I do a bit of mudding usually just on the weekends..and I can't decide on either a bumper and a winch, or lockers first. Which one would be most effective first? I like the idea of a winch because if I get stuck I can just winch out, but open diffs are driving me nuts and I think that the locker would just pull me through anything I'd get stuck in with the open diffs.

I see this as a tough decision.

 

get the lockers first and dont go 4x4 alone that way you have help if you get stuck

 

I say the winch. the winch will get you out if you get stuck. the locker will just get you stuck further back. or you could get the locker and wheel with someone that has a winch.

 

^X2

 

I dont wheel alone but the other trucks dont have lockers OR a winch... Pullin a stuck truck with another truck that has open diffs is a PITA... I guess the lockers would just get you more stuck in the long run

 

Winch first by far. Once you've used one to save your butt, youll know you made the right choice. But also get a couple come-along's and some extra straps. That way you can go backwards. Which. most of the time you will want to do anyways. Ohh and throw in a ****** block or too.

Lockers are amazing, but a winch will save you and the guys you wheel with.

 

this is true but lets ask what winch dose XJersey intend to buy

cus if its nota good one then its awast of money

 

i had the same dilemma and i went with the winch and bumper i have yet to use it cause the ground here has been frozen solid since like november but id rather have a winch to get me and my buddies unstuck than a locker because the locker may get your further thru some mud and rocks but a winch can help you pull over and thru them if you do get stuck. ive heard great things about smittybilt winches and my superwinch lp8500 that i got ive used once when i got stuck in snow in bad weather and it help up for that pull but ive heard great things about superwinch too. one thing you wanna look at is what motor they have in the winches you wanna get one that has a series wound motor its built to last longer and stronger for the longer harder pulls

 

I'd probably pick up a smittybuilt winch and havent decided on the bumper yet...I like the backbone from detours...but it doesnt offer much side protection..who knows at this point lol

 

The Backbone.. looks good and simple. I had never seen one before. There are tons of threads out there arguing about winches. I would just go with what your budget can afford. Any winch is better than none.... as long as it works, obviously.

 

x3

Lockers can make a world of difference offroad, having an equal amount of power going to all 4 wheels makes such a huge difference over two that trade power with the off two, I'd say lockers first, I dont have a winch, but im getting gears and lockers with my new lift and tires, the winch can wait till later, i already have bumpers with proper recovery points, and my friends can always pull me out, i'd rather see how much **** i can push myself through than just go a little ways and be officer safety and winch back out, if your buried to the doors with mud and you have two other xj's pulling on you trying to get you out you've done something right! thats how i see it atleast! Go big or go home! Hammer down! and when in doubt, floor it!

And if you decide to go with a winch first instead, might i suggest Warn Winches, they are practically the number one make of winches for everything from ATV's to Tow Trucks!

 

i have a warn winch and wheel with open front and lsd in the back, have yet to need the winch but would rather have it as a safety to be there when and if i need it. I had a smittybilt winch never used it actually never had it mounted and then ran across a unpassable deal on the warn so I sold it, I have however heard many good things about the smittybilt winches. Just my .02

 

warn is definitely one of the best but the old saying still stands you get what you pay for they all work some work bettr then others though i would also suggest winch first its probably the best investment in 4x4 and unlike lockers you can get youself unstuck when you stop and eventually u will get stuck lockers or not

 

this is a hot topic in any 4x4 forum locker or winch. either is going to go a long way at making sure you don't get stranded but i think the winch is more economical the lockers are going to run you about 500 to 1000 per diff plus labor the winch and bumper can be had for less then about 800 to 1200. so it just depends what you want to spend on but i got the winch first i have made it every where my buddy's tj with a rear locker has but there is going to be that time we get stuck and need a winch to help get out so that is why i got the winch first and the lockers will be next

 

get both
dilemma solved