Winches and lockers... who has one?

kaspar139 · July 16, 2003

I am in the market for a new winch... I want to know what people have, and how they mounted it, and what weight capability you recommend.

I have seen on ebay the Warn HS9500i for $550 including all the goodies (roller fairlead, the cable, remote, etc.). That seems like a darn good deal.

Also, what kind of locker are you running? I was thinking of getting a detroit locker for my rearend... and, can you do anything for the IFS front end?

Thanks in advance.

Texas Z · July 16, 2003

I have read that your winch should have a capacity of 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle.

I don't have one on my truck but if I was to get one I would put a 2" receiver in the front and get the winch mount that fits the 2" receiver, that way you can use it in the front or rear.

I have the factory locker, but if I didn't detroit would be my first choice. You should have gotten one when you installed your 4.10s it would have been cheaper.

Front locker I believe is still in the making.

hb1 · July 16, 2003

On my '01 Silverado I installed a Warn 2" front receiver hitch setup. Couldn't really find a decent grill mount or replacement bumper at a reasonable price. Warn makes several, but they were priced around $1400 or so. As it is, I can use my winch either in front or rear.

The winch is a Warn 9000i (hope I remember the right model). 9000 lb winch with 125 ft of cable. Had the winch for 10 - 11 years and it still works just fine.

kaspar139 · July 17, 2003

Thanks guys. I am only considering the locker for better mud performance, but it really isn't necessary for my offroading. I don't go looking for mud.

The warn 9000i or the 9500i are the models I was looking at, and the front receiver hitch is a great idea.

Tree_Hugger · July 17, 2003

I have a HS9500i on my Jeep. One key advantage of this model is the high no-load recovery speed. If you are winching and driving, and your tires suddenly get a grip, this helps to avoid running over your winch line.

Be aware that the number of times you will want to winch backwards will be low and may be zero. a) You should not be wheeling alone, and your buddy can usually drag you out with a strap if need be; and b) you normally want to get through the obstacle, not back out of it...

And while the receiver mount is acceptable for a straight pull (and only acceptable, not great), it is very suspect for an offset sideways pull. It's not often that you can get a straight ahead attachment for your winch hook, and the receiver mount is not designed for high (9000 pounds) sideways stresses.

You would be better off with a purpose designed permanent mount on the front.

HTH.

kaspar139 · July 17, 2003

Good information. I prefer the grille guard mount, but they are so d@mn expensive. But, I will save and make it happen I suppose. Thanks for the advice.

DFowler · July 17, 2003

Here's the winch bumper I used : http://buckstop.biz/ .$1543.00 delivered . Very well made,but HEAVY (about 350 lbs).I used the Warn HS9500i winch.Later,Donnie

kaspar139 · July 17, 2003

Wow, that is an expensive setup! I also like the http://www.offroadtechinc.com bumpers, but they are up there too!

Still, looks tough and solid. I only have a 1500, that seems more suited for the beefy suspensions and frames of the 2500-3500 model trucks.

What do you think?

AZ-Z71 · July 17, 2003

Well I like the way that bumper looks. I have a 1500 as well but I wonder if it can be built a little lighter. Maybe a little thinner steel tubing. I was basically looking for the light bar but thought the Fabtech one looked a little too light and it only goes over the bumper, not a complete replacement. I would like to have a winch just for the sake of having a winch. I especially like the lights on it. $1500 plus seems to be a little steep. I wonder if I can find someone to fab it for less. Of course I'll draw out all the parts.

Materials can't be that much. Shop time probably is expensive.

frdfandc · July 17, 2003

I might be wrong but I think ARB makes an air locker for the front diffs.

supermag · July 18, 2003

There's a company out of Georgia called Kennesaw Mountain that makes a good looking winch bumper called the "Wincher".

www.kenmnt.com

I'm considering one for my '97 reg. cab. The weight is approx. 140 lbs. in full dress.

kaspar139 · July 18, 2003

Any idea how that Kennesaw Mountain Wincher costs? I sent them an email for some information... Looks tough to me.

supermag · July 18, 2003

I was quoted right around $500 + freight a few months ago. I haven't ordered yet, but am planning to before huntin' season. Can't stand another year of "truck stickin' olympics".............