Now that's "In da' mud" big time. Gotta love theses ol XJ's.

 

8274 is likely today the only warn worth buying if winch actually gets used more than a couple times a year.
definitely not the rebadged warn chickhom line

 

Theres a lady in idaho that had one of these. These are not only just gold plated but they be badass.

Theres 5 of these in existence.

 

The Warn M8000 was still made in the States the last time I checked. Here’s a couple pictures of my MX8000 which was the previous model. I bought this thing used in 1993 for $200. Its been on a 1980 full size wide track model Cherokee, a 2001 Anniversary model Wrangler, and my current 99 Xj. It’s only had maintenance for 27 years. I can’t remember how many times it’s saved my ****. It is truly a part of the family. I think Warn went to the M8000 in 2004.

 

I'm including this one only because of it's XJ connection ... and some comic relief. It's a Warn 2,000 that I put on my off road trailer. The box it came in shows it pulling an XJ up on to a car carrier. That's a bit optimistic but it works well for ATV's, garden tractors, etc.

I have Warn VR series winches for my XJ (8,000) and LJ (10,000) and although not the greatest they're OK. I also picked up a used Superwinch 10,000 with a Warn winch plate for a TJ. It works great and for $200 it was well worth it. The guy I bought it from put a pile of parts on his TJ before he realized how badly rusted out it was. You can pickup some good deals when Jeeps get parted out.

 

Yes I agree the m8 looks old school.

old warn winches may be a good buy over new ones.
there are motor upgrades for the 8274 to push it to 10000 capability.

Lots of refurbish stuff for old warn popular winches..

Not saying new warn stuff won't work and possibly provide long service life. it just may be a gamble same as buying harbor freight and 300 dollar winches..
Warranty means nothing when stuck and your winch of any brand doesn't work