Winch, Longs, or Hi-Steer

[Brian894x4]

I was going to say winch....but then I didn't realize that you're steering might be off without the high-steer.

I had a mini-truck with a solid axle conversion and with the high steer it worked great, but I'm not familier with the 60 steering set up and if it really desperately needs it or not. If you're looking just for clearance, I'd probably put it off. If its' going to improve highway handling, I would definately put it at the top of the list.

As far as winches, 8000lbs is the minimum, but it can be double lined if needed. I have an 8000lb Warn and I'm sure my LC is far heavier than yours. Most rope can't withstand more than 16,000lbs anyway.

Since it does sound like you go places that have the potential to get stuck, I'd put the winch as a close 2nd.

 

[burl40]

The labs high steer all the way then the winch then the longs!!!!!!!depending on how hard your wheelin you may need the winch before you break an axle the LABS HIGH STEER KICKS A@$!!!!

 

[KMR]

Hey Chad, you know a bunch of us are on Mud as well. Slightly disconcerting to see the same thread title again, I did a double take! :sombrero:

Anyway, fix the steering, make things right before you make things better. (but remember to make things better while you are making them right)

4X4Labs is prototyping the double forward low-hysteer setup for my 60 so that I can run the FJ80 ends and I will be testing it very soon, keep that in mind if you are a Toyota bigot, otherwise you will need to run the GM ends.

Once you get the safety stuff, go for a winch, it has come in very handy traveling alone, drive smart and upgrade to the longs if you ever find you need to. There is a great thread in the FAQ section on Mud where I got a bunch of great advice on winch selection for the 60, the 9.5 has been excellent.
cheers,
Kevin R.

 

[MoGas]

Steering
Winch
Longs

In that order.

I would also suggest that you do not put a full time locker in the front. ARB or limited slip. A fully locked truck can get you into situations that are best to get out of with open diffs believe it or not.

 

[OneTime]

Got to love having Tue, Wed, Thur off and working weekends while all the other guys are off having fun... I know what its like to go solo.

 

[Ducks]

Hey Chad, you know a bunch of us are on Mud as well. Slightly disconcerting to see the same thread title again, I did a double take! :sombrero:

Yeah, I know there is some overlap but each has a somewhat different focus. I also posted the thread on TTORA. Each forum has had very valid points. Trying to keep who said what where is a little confusing...

 

[Ducks]

Well, I've changed my mind about the warn m8000. Instead of getting a new m8000 I'll probably try and get a used Warn M8274. Still haven't decided between the winch and the hi-steer. Instead of getting longs, I guess I should just learn how to change a birfield and have a trail spare ready. Excellent opportunity to learn my about my cruiser.

 

[Ducks]

Unless someone would like to convince me otherwise, I think this is my list:

1. Warn 8274 winch
2. 4x4 labs hi-steer
3. gearing - h41 tranny or 4.56 diffs
4. Longfields superaxles.
5. Snorkel
6. Front Locker

7. 1hz swap with WVO conversion
8. 4.7 toybox
9..... the list never ends.

:beer: Thanks for all the insight. Let me know if you have any other thoughts or think I'm a fool or some thing entertaining.

 

[efuentes]

I would do it this way:

1. Gearing - 4.56 diffs
2. 4x4 labs hi-steer
3. Longfields superaxles
4. Front Locker (Selectable)
5. Warn 8274 winch
6. 4.7 toybox (yeah, baby, control its where its at, maybe even before the Longfields and the Warn)
7. Snorkel (If you wanna look like a explorer)
8. 1hz swap with WVO conversion (Mmmmm...)

9..... the list never ends, so sad but true.

 

[spressomon]

I agree with efuentes based upon my experience the past 3-years (and having to make this choice too some time ago): Move the selectable front locker up on your original list. I use it WAY more frequently than the winch. They're all nice features/accessories but like you most including me have to prioritize based on budget.

Now having said that, where you travel and the types of terrain you encounter frequently off-road will also influence the order of your accessory purchases/installations.

 

[Westy]

4x4 Labs steering -

Without a front locker, your front axle/birfields will be OK - as long you keep the abuse within reason of course. I ran 35s for many years on a heavy Mini truck with no front locker and never had any issues.

No front locker - you wont get into too much trouble to need a winch, and if you are traveling with other vehicles should you encounter difficulty you will have assistance. A hi-lift jack works well as a winch in some circumstances too.

 

[the dude]

I voted longs but you need to get the steering squared away. I am not sure that 4x4labs is the best to do that on a highly lifted SUA truck. In my experience, you will destroy the birfields in a heavy laden 60 on 35s... My 40 did better on the 33s with only one broken birf, but the 60 ate them up on 255/85R16. I don't think that a "heavy" mini truck even comes close to the weight in a 60.

I would do it like this. the first three kinda need to be done all together... You need to change the steering when you do the lift, you need to re-gear and think about axles for the size of tires. And I have a feeling the body lift is going to be needed to clear that tire..

1. Fix the steering. 4x4 labs or other.
2. Look at a 2" body lift to clear those 35s. I know you are going 5" springs but that will not last. Especially on an overland trip, those rear springs are gong to be bagged out..
3. Longfields superaxles at the same time as a re-gear to 4.56. I hate doing front end work. It's messy, it's time consuming, it sucks. I would not "plan" on replacing any part on the trail. Do it once, and do it right. Look into the Marlin inner seals, they are great.
4. Front Locker (Selectable) ARB I was not a fan of the lunch box locker in my 40. a front locker is nice, but not always need.
5. Warn 8274 winch
6. 4.7 toybox with and H55F 5 speed. Sell the H41 if you already have it.
7. Snorkel (If you wanna look like a explorer)
8. 1hz swap with WVO conversion (Mmmmm...)

 

[Ducks]

4X4Labs is prototyping the double forward low-hysteer setup for my 60 so that I can run the FJ80 ends and I will be testing it very soon, keep that in mind if you are a Toyota bigot, otherwise you will need to run the GM ends.

Hey Kevin,

Do you think there would be a big difference using the fj80 ends versus the GM stuff? Is one more robust or better build quality?

Chad

 

[Ducks]

2. Look at a 2" body lift to clear those 35s. I know you are going 5" springs but that will not last. Especially on an overland trip, those rear springs are gong to be bagged out..

I've definitely thought about a body lift. But the springs I'm getting are used and actually provide a higher lift than 5". It is actually 4" spring lift loaded with 1" shackles. Hopefully won't need a body lift.

 

[the dude]

Well, don't rule it out. I was a hater of the body lift until I installed a 2" lift on my 61. I love it and I think it looks great.

I have side and end pictures if you want to see it. I also installed poly body mounts at the same time.

I can't wait to see your truck in Alaska. My rig is mostly together and I am worried about having it tested and finished!!

Keep us posted on your progress.