Winch Topic

[4x4Dalton]

I know we have not discussed this one much. What would be the lowest lb.wise winch you would be able to use on trails? And do you have to have a custom bumper for them or can a plate be made for stock bumpers?

[Mudderoy]

I know we have not discussed this one much. What would be the lowest lb.wise winch you would be able to use on trails? And do you have to have a custom bumper for them or can a plate be made for stock bumpers?

You have to tie it into the unibody, so however you would accomplish that. DETOURS has the backbone system which does that plus gives you recovery points. If I had a 2nd XJ that's what I'd put on my rig.

I've always read that the winch needs to be rated at twice the weight of the vehicle, so 8000 lbs, right?

[BlueXJ]

Muddy is correct. Twice the weight of the trail ready vehicle. So when you are loaded with whatever you plan to carry, go to the local truckstop and get the rig weighed.

My homemade bumper ties into the unibody as far back as the coil spring buckets. 7 bolts on one side and 8 on the other.

[XJ Rat]

To get you started/give you ideas, check out this build.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1019437

[4.3LXJ]

Yes, double the weight of the vehicle. Our XJs are about 4000# or a little less, so 8000# minimum, or preferably 9000#. The price difference is very little.

[gary63]

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/winches/images/warn_parts.jpg

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/winches/Winch-Tech.htm
here is a site that may help you pick a winch.