Smittybilt 97612, Instruction Manual

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XRC Gen3 winches feature removable high-impact plastic armor to protect the motor and gear box. 

They can be permanently removed to better winch clearance, or they can be temporally removed so 

they can be custom painted to add some contrasting color to the front of your vehicle. T-30 torx bit and 

4mm Allen wrench are needed to remove the armor plates. 
Note: Painting HDPE requires prep work for proper paint adhesion. Contact your local paint supplier 

for the recommended adhesion promotors, primers and paint.

Armor Plate Removal

STEP 1: Remove button head bolts, holding down 

the armor plates on to the motor (Fig. 1), then gently 

slide the plate to the left to remove it (Fig 2).

Photos on following page...

STEP 2: Remove button head bolts, holding down 

the armor plates on to the gear box (Fig. 3), remove 

the Allen head bolt holding the gear lever in place 

(Fig 4). 

Use a 4mm Allen wrench and completely remove 

screw. Not orientation of lever so it can be installed 

in the same position, then pull straight up on the 

gear lever. Gently slide the plate to the right to 

remove it (Fig 5/6).

STEP 3: If you are planning on running no armor, 

it is crucial to reinstall four of the short bolts you 

removed in order to properly secure the tie bar/

rod. Re-install one button head bolt into each of the 

empty tie rod mounting holes. Take care that you do 

not over-tighten the bolts  

(Fig 7).

STEP 4: To re-install, simply slide the plate back on 

to the winch and secure with the button head bolts 

you removed in prior steps. Do not over-tighten 

bolts.