CFMi - Front Winch Cradle with Optional Side Wings for 1973–1987 Squarebody Chevy and GMC 4x4 Trucks

CFM Industries GM Winch Cradle System

Build a high-clearance recovery setup for your Squarebody with the CFM Industries GM Winch Cradle and optional side wings. This system is designed for 1973–1987 Chevy and GMC K-Series 4x4 trucks that need serious winch support without giving up approach angle.

The main winch cradle supports most 10,000 lb winches with a separated solenoid box and positions the winch underneath the radiator support for maximum clearance. For owners who want more front-end coverage, the optional side wings attach to the cradle and help turn the setup into a more complete bumper-style system.

Product Options

• Main GM Winch Cradle
• Optional aluminum hawse fairlead
• Optional side wings to complete the cradle into a bumper-style setup

Features and Benefits

• High-clearance winch cradle design
• Excellent approach angle for off-road and rock-crawling use
• Supports most 10,000 lb winches with remote/separated solenoid boxes
• Mounts to the frame rails and front crossmember
• Optional side wings add bumper-style front-end coverage
• Bare steel finish ready for paint or powder coat
• Made to order by CFM Industries

Fitment

Designed for 1973–1987 Chevy and GMC Squarebody K-Series 4WD trucks.

Important Fitment Notes

• Early 1973–1980 Squarebodies require front frame horn trimming
• Some mounting holes may need to be drilled
• Later model trucks are generally closer to bolt-on fitment
• Winch solenoid box will not fit above the winch and must be relocated
• Winch freespool lever may be easier to access if the winch is clocked forward
• Side wings require front fender trimming where the fenders hang below the radiator support

Installation Details

• Main cradle mounts with four 1/2-inch bolts to the ends of each frame rail
• Also mounts with four bolts to the crossmember at the anti-sway-bar attachment points
• Side wings attach to the GM Winch Cradle and require the cradle to already be installed
• Side wings are fully welded but not ground or finish-smoothed
• Final grinding, finishing, paint, or powder coating is left to the installer

Production Notes

• Main winch cradle is made to order
• Average production lead time: 5–10 business days before shipping
• Side wings are made to order and may take 2–10 days to fabricate before shipping
• Ships bare steel only

Why This Setup Works

This winch cradle system is built for Squarebody owners who want real recovery capability, high clearance, and better approach angle than a traditional bulky bumper. Run the cradle by itself for a minimal high-clearance winch mount, or add the side wings for a more complete bumper-style setup.