9500 lb capacity. I'll link you to our Electric Winch FAQ article, which I hope you'll find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Westin Sportsman Grille Guard - 1 Piece - Black Powder Coated Steel
- Grille Guards
- Full Coverage Grille Guard
- Steel
- 1-1/2 Inch Tubing
- Black
- Westin
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Electric Winch Mount Plate
- Accessories and Parts
- Electric Winch
- Mounting Hardware
- Plates
- Without Handle
- CURT
more information >
Superwinch Tiger Shark Off-Road Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 9,500 lbs
- Electric Winch
- Truck Winch
- Recovery Winch
- Jeep Winch
- 3-Stage Planetary Gear
- 5.0 HP
- 8001 - 10000 lbs
- 81 - 90 lbs
- Slow - 0 to 4 fpm
- Plug-In Remote
- Wire Rope
- Superwinch
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Westin Sportsman Grille Guard - 1 Piece - Black Powder Coated Steel
- Grille Guards
- Full Coverage Grille Guard
- Steel
- 1-1/2 Inch Tubing
- Black
- Westin
more information >
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