FleXJ01

I Have helped others with a winch as mounting point, but never actually needed one myself. Getting a new bumper and deciding if I want a winch or not. Those that have do you really use that often? I live in Central Florida btw...

builtnotbought89'

To me there's no question here. I would run a winch on any jeep I wheel! But really its up to you, & what your using your jeep for. Out here we wheel pretty hard core stuff, & at least one of the rigs in our group, takes a winch on every outting! So ya for us its a no brainer

nickxj94

I've got one on my xj I only used it once winching a buddy, and a few times at work winching trucks on the racks that have bad trannys and the forklift wont push them anymore, I've had it a year and maybe used it 5 times. But I wouldn't go Wheeling without it anymore it's a life saver in a pinch.

FleXJ01

See that's my problem, Our main terrain is mud. So I would not go solo as there is usually not a tree close enough to winch yourself out. We usually get each other out with a ****** rope. And someone in my club or group usually has a winch if the situation does come in need. Just hard to decide, I want one, but the bumper is an extra $200, then a $300-400 winch then I would need new coils or bigger spacers for all that weight so there is at least another $100-150. I am just about to finish locking the front and rear, so I know new obstacles will become available to drive over....

squirrelcrusher

A winch is one of those things it is better to have and not need. Instead of need and not have. Get a winch bumper. The extras you brought up in the last post don't need to be purchased all at once if that is an issue. I just put a winch bumper on my Cherokee, but won't be getting a winch for awhile.

builtnotbought89'

If you "WANT" something, get it.

Northwoods Snowman

You'll need the suspension boost with the heavy bumper. Adding 100 lbs or so with the winch itself will be fairly minor. Unless you're putting a really light weight bumper on that's going to be the bulk of the weight. And if you're putting a tube bumper on or something that is light, even with a winch you may not need to worry about getting the front ride height back up.

I want a winch but can't afford one right now. I'm setting my rig up with front and rear hitches though. I have the hitches and winch cradle but still need the winch and cables. In the mean time I'm using an 8 ton come-a-long as my winch (which I haven't even used yet, lol). I would agree with squirrelcrusher; it's better to have the ability to pull yourself out and not need it than need it and not have it. Kind of like carrying a pistol, you pray to God you never have to use it, but if you need it it's just about the only tool that will do the job.

nickxj94

My winch is around 50lbs and my homemade bumper is around 70lbs my xj don't sag maybe a inch.and I have 3 inch RC coils and shocks is it

nickxj94

X2 last year I needed a winch about everytime we went out lol! But now I have one and a few other mods I have yet to use it on my self.