90_cherokee

You could always go with a front receiver ,winch and reciever plate. Lets break it down:

Front receiver $115 shipped Install time 1 hour(for me)

Winch Lets go with the current price from the vendor $289

Winch plate/receiver adapter Ive seen them as low as $69 all the way up to $200

So lets say this route it would cost you about $475 (Thats a front receiver for $115,a winch for $289 and a Winch plate receiver for $75 since theres a budget involved.)

This way you can install and remove the winch as needed and keep it out of the elements. The receiver can be used for backing trailers and stuff to.If you opt not to use the winch,you still have a place to get strapped(pulled) from if you get stuck.Take the pin out,install the strap,put the pin through the strap and,remember the hitch pin( bobby pin looking piece) your all set to get pulled.

Oh and if you have a rear receiver,the winch can be used there as well,as long as you wire things accordingly.


Going the standard route would only give you 2 items to contend with,the front winch Bumper and the winch.

Winch $289

Bumper ive seen em go from $350 to $600

Total $664,thats the winch for $289 and a bumper ball park of $375




Now im not saying either way is better,but just helping you consider some options

90_cherokee

Ive got a D35 with an Aussie Locker. Ive wheeled my XJ well enough,and havent had a single problem with it (the locker or the D35). I talked to a couple guys in the local 4wd club im a member of,and they all basically say the same thing. Yes the D35 is weak,but it can survive alot of abuse. Its all in how heavy your right foot it. It you try to muscle over an obstacle with your foot mashed on the throttle,things can break. If you get to a position where your losing traction and your rear is hopping,your gonna break. Finesse is the key.

What I normally do is keep my rig in 2wd on the trail. Youd be impressed to see where you can go in 2wd with a locker. If I encounter myself not able to climb an obstacle,I put it in 4 high,if that doesnt do it and im giving it throttle and still not moving,I go 4 low and the tranny in 1st gear. Im done trying to play and mess around and 4 low 1st gear combo normally pops me right over the obstacle with no speed involved. I stay in this configuration if I know its necessary to "crawl" over the obstacles ahead.

Nasher89XJ

Thanks. I like the idea of being able to use it on the front AND back! I appreciate this info

firemn317

yes definitely get a winch. i have one on my other rig (85 yota truck) and i wouldn't be typing here if i didn't have it. jeep gets one next as soon as i build a bumper.i use it not only to get unstuck but to pull logs,climb up or down and even had to use it to help a tow truck buddy get a overturned vette out of a ravine. when i find the pic i'l post it. when i take my jeep out to the woods ( my back door) i feel naked without the winch. only other extra thing i'd do is add an extra battery. i haven't figured out where on the jeep yet but i know there must be someone here who's done it. makes a difference in pulling power. being able to use it front or back could be a huge plus too. i'll try that next.

nickxj94

i got one last week, just cause i have been stuck so bad my buddys couldnt pull me out,plus none of them has one and its just to better be safe than sorry lol i love mine cant wait to get to use it,gotta get it mounted!

Jurnymn

This may be a stretch, but what if, just what if, one day you came on an accident and a car with a women and her kids were trapped and in danger of say going over an edge or creeping deeper into water, if the doors won't open. I wouldn't hesitate to hook up, then if I were able to hook my reciever onto someone else. A winch would saved the day.
But hey, I did say a stretch.

crbnfibr

this is kinda what i was thinking, i have seen some people them in the back
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dual-batteries-3959/