Thinking of removing my winch... how big of a difference will it make?

[mscot]

I have the Smitty 9.5 synthetic which weights 46lbs.
I've never used it and honestly don't think I'll be putting myself in a position where I would need to. I think the purchase was a bit of folly, going somewhere I would need a winch doesn't seem to be what I'm into. Plus, I'll often have my son with me which would make me turnaround rather than put us in any danger.

But, there's the Boy Scout in me - always be prepared.
Plus I have it installed and it would be a ***** to remove - and I had done a pretty sweet electrical panel for it with a cut off switch so power is never hitting it unless I need it to. Sunk costs and whatnot.

Does anyone have experience with removing ~46lbs from the front end? Would it make much of a difference in MPG and how it drives?

 

[Jetboy]

I don't think you'll be able to tell at all.

 

[ehcanadian]

At 46 lbs it will be minimal, nose dive may be a little less when braking because of where it’s located.

Double check, I believe that model is 90lbs. But even than it will be minimal. Stock suspension you’ll probably notice a good difference in brake dive.

As far as MPGs again it’ll be small. I lost 80lbs and my MPGs stayed the same lol

I can make your wallet a little heavier if you do decide to part with it

 

[mscot]

Thanks. Its the synthetic line so per Smitty it's 46 lbs.
Smittybilt Part 98495 - Smittybilt XRC-9.5K Winch Synthetic Rope Gen2, With Aluminum Fairlead - 98495-SLVMSWS-P03

I have an upgraded suspension so nose dive is pretty minimal, only when I'm cut off and really have to slam on them.

I'll just leave it on if you guys don't think it will help with mpg. It's not worth removing the bumper and reinstalling it if there's no benefit other than selling it.

Thanks!

 

[ProfessorP]

I recently added a net gain of 65 pounds of aluminum bumper and winch. The front end (upgraded suspension) only dropped about 1/4" and I noticed no increase in fuel consumption. Removing your winch will most likely have zero impact on mpg.

 

[Ripper238]

Once a Scout always a Scout. Its better to be prepared then not.

I would keep it, especially since you did the suspension. I'm looking to add one to my 2019, and hopefully ill never need it.

 

[Mutant138]

Might not feel much of a change tbh. But, you are just sitting on money you can make back. For every year it sits in your vehicle it's value will go down. If your not going to use it ditch it. I'm sure over years it will save you some gas too.

 

[mscot]

can't imagine I'd get more than $200 for it. it would take a couple hours to pull it off and put the bumper back on. not really worth the effort imo.

 

[bigair96]

That's really light. Doubt you would notice much. I've been looking for a light winch, that may be the right way to go. Sort of like you, doubt I would use it much but nice to be there in case. Adding an aluminum slimline soon so this would pair nicely.

 

[bigair96]

Amazon says 78 pounds. Many smittybilt winches have two weights. I bet the 46 is the winch without line.

 

[bigair96]

I have the Smitty 9.5 synthetic which weights 46lbs.
I've never used it and honestly don't think I'll be putting myself in a position where I would need to. I think the purchase was a bit of folly, going somewhere I would need a winch doesn't seem to be what I'm into. Plus, I'll often have my son with me which would make me turnaround rather than put us in any danger.

But, there's the Boy Scout in me - always be prepared.
Plus I have it installed and it would be a ***** to remove - and I had done a pretty sweet electrical panel for it with a cut off switch so power is never hitting it unless I need it to. Sunk costs and whatnot.

Does anyone have experience with removing ~46lbs from the front end? Would it make much of a difference in MPG and how it drives?

What cut off switch did you use?

 

[mscot]

Check my build thread. It’s in my sig


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jernik]

Most everyone else answered your question, so I'll add this;

As soon as you remove it, you'll probably need it. It's like when you clean out the house or garage - all those items you hadn't used in years and finally got rid of, you find a need for them about a week after they're gone!

 

[Toffees]

I have the Smitty 9.5 synthetic which weights 46lbs.
I've never used it and honestly don't think I'll be putting myself in a position where I would need to. I think the purchase was a bit of folly, going somewhere I would need a winch doesn't seem to be what I'm into. Plus, I'll often have my son with me which would make me turnaround rather than put us in any danger.

But, there's the Boy Scout in me - always be prepared.
Plus I have it installed and it would be a ***** to remove - and I had done a pretty sweet electrical panel for it with a cut off switch so power is never hitting it unless I need it to. Sunk costs and whatnot.

Does anyone have experience with removing ~46lbs from the front end? Would it make much of a difference in MPG and how it drives?

If you keep it, use it a few times a year, for practice and to make sure it still works. You don't want to be in a pinch and find out something's wrong.

If you're not going to exercise it, get rid of it because it's a liability.

 

[MSRP.]

50+lbs hanging out at the most forward point of the vehicle, far in front of the front tires SHOULD be a bit more noticeable in terms of quick side-to-side transitions.. if you race your 4runner

 

[Madmartygan]

Most everyone else answered your question, so I'll add this;

As soon as you remove it, you'll probably need it. It's like when you clean out the house or garage - all those items you hadn't used in years and finally got rid of, you find a need for them about a week after they're gone!

1000% this^

It's somewhat comforting to know I'm not the only person that has experienced (experiences) this.