A mechanism for a winch assembly includes a link assembly and a bracket. The link assembly includes an actuator having an end configured to be coupled to a winch free spool device, a bushing coupled to the actuator, and a projection extending from the bushing. The bracket defines an aperture that receives the actuator, and the aperture includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the aperture is sized to receive the bushing therethrough and the upper portion of the aperture is sized to engage the projection such that the winch free spool device is selectively locked in an engaged position.