Winch suggestions

F

Fizban

New member
So its been a while since i posted on here, i really need to make a build thread but i haven't , have loads of pics and projects i have finished and haven't. I still have my L7 square 8' inch subs waiting to be mounted on my costume fiber glass rear cases. On the other hand i did change the arms on the back and the from upper ones. Got TC on the front, waiting to get a full icon set for the vehicle and considering on getting a 2 inch body lift but haven't decided on that yet. Been searching for a scooped hood but haven't been able to get it since am not from the US. On the other hand been saving for a intercooler upgrade since my vehicle is a 3.0 turbo diesel ( stock ) lol yeah i have the KZ engine. Heres a pic of it some months ago. I need to fix one of the headlights since yesterday i hit a hole and the shroud popped out( if any1 knows an easy fix so this doesn't happen again please let me know . IMG_0328.jpg

So yeah the real reason i made this post is cause i have been looking around to buy a winch though i don't really know what i should be looking for , i know there are some guides around but i want to know whats your experience with the brand you like the most and what you would recommend.

Thanks
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0328.jpg
    IMG_0328.jpg
    86.6 KB · Views: 849
Register to hide this ad
I recently picked up the new Smittybilt X20 and its performed flawlessly. I'd never spend 1k on a winch when one that is half the price will do the job just as good if not better. You're paying for a brand not a product.
 
You are going to get mostly opinion based responses on this one. Search for some comparisons done by some off road magazines and more importantly, offroad enthusiast groups. Pirate4x4 did one I believe that was pretty good. IIRC they tested everything from Harbor Freight winches on up. I believe the Smittybuilt winches were found to be a good bang for the buck IIRC.

Anyway - spending top dollar may bring peace of mind. I am not sure that it always pans out that way. I have a very nice Warn 9.5ti that I picked up used for $400. I think it was a deal and is a great winch. But if I had my choice, I would want a good ole' used Warn 8274. If there is one winch that commands respect and praise from just about all who have had one, the 8274 is it. Unfortunately, it is big, unwieldy and doesnt fit any bumper made for the 4runner.
 
Fizban said:
So its been a while since i posted on here, i really need to make a build thread but i haven't , have loads of pics and projects i have finished and haven't. I still have my L7 square 8' inch subs waiting to be mounted on my costume fiber glass rear cases. On the other hand i did change the arms on the back and the from upper ones. Got TC on the front, waiting to get a full icon set for the vehicle and considering on getting a 2 inch body lift but haven't decided on that yet. Been searching for a scooped hood but haven't been able to get it since am not from the US. On the other hand been saving for a intercooler upgrade since my vehicle is a 3.0 turbo diesel ( stock ) lol yeah i have the KZ engine. Heres a pic of it some months ago. I need to fix one of the headlights since yesterday i hit a hole and the shroud popped out( if any1 knows an easy fix so this doesn't happen again please let me know .View attachment 180550

So yeah the real reason i made this post is cause i have been looking around to buy a winch though i don't really know what i should be looking for , i know there are some guides around but i want to know whats your experience with the brand you like the most and what you would recommend.

Thanks
Click to expand...
im partial to my rugged ridge winches. the 8500 can be found on amazon for around $250 with cable. about $450 with synthetic line.

the 10,500 is around $350 for cable, about $550 with line.


I have one of each with cable, they are great. though, I prefer the 8500, for its faster line speed.



they are rebranded Tmax winches.




8500

http://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-...s=rugged+ridge+8500+winch+with+synthetic+line

10,500


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0WDN5HWMGYYSYXCQB3NZ




JeepKiller said:
I recently picked up the new Smittybilt X20 and its performed flawlessly. I'd never spend 1k on a winch when one that is half the price will do the job just as good if not better. You're paying for a brand not a product.
Click to expand...
I am a big believer in this.

they do make good winches, there is no question. but the other companies make good winches also, and do NOT charge nearly a much.
 
rbgerrish said:
After all my research, when the time comes, I'll be buying this winch:

Amazon.com: Superwinch 1595201 Tiger Shark 12V Winch with Aluminum Hawse and Synthetic Rope - 9500 lb. Load Capacity: Automotive

Synthetic line is a must for me, and this one is well regarded in wheeling circles.
Click to expand...

Same one I posted on top. Yes they are beast. They are faster winding than any other winch I have wheeled with. Out does my buddys old warn. Faster than my other buds smitty and rated for more weight.

I went with steel line for more weight to soften my front suspension. Worked great.
 
JayRolla said:
Same one I posted on top. Yes they are beast. They are faster winding than any other winch I have wheeled with. Out does my buddys old warn. Faster than my other buds smitty and rated for more weight.

I went with steel line for more weight to soften my front suspension. Worked great.
Click to expand...
faster? I looked it up, its rated at 19fpm, no load. that's pretty slow. about the same as my 10.5, and why I don't like it as much. my 8500 is 29fpm. the faster line speed is nice for winding the line back in after you're done, and it helps you not outrun the winch as easily.

im, not saying its not a good winch, it looks to be a very nice one. though, it looks like it has a smallish drum, and only comes with 80 feet of line.
 
nevada said:
faster? I looked it up, its rated at 19fpm, no load. that's pretty slow. about the same as my 10.5, and why I don't like it as much. my 8500 is 29fpm. the faster line speed is nice for winding the line back in after you're done, and it helps you not outrun the winch as easily.

im, not saying its not a good winch, it looks to be a very nice one. though, it looks like it has a smallish drum, and only comes with 80 feet of line.
Click to expand...

On the trail it was out pulling everyone under load. Warn, badlands, smitty. Maybe since mine was new and theres where all few years old. I remember reading in reviews them saying it was a little slower than others. And dont know anyone with your winch.

Rugged makes a good winch also. You see them on "JEEPS" all the time. I didnt want the box mounted on top because I didnt want to cut into my grill (not sure if you have to on your winch). Another reason I like the Superwinch.
 
Last edited:
JayRolla said:
On the trail it was out pulling everyone under load. Warn, badlands, smitty. Maybe since mine was new and theres where all few years old. I remember reading in reviews them saying it was a little slower than others. And dont know anyone with your winch.

Rugged makes a good winch also. You see them on "JEEPS" all the time. I didnt want the box mounted on top because I didnt want to cut into my grill (not sure if you have to on your winch). Another reason I like the Superwinch.
Click to expand...

Yeah - not sure how any lay down winch could compare to the 8274 in line speed - 79 feet per minute. Not sure on loaded speeds, I think 8.7 at 8k is still respectable though.
 
JayRolla said:
On the trail it was out pulling everyone under load. Warn, badlands, smitty. Maybe since mine was new and theres where all few years old. I remember reading in reviews them saying it was a little slower than others. And dont know anyone with your winch.

Rugged makes a good winch also. You see them on "JEEPS" all the time. I didnt want the box mounted on top because I didnt want to cut into my grill (not sure if you have to on your winch). Another reason I like the Superwinch.
Click to expand...
and that's what matters.

they are interesting, but I want one that holds more line. mine came with 100ft of cable, im swapping it out for 125' of 5/16" Masterpull Superline.

just an FYI, the control box on mine can be mounted anywhere, including under the hood if necessary.


in regards to the speed, I have had a VERY slow winch before. an old milemarker, one of their very first. it was terribly slow. it never stopped pulling, but TOO SLOW. I have also used the stupidly fast 8274 many times. in my opinion, they are TOO fast. have to be very careful to not get your fingers/hands in the way, and they stall out easily under a heavy load, I think because they are geared so high. a 2 speed option would be nice. much like a tcase.

a high speed just for winding cable, then a low speed for actually pulling.

MM had one in the works, and I had it ordered, but they pulled the winch before I ever got it. I guess it was grenading itself, so back to the drawing board. not sure what ever happened with that...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 393 (members: 3, guests: 390)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,067
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top