[98 SNAKE EATER]

OK, I've been putting off buying a winch for some time now, but after getting stuck in my own front yard yesterday, the time has finally come for me to place an order








Now, I'm on a budget and the plan is to mount it behind the front OEM bumper for a stealth install, so a big hunky WARN 12K is out of the question

So far, I've narrowed it down to these two winches:



WARN M8K ($512.95)



21.04" L. x 6.3" D. x 7.6" H.

Pull Rating by Layer:

1/8,000
2/7,280
3/6,670
4/6,230




Mile Marker SE12000C ($558.95)



22.1" x 6.5" x 7.3"

Pull rating by Layer:

1/12,000
2/10,200
3/8,400
4/7,300
5/6500



Going by the numbers alone, the Mile Marker is a clear winner, but I'm just not sold on the quality (aren't MMs made in China?)


Another choice would be a SuperWinch EPi 9.0 ($565.91)



23.35" x 6.26" x 7.13"

Pull rating by Layer:

1/9000
2/8000
3/6000
4/4000
5/2000


Price sounds right (especially since it comes with a 20k snatch block) and it's made in the USA, however, I'm not sure if the high top would pose a problem for mounting behind the OEM bumper (is it removable?)

Also, the pull/turn lever might be a pita to reach through the rectangle access hole in the bumper (anyone know if the end cap can be re-clocked 90* to the front?)



Which would you choose and why?


I'm also open to other suggestions if you may have them






Rick

[FT Rubi]

Hydrolic MM's are USA made. Or you could go my route.

I like the hydro because they are a constant pull and will not overheat like a electric. I have a electric 12K T-max now and am not happy. Sure the eng. needs to be running for the Hydro to work but your not gonna pull very far with a electric with out the engine running anyway.

[titanpat57]

Nutin says "I'm a dick" like getting stuck in your own yard!!



It's happened to me twice!!!!! ...LOL

Sorry for the hijack, couldn't resist. How about a hitch mount job or would you want to leave it mounted all the time?

[IBCRUSN]

My vote is for the Superwinch. If I don't go with a dedicated hydraulic setup a Superwinch will be installed They have decent capacity for a great price relative to Warn or T-max. I'm a little leery of electric MM winches they do not seem well received on any board.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Originally Posted by FT Rubi

Hydrolic MM's are USA made. Or you could go my route.

I like the hydro because they are a constant pull and will not overheat like a electric. I have a electric 12K T-max now and am not happy. Sure the eng. needs to be running for the Hydro to work but your not gonna pull very far with a electric with out the engine running anyway.

LOL

Think she can pull the weight of a loaded 80?

I'd love to have the power of a hydraulic, but they do have their drawbacks as well


1) Price (I'm on a budget here)

2) Engine must be running (not good when you take a dive through a deep watercrossing and shut down on purpose to avoid a hydrolock)

3) No Power Steering (there are times when you need to steer around an object instead of the angle of pull)

4) And as Tired iron would say, they don't work upsidedown



Anyhoo, after spending on some on SW's site, I'm now leaning towards the EP9.0

EP9.0 9,000 lbs EP Series 4x4 - Superwinch

It basically has the same pull rating as the EPi9.0 that SF posted above, but instead of a large solenoid bridge, it has a removable noid pack with waterproof noids




It's slightly lighter (108 vs. 114lbs.) and also slightly cheaper ($553.86 vs. $565.91), however, it only comes with a 100ft. cable instead of a 125ft.

Still looks like quite a deal though

Gunna do some routine PM tomorrow, so while she's up on the lift, I'll take some measurements to see if it'll fit

[Scott_sFZJ80]

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

It's slightly lighter (108 vs. 114lbs.) ... it only comes with a 100ft. cable instead of a 125ft.

Maybe that's the six pounds of weight savings...


I would look at Ramsey as well.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Originally Posted by Scott_sFZJ80

Maybe that's the six pounds of weight savings...


I would look at Ramsey as well.

I didn't even think of that lol


Anyhoo, I did some measuring today and I've got 25" between the frame rails to play with, but the height is kinda limited to about 7.5" due to the tranny cooler

That being said, the SuperWinch EPi9.0 with the bridge won't fit, but the EP9.0 with the removable noid pack will

Also, it looks like the clutch end can be re-clocked 90*, so I'd be good to go for access through the front of the bumper





As for Ramsey, I checked their site and it seems all of their winches have a bridge

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Well, within your budget I'd vote for one of the Superwinch models (I have an old X9 on my FJ40.)

That said, for a big rig like a 80 Series a 10 or 12 K electric winch is really the way to go. Warn, or a Ramsey RE series, or the Superwinch Husky models will work well.

Regards,

Alan

[the truck doctor]

I'm a truck acc. installer. In my opinion you cant beat a warn, get a warn w/ exteral solinoids and you add some long leads between the solinoids & motor for endless mount options, parts are easy to find , free schematics online for the diy's. WARN's all we install.

[the truck doctor]

WARN also has a lower priced magnum series wincth w/ a lil slower line speed, but made by WARN http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/tabor_9k.shtml

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Well, I've decided against the Mile Marker

Even though it has a better listed pull rating for the money, the reviews I've read have been somewhat hit or miss (not a gamble I'm willing ot take)

The WARN M8K is the least expensive of the bunch by a small margin, but at the cost of 1000lbs. less pullin power than the SuperWinch

The EP9.0 looks to be the best bargain of the bunch with 1000 more lbs. of pull and it also comes with a 20k snatchblock


As for the Tabor line, I contacted Warn and requested a spec sheet for each of Tabors a while back and this is what I got for a reply:

Rick



The Tabor is designed to complete with entry level winches coming in from overseas, no performance specs are available



Tom Ewing

Customer Service

I don't mean to sound skeptical, but have a feeling the specs aren't listed for a reason

[ThaiCruiser]

From my personal experience, I say go with Warn and then keep a snatch block handy. A buddy of mine has a Superwinch on his truck but it was a Husky model. Either way, the SW 9K looks very decent to me too, as long as it is made in the USA!

If you are going to put it under your OEM bumper, I'm sure you neeed to do some mod to it. I can hardly see it fit in there w/o any work.

Good luck!

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Well, I just found the EP9.0 on WD for $539.99


EP9.0 Winch


Thing is, I don't see the snatch block in the listing

Every other site included it with this winch (although, they were all slightly more expensive)

[concretejungle]

should have just switched on the lockers and drove right out...hahahah...yea right. That's what everyone thinks in the 80's board.

My vote for your budget is the t-max 12,500 lb. You can buy a T-max, just re-badged by summit to your door for around $600.

[Shipwreck]

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

...The WARN M8K is the least expensive of the bunch by a small margin, but at the cost of 1000lbs. less pullin power than the SuperWinch

The EP9.0 looks to be the best bargain of the bunch with 1000 more lbs. of pull and it also comes with a 20k snatchblock

I would take a look at your line-pull ratings again. You are comparing pull strength by looking at the 1st layer of line. Although this is how winch strength is advertized, it is not the best way to compare strength and pull power.

I compare pull power based on the last wraps of the line. Most of the time I use a winch it is fairly short pulls. I rarely have 150 ft of line spooled out and in fact most manufacturers recomend having at least one layer of cable left on the spool. Having said that, if you compare the Superwinch to the Warn, you will see that the last wrap of the warn actually has a higher pull rating than the the last three wraps of the superwinch.
... Just an FYI since you are making your decision on pull strength.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Originally Posted by concretejungle

should have just switched on the lockers and drove right out...hahahah...yea right. That's what everyone thinks in the 80's board.

My vote for your budget is the t-max 12,500 lb. You can buy a T-max, just re-badged by summit to your door for around $600.

LOL

All the lockers did was make sure I got an even coat of mud on each tire

As for the Summit winch, it won't fit behind the OEM bumper with the solenoid bridge and I'm not completely sold on the fact that the Summit units are as good as the actual T-Max units

I'm sure they share many components (as many photos have shown), but I'd like to know where the shortcuts were made to bring manufacturing costs down

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

I would take a look at your line-pull ratings again. You are comparing pull strength by looking at the 1st layer of line. Although this is how winch strength is advertized, it is not the best way to compare strength and pull power.

I compare pull power based on the last wraps of the line. Most of the time I use a winch it is fairly short pulls. I rarely have 150 ft of line spooled out and in fact most manufacturers recomend having at least one layer of cable left on the spool. Having said that, if you compare the Superwinch to the Warn, you will see that the last wrap of the warn actually has a higher pull rating than the the last three wraps of the superwinch.
... Just an FYI since you are making your decision on pull strength.

Good point

[barrypt5]

On mine the Summit stickers were laid right over the top of the T-max stickers

barrypt5

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

LOL

All the lockers did was make sure I got an even coat of mud on each tire

As for the Summit winch, it won't fit behind the OEM bumper with the solenoid bridge and I'm not completely sold on the fact that the Summit units are as good as the actual T-Max units

I'm sure they share many components (as many photos have shown), but I'd like to know where the shortcuts were made to bring manufacturing costs down






Good point

[FJBen]

I only see 1 T-max winch listed on summit. It's the 10K integrated. I know they were there a month ago, but for some reason not listed. That or I can't find it

[Until2004]

I personally own two Warns, but a friend of mine is sold on his Chicago Electric winch he bought at Harbor Freight. Can't beat the price and he has had it several years now.

[FJBen]

Originally Posted by Until2004

I personally own two Warns, but a friend of mine is sold on his Chicago Electric winch he bought at Harbor Freight. Can't beat the price and he has had it several years now.

Funny...my friend has the Harbor Freight 9000lb and 50% of the time it works 100%. YEs, thats correct wording. I wouldn't trust it honestly.

[Trollhole]

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

Well, I've decided against the Mile Marker

Even though it has a better listed pull rating for the money, the reviews I've read have been somewhat hit or miss (not a gamble I'm willing ot take)

The WARN M8K is the least expensive of the bunch by a small margin, but at the cost of 1000lbs. less pullin power than the SuperWinch

The EP9.0 looks to be the best bargain of the bunch with 1000 more lbs. of pull and it also comes with a 20k snatchblock


As for the Tabor line, I contacted Warn and requested a spec sheet for each of Tabors a while back and this is what I got for a reply:





I don't mean to sound skeptical, but have a feeling the specs aren't listed for a reason

Let me make sure I'm correct.

You want a cheap, small, light, winch that is reliable for a big heavy 80 series?

Ain't gonna happen. Make sure you have a good snatch block. Your gonna be using it often.

Save your money and get something with some pulling power.

[Trollhole]

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

LOL

Think she can pull the weight of a loaded 80?

I'd love to have the power of a hydraulic, but they do have their drawbacks as well


1) Price (I'm on a budget here)

2) Engine must be running (not good when you take a dive through a deep watercrossing and shut down on purpose to avoid a hydrolock)

3) No Power Steering (there are times when you need to steer around an object instead of the angle of pull)

4) And as Tired iron would say, they don't work upsidedown

1. Save money
2. If you turn your 80 off in high water because your afraid it is going to hydrolock your gonna be in a world of hurt when the water reaches your ECU.
3. My understanding is you still have power steering when using the winch, at least some.
4. That tired old iron was probably not driving a mostly stock 80 with running boards. You roll that I would think the last thing you would be worried about is if the winch still works.

Stay realistic to what your main objective is for the real world.


Truck looks awesome.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Originally Posted by Trollhole

Let me make sure I'm correct.

You want a cheap, small, light, winch that is reliable for a big heavy 80 series?

Ain't gonna happen. Make sure you have a good snatch block. Your gonna be using it often.

Save your money and get something with some pulling power.

As much as I'd like to get a high dollar Warn 12k, it's just not in the budget at this time because it will require a lot more than just the winch (new bumper, heavier springs to handle the load, probably a 2nd battery, etc.)

I know many folks that have been happy with an 8k winch on their 80 and I honestly think it will do just fne for my needs (not everyone here plans to winch themselves up a tree)



Anyhoo, after reading Winches in Hell (Moabjeeper Mag) and seeing how well the Superwinch did against the Warn 9.5xp, I ended up placing an order for the EP9.0




Rick

[FJBen]

Warn 12K's are out there for cheap. You just have to watch ebay/craigs/etc.

You can pick up a used one for 4-$600 pretty regularly. I'd rather spend $600ish on a used Warn 12K than 500ish on some new other brands. JMHO.

[98 SNAKE EATER]

So it finally showed up on Friday







Picked up a channel mount from HF....



Unfortunately, my plans on mounting it upsidedown to raise the fairlead got shot down when I realized the top of the winch would be hanging down an inch without a protection plate

I didn't want the fairlead to stick out and hang low, so I hacked the channel and welded extension tabs on the rear so I could slide it back and bolt it in place using the factory tow hooks



Then I raised the fairlead an inch and drilled another pair of mounting holes...




After bolting up the mount and winch, I chopped the bumper and added some slit-loom around the edges...




As you can see, the fairlead sits flush with the front of the bumper and doesn't hang below it

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Here are some wiring pix:

Started off by disassembling the solenoid box and figuring out which wire did what...




Then I mounted the noid bracket in front of the battery...






Then I mocked up my own set of motor cables using 2Ga. welding cable and gold plated terminals...





Then I drilled a pair of holes for the control switch and a main cut-off keyswitch...

The SuperWinch plug has a 4-pin setup, but the switch itself only has 3-pin, so the black wire isn't used....

Since I had a 4 wire conduit line routed back to the solenoid, I used the extra black wire to make a secondary circuit, so when I add an interior switch, it will also work off the same main keyswitch....











I have two empty OEM switch slots, so I'll be adding a pair of 2-way rocker switches (just like the heater switch shown above the slots) to control the winches (one in front and one out back)

[latinoguy]

Nice work, like always. How much did the winch set you back? plus all the other accessories to get to your set up? I need to come back to this thread when the time for me to add a winch to my arb bumper comes...

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Originally Posted by latinoguy

Nice work, like always. How much did the winch set you back? plus all the other accessories to get to your set up? I need to come back to this thread when the time for me to add a winch to my arb bumper comes...

Thanx

Winch was $539.99 + 9.95 for shipping @ WD (comes with a 20k snatch block)

EP9.0 Winch


Got the Channel mount at Harbor Freight for $39.99

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


Got the cutoff keyswitch @ HF a while ago when they were on sale for $1.99, but they're $3.99 right now...

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


25ft. of 2Ga. tin-shielded welding wire came out to $27 bucks, but I still have about 7ft. left (Skycraft, local electronics surplus store)

The gold plated ring terminals were 25 cents a pop (Skycraft)

Red and Black glue lined heatshrink were $2.25 each for 4-foot lengths (Skycraft)

Rubber cap was 75 cents @ Ace

Assorted zinc coated bolts/washers/nuts/etc. ran a few bucks @ Ace

The male/female terminals and 10Ga. ring terminals were all leftovers in my toolbox



On a sidenote, I owe it all to Pair_of_Eees as he is the one that gave me the idea in this thread

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-te...ml#post2994377

[98 SNAKE EATER]

OK, I didn't think it would bother me at first, but after a couple days of use, I got sick of having to unscrew the bumper vent to gain access to the clutch lever...


So yesterday I pulled it, unscrewed the endcap, unbolted the gear assembly and rotated it 90* to the front







I figured while I had it out, I'd shoot the fairlead bracket with bedliner...







Put everything back together and now I'm able grab the lever (just barely) without having to remove the bumper vent...

Then I made a real silly winching boo boo

I wanted to test the speed of a dry pull from the first layer, so I hooked the cable up to a tree, set it to freespool, then started backing up slowly, waiting to see the painted end of the cable (Superwinch paints 10ft. of cable on both ends)

Unfortunately, I didn't realize much of that is taken up on the first layer, so by the time I actually saw some red from the driver's seat, the cable had already been yanked out of the drum

Since the end was frayed, I sliced off about an inch with a chop saw and rethreaded the drum...




Now, SW's idea to mark the cable was a good one, but I don't think painting was the right way to go about doing it

It's already flaking off making a mess and from what I've read, it will be gone after a bit of use....




So, I decided to make my own marker using some red heatshrink and set it out a good 20ft. so I'll know when to stop from the driver's seat....







Stays put and won't flake off





And even though I have like 4 extra red keys in the glovebox, I decided to tether one to the hand controller just to keep it handy....

[alia176]

Snake,

Very nice job. Have you thought about installing a light to illuminate the winch drum for night winching? Since you thought about everything else....