Hey off-roaders. I was mudding this weekend, and after getting stuck, decided a winch would be a good idea (as well as a lift).

So what is your favorite? Im looking for a moderately cheep one. As long as I can pull my 4th gen out of a mud puddle or something like that. It seems like warn winches are the most popular.

Also, since I have a 4th gen, I would like to mount it on a brush guard or a similar product. Again, what do you recommend. I don't want to replace my front bumper (as in the shrockbumper) because it is just too pricy at the moment.

All questions and comment are appreciated.

If you are looking for an winch that provides the most bang for your buck, take a look at smittybilt XRC 8. you can find them online for around $299. Or else keep an eye out on craigslist. Don't forget to pick up a snatch block to double your pulling power.

No brush guard is going to strong enough to carry or use a winch. Take a look at this thread: NEW Hidden Front Receiver Hitch!!!. Then add a removable hitch receiver winch mount and you're all set.

is that a synthetic cable, or steel?

Steel. if you want to step up to synthetic, you'll be in the $450 range.

ok and last question, is there a cheaper way to mount it?

Not that i know of. the only other option I know of is to mount a winch behind the stock bumper using a custom winch plate similar to what Harper7 has on his 5th Gen which would actually be more money.

If money is an issue, just save the cash, carry a few tow straps and have your buddies pull you out if you get stuck. As long as you're not alone (which you shouldn't be anyway) there is always a way to get out.

Yup, just need to decide whether to drop the cash or not.

Thanks for the help.

No worries. I saw your other thread regarding lifts. You'll go pretty far with a nice lift and good tires.

If you are pretty much just doing mud puddles, and simply need to be pulled out, and it doesn't really matter if you go forward or backward then a rear hitch receiver winch mount is pretty inexpensive compared to a full front bumper.
This will pull you backwards but it will get you out. And you only need to bring when you go mud "puddling" it's not a full time install.

agreed, using the rear hitch is the only "cheap" way to do it. You won't want to pull hard side to side with it, but it will work.

This guy did a hidden mount which is relatively cheap, provided you can do the work yourself. Rasta 4x4 intermal winch mount in factory bumper - Page 3 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Any you have seen, or that you would recommend?

I've been toying with the idea of getting a winch and doing something similar to Tradera or the hidden hitch receiver like darkie3495 said. However when I go wheeling I always plan to go with a group on the harder stuff where a recovery strap is normally a better option then a winch and hopefully somone else in your group will have a winch.

You can also use a hi lift as a come-a-long (with the correct accesories) or get an actual come-a-long but neither will be as easy or as powerful as a winch and will be a great workout!

If you plan on doing some serious wheeling, go with a group, it's much safer and there will be more options and equipment to get you unstuck. If you plan to do serious wheeling by yourself then get a winch and a truck full of emergency supplies, and some hiking shoes in case all else fails!

Yeah, right now I'm looking at a winch to go with a winch bumper, the search continues!