Finally got a winch!!

[RichardT]

I've been meaning to get one for some time, but have been putting it off. This past weekend when I went to San Gabriel Canyon near Azusa, and my buddy got stuck in the mud in his new Rubicon Jeep and had to be winched out, it gave me the impetus I needed to go pick one up. It also helps that I had a 25% off coupon to use as well that was only valid New Years day .

It's a Harbor freight special, and I know they have a rep for not selling the best quality stuff, but I had been researching this winch for quite sometime, and had read nothing but good reviews on it, a few raving reviews, and none bad, so hopefully I'll have a good experience with it.:smiley_drive:

Still, $320 for a 12,000 LB monster ain't half bad



http://www.harborfreight.com/12000-...-with-automatic-load-holding-brake-68142.html

Now, I need to save up another $300 to get a new bumper so I can mount this puppy, though I'm about half way there already, I'll still have to wait until March for spring break, as the fab guy needs to keep my truck for about 3 days to fab and mount the bumper....can't wait :wings:

here is a link to the guy's craigslist ad showing his work

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pts/2724254298.html

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

You should look at Detours USA if you have an XJ. The XJ Backbone winch mount is an awesome setup, and is bolt in, only takes a few hours (if you dont break anything).

http://detoursusa.com/xjbackbone.php





Sits a little high, but I like the stock look with the stock bumper and Mark at Detours is a super nice dude. One man operation too! I run his Tailbone rear tire carrier, fab work is superb, welds are excellent and the finishing was excellent. The primer he uses looked like finished paint it was so smooth.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

That CL bumper does look pretty slick however...

 

[RichardT]

You should look at Detours USA if you have an XJ. The XJ Backbone winch mount is an awesome setup, and is bolt in, only takes a few hours (if you dont break anything).

http://detoursusa.com/xjbackbone.php

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Sits a little high, but I like the stock look with the stock bumper and Mark at Detours is a super nice dude. One man operation too! I run his Tailbone rear tire carrier, fab work is superb, welds are excellent and the finishing was excellent. The primer he uses looked like finished paint it was so smooth.

I actually have a Montero, but the guy will build a similar bumper for me, I just used the photos as a reference for anyone who wanted to know what sort of bumper I was looking for, the one in the photo is one of the styles he builds, but thanks for the advice and photos anyways

You're in Victoria? My dad just flew out there last night, he's been working out there for a few months now, as construction is a little slow down here in California. (We're originally from Vancouver)

 

[off-roader]

I actually have a Montero, but the guy will build a similar bumper for me, I just used the photos as a reference for anyone who wanted to know what sort of bumper I was looking for, the one in the photo is one of the styles he builds, but thanks for the advice and photos anyways

You're in Victoria? My dad just flew out there last night, he's been working out there for a few months now, as construction is a little slow down here in California. (We're originally from Vancouver)

Unless you just want a new bumper you can also just mount the winch between the frame rails and have the guy cut out the OEM bumper and mount a winch fairlead where the line pays out. Use at least 5/16-3/8" steel plate mounted between the rails and mount the winch to that.

 

[RichardT]

Unless you just want a new bumper you can also just mount the winch between the frame rails and have the guy cut out the OEM bumper and mount a winch fairlead where the line pays out. Use at least 5/16-3/8" steel plate mounted between the rails and mount the winch to that.

I thought about doing something like that to retain a more stock look, but I like the additional protection the new bumper would provide (especially for the winch), including the skid plate, as well as better mounting options for a couple of light's etc.

 

[off-roader]

I'd still mount the winch in between the frame rails. It will be better protected from damage plus the thick plate you mount it on will be protection enough for it. Then add whatever bumper you want in front for the added protection for the rest of the front end.

 

[RichardT]

I'd still mount the winch in between the frame rails. It will be better protected from damage plus the thick plate you mount it on will be protection enough for it. Then add whatever bumper you want in front for the added protection for the rest of the front end.

The only other thing that keeps me from mounting it low in between the frame rails although with a skid plate it will be protected, if I have any water crossings, I'm worried about submerging the winch and screwing it up, when I talk to the fab guy, I'm going to see if he can mount it in behind the bumper, and not on top, as that also isn't ideal as it would block the radiator somewhat. Before I had thought about changing the bumper, my original idea was to mount it between the rails, but during my last trek, I had the water crossing where the water came up to the bumper, and that changed my thinking a bit.

 

[scrubber3]

For the most part, winches are designed with water resistance in mind. Consider the fact that they get rained on, you go through puddles, etc. I think that it would be fine to ford through water with it below the radiator. I wouldn't keep it under water for longer than needed though.

 

[RichardT]

For the most part, winches are designed with water resistance in mind. Consider the fact that they get rained on, you go through puddles, etc. I think that it would be fine to ford through water with it below the radiator. I wouldn't keep it under water for longer than needed though.

I know what you're saying, and I hope you're right, I'm still a little paranoid about submerging it under water, I need to find a happy medium I guess. I figure if it can be mounted as low as possible, but still high enough to keep it as protected as possible. I'm still waiting to hear back from the guy who makes these bumpers, but I'm also going to contact another local fab guy and see what he charges. Hopefully I can get a decent product at a reasonable price.

Best case scenario is that I get it mounted in behind the bumper, that way its just about in between the frame rails, but about as protected as it can be. I don't want to be having to buy another winch anytime soon.