Alright guys I think the time has come to acquire a winch. I'm not wanting to spend more than $400 if possible, and want something strong yet somewhat light. I plan to mount it to a receiver mount so I can use it on both ends of the Heep. I've been looking at smittybilt, rugged ridge, super winch, etc. Any advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

I'm running a Smittybuilt winch. The price was right and it has pulled me out of some bad spots. it is slow & a bit loud but good. I'm planning on buying a WARN after X-mas if I can find a good deal & use the Smittybuilt as a receiver hitch winch for the rear.......


I would recommend it to someone that is looking for a good budget winch.... I think I paid $299 for it, if I can remember correctly.

 

i got me a nice superwinch for right around $400, works great.its the 9500 not too heavy, i use it in a reciever mount also. if im not going offroad it stays in the garage.

 

Haha! The Smitty and Super were my two top choices.

 

8274

 

Bwahahahahaha! That ain't gonna happen. That's only Bout $1,400 more than I want to spend. I'm willing to spend a little more than $400 if it will dictate a significant difference in longevity and quality.But 1k plus is out of the question. This is my DD/weekend warrior. I'm looking into lockers and figured I should get some sort of self recovery before I start getting too crazy.

 

Picked up my 20yo warn m8000 on Craigslist a year ago, $50. Completely took apart, new grease, works flawless. Add synthetic rope, and a new contactor pack(optional), I have about $400 in it. Just bought a newer m8000ce (6 years old) for my bro, did the same, stripped it and new grease, runs awesome.

I say stick to the brands that have been around a while, having taken apart 2 Warns, there's nothing on them that can't be replaced, I have no experience with the other brands though so I can't comment on those.

You can pick a Warn up around the holiday time for $400 or so for sure.

 

I have used about all brands over the last 50 yrs or so and this time after researching it for a while I bough the Superwinch Talon 9.5. I have used it quite a bit over the 3 yrs it has been on and the only mistake I made in buying it was the syn. rope on it when new, wore out very fast and was replaced after less than 6 uses with wire rope and new fair head, lesson learned.


It has been used when partly submerged in water and had completely many times without a hitch. At the time it had one of the best warranties of them all better than Warn by a year. The fact that there are many repair stations around was a major factor also if that ever came up. I have pulled trucks out over the rating of this winch and the XJ chained to a tree (not smart).


In the end it boils down to what you read and think for yourself about something this is just my experience with this unit.

 

How is airflow to the rad at slow speed with that setup? I was going to rebuild a 8274, but didn't want anything blocking the front that much.

Terrain plays a important part in choosing rope over wire. If you're worried about abrasion I would choose wire for sure, or make sure to get guards for the rope. I've had 4 HARD pulls with my cheap $130 Olympus Offroad rope with no signs of wear yet, I gifted that rope and bought another for myself.

To the op, I say just find the best deal this weekend for the rating you want. My friend likes his 9k HF Badlands for $250, I think the differences between brands are going to be less than you think, really comes down to warranties, accessibility to parts, etc.

One thing I recommend to everyone, even those buying HF, is take it apart and put new Aeroshell grease in. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it makes even in a Badlands winch.

 

Engo
Superwinch
or Smittybuilt

In that order

This is 4 years old, and I think the results are a little skewed, but Engo did very well for the money.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/12...inch-shootout/

I did a website for a 4 wheel drive parts company and got a winch through them.... when I asked which one he though was best in the "Cheap Winches" he said they are all made in China and about the same, so get the one with the best warranty. I got a Rough Country then.... because it came with Synthetic and a Remote.

I have a Warn 8000xi now that came with a Jeep I bought to fix and sell.

 

I have zero heating issues with it mounted there even at low speeds on the trails always normal temps.


Mine was not a Cheap winch at the time and came with the syn rope a real mistake on my part last only a short time till replaced.

 

Been using this guy haven't had any issues yet and you cant beat the price.

http://garden-state-airsoft.myshopif...oof-winch-gen2

 

I have about $200 in my 8274. New cable, new solenoids,new oil, a little wiring, a good cleaning, and some paint. Its as good as new. I have no air flow problems either. Didn't notice a change on the temp gauge at all.

 

There's a guy taking offers on one now on CL out in my area. I debated picking it to rebuild.

 

Some rebuild items can be very expensive if required for repair would be the only issue with that sort of thing, so buy with that in mind.