Winch install Qs about relocating ATF line

Getting ready to install a hidden winch mount by Bud Built on my 2013 Trail. Crossing the front of the radiator there is a hard line ( for ATF cooling?) I need to move it upward a coupla inches to clear the winch. If it possible to bend, nudge the line up? does it need to be disconnected? and relocated? Will the ATF fluid drain out? If so, is the replacement process a pain in the butt, or worth bringing to my mechanic? Any insights are appreciated.

 

I can relocate the control box, or leave it mounted. Either way, Im moving something. I think bending the line will be an easier operation than mounting the box someplace. I have heard of mounting on the underside of the winch plate. Im holding a spot for future 2nd battery install, and air compressor, so, considering all options...

 

Do a test fit to see how much room you actually need. If it's not excessive? The clamp system is two pieces. The back piece provides height and both halves work together for clamping purposes. If you don't need an excessive height adjustment? the back part of the clamp can be extended by adding to it(welder)and re-drilling.

 

You can bend it slightly, but not a lot. If you need more than a 1/2" +/- I think you'd be better served figuring out how to move it. It's pretty stout.

You can also set the control box up an inch or so using spacers and longer bolts to clear the line....

 

Just bend a little to move up. You may need to relocate solenoid from the top to the side. Everything should fit fine.

 

For reference that is the power steering hardline, not the ATF line.

 

Thats a cool idea, haven't seen that before.

 

I tried to trace the lines back, but without a lift I couldn't determine where the lines went on either side. The manufacturer of the winch plate referred to it as an ATF line. Thought that seemed right, running across the front of radiator for cooling. (?)

 

I'm an ingenious feller!

I had to bend the silver AC line on the pass side slightly as you can also see in the above picture...but once it was all together, with some black wire loom over that bent AC line and the wiring neatly bundled to the PS line and out of sight, it is nice and slick...