Winch, Longs, or Hi-Steer

[Ducks]

I've been seriously considering a 1" body lift and I might change the shackles to greaseable ones. Should probably decide soon before the sliders are made. I hope to have all mine installed somewhat soon so I can work all the kinks out on it. Looking forward to seeing you in Alaska as well.

 

[KMR]

Actually, the GM stuff is considerably more heavy duty, easier to source and cheaper.
The big thing or me though, is that they didn't even care about trying to seal the ends. The Gm ends use nothing more than a loose rubber boot slipped over the casting as a weatherseal. This is not an issue unless you live or drive in the salt belt.
On the 80 ends, Toyota took the time to machine a clean lip on the casting, slipped a nice tight fitting boot over the lip and sealed it up with a snap ring. That alone has them win out in my book. I have also been told by folks who have dismantled new GM and Toyota ends that the build quality of the 80 ends blows the GM stuff out of the water.
4x4Labs and Marlin both sell aftermarket 80 ends that appear to be very good quality, I wanted to see if I could get the OE ends to work this first time around, but I plan to test the ends they sell once these need replacing.
cheers,
Kevin R.

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]

Well, the last time I checked the poll here the winch was winning. So I went out and bought a Warn 8274 winch on eBay today. I can't wait for it to get here so I can go out and get stuck!

The question is now hi-steer or gearing. Looks like most people here voted for hi-steer over the winch & longfields. Gearing for me will either be 4.11 diff, 4.56 diffs, or an h41. I can't afford an h55. Why don't they make 4.33 diffs any more? Oh, and the real reason I got a winch is because most of the free time I have off to go I will probably be going by myself.

:beer: Chad

 

[LC/LR4Life]

Winch