Winch with stock bumper?
- Thread starter Duluth4Runner
- Start date
jdlarsen
Member
A lot of the guys on here (myself included) are running the Smittybuilt XRC8 (8000 lb). I bought it because it was the cheapest name-brand winch I could buy and also because it actually gets really good reviews. I've put it to the test and can vouch for the reviews...it is a really good winch. As I stated earlier though, it is not waterproof. That said, I have never had an issue when I've gotten it wet (splashed...not submerged). I believe they are still going for $299 almost everywhere they are sold (free cover included...at least at 4WheelParts). If you want waterproof, you can go with the Smittybuilt X2O-8 for about $100 more ($399).
As far as wheeling alone? Just my .02, but I would never wheel hard by myself. That doesn't mean I don't do some minor stuff and go camping without a buddy, it just means that if I'm somewhere I'm going to need a winch, I have a friend along with another rig. A winch won't tow you home if you throw a rod, lose a tranny, spring a gas leak, etc etc.
jmildoc
New member
So i plan on picking up a winch this week and seeing what I can do to fab up a mount behind my factory bumper, I may even buy a 99-02 bumper if it will give more space and if I can find one for cheap. I think this would give a clean look and also buy me some time, cure an itch, atleast until i get sliders (kids need a step bad) and maybe early next year get a plate bumper once i beef up my front suspension.
