Which one should I get first, locker or winch?

[ThaiCruiser]

My '97 80 is under the process of upgrading. I decided to go with OME 850/863 and BFG M/T 305/70 R16 with ARB front bumper. Since my budget is limited, which option should I go next? A locker (I'm thinking Aussie now) or a winch (JDM OEM or Warn 12K)? My truck is non-factory locked and will be used primarily as a recreational rig.

Thanks for the input.

Duke

 

[jditom]

I have a similar set up and started with the front bumper and winch. Then I did the 7-pin mod and CDL switch. This will get you by for most recreation stuff. I have been thinking about a rear locker for 2 years now but have used my winch a few times

 

[anderaa13]

If you go with other trucks, I'd say the locker. Its cheaper and really does make a big difference. I suppose it also depends on what type of wheeling you do.

 

[ThaiCruiser]

If you go with other trucks, I'd say the locker. Its cheaper and really does make a big difference. I suppose it also depends on what type of wheeling you do.

I do mostly camping/expedition with some trail rides, not rock crawling at this time (down the road, maybe ).

I would've bought a locked truck, had I found this site first.

 

[Salue]

I would go with the winch first since you said your budget is limited. If I were to add a locker, I would also regear at the same time since you're already in there but that'll probably be out of budget. You mentioned that you are going bigger tires so regearing will probably be something you want to do in the future, then add the locker.

Salue

 

[DirtyRice Joe]

Given the choice between those 2 items, I'd choose the rear locker first. A winch is a great tool to help you get un-stuck, and a cool toy to help pull out others who are stuck. But, driven sanely the locker should really keep you from getting seriously stuck in the first place. Also, many folks that have winches don't know enough about rigging techniques to really utilize them fully and safely.

That said, I didn't notice sliders in your sig line. I'd put sliders and skid plates before either the locker or the winch. Without proper protection I wouldn't want to be anywhere that I'd NEED a locker or winch.

Just my $.02

JR

 

[flintknapper]

Winch first.

Day in and day out....much more useful than locker(s).

I love lockers....but when you're stuck (lockers or not), you'll be glad you got the winch.

 

[cartercd]

Based on the type of wheeling you describe, I'm not sure you would use either. I would first invest your $ in making sure all your PMs are done - reliability is key. For trail rides and camping, you could probably get away with a hand winch or Hi-Lift if you got stuck. I'd go lurk in the camping, gear, recovery forum. If your wheeling involves some of that Florida swamp mud, then get a winch.

 

[hawkeye]

I vote for lockers first. But I dont have a winch, I have never needed one eaither. The fact that you only get to do the back may mean that you are better off with the winch. ??????????................... I guess I would still go locker first.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

The $1000 items in order of priority:
1. OME Suspension Kit (Medium or High)
2. Sliders
3. 285 tires (or 33" tires)

The above is probably good for hauling the family and gear on camping/expedition trips with some offroad action.

4. Front bumper
5. Winch

The offroad action might get you into trouble, so the winch can help you get unstuck. Just make sure you get stuck somewhere that's winchable (as opposed to getting stuck in mud/sand with no rocks/trees/trucks near you).

6. Rear lockers -- you should have gotten the free OEM ones -- but adding the rears comes first. These are easier to use and not worry about turning.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[ThaiCruiser]

Thanks folks! Keep the opinions coming.

 

[Cj80cruiser]

Get an Aussie for the rear and a hi-lift. Regearing is over rated especially down here in the South with mostly flat land. My 35's feel fine on stock gears.

 

[Thermodyn]

After the PM (most important) my vote is for the winch, if you are only going to get one. But I'm not a big fan of fixed position winches as they are often on the opposite end of the truck in which you need them (unless you go with a receiver mount).


As cartercd suggested, I say you go with a Black Rat hand winch AND the locker. For less than the price of the Warn 12K winch alone, you can get both. Even if you end up with a bumper mounted winch someday, the Black Rat still comes in handy if you need to pull from the side or rear.

Extreme Outback Products Recovery Winch

 

[Cj80cruiser]

As cartercd suggested, I say you go with a Black Rat hand winch AND the locker. For less than the price of the Warn 12K winch alone, you can get both. Even if you end up with a bumper mounted winch someday, the Black Rat still comes in handy if you need to pull from the side or rear.

Extreme Outback Products Recovery Winch

It would be better than the Hi-lift, I agree, and useful later like you say. I was giving a cheap option. Although I'd still get the Aussie for the rear.

 

[Thermodyn]

It would be better than the Hi-lift, I agree, and useful later like you say. I was giving a cheap option. Although I'd still get the Aussie for the rear.

I'm not so sure it would be better than the Hi-Lift overall. In fact, I think your suggestion is really an even better compromise in some respects. A Hi-Lift is indispensable, and if you are already carrying one anyways, it saves weight not having both. I would have acknowledged that in my original post, except you posted while I was composing mine, and then I got pulled away from the 'puter for a few minutes before I submitted. Granted the Hi-lift is not as efficient a winch as the Tirfor design, but you can't jack with a Tirfor/Black Rat either. The Hi-lift is the least costly, most versatile option.

 

[Cj80cruiser]

I'm not so sure it would be better than the Hi-Lift overall. In fact, I think your suggestion is really an even better compromise in some respects. A Hi-Lift is indispensable, and if you are already carrying one anyways, it saves weight not having both. I would have acknowledged that in my original post, except you posted while I was composing mine, and then I got pulled away from the 'puter for a few minutes before I submitted. Granted the Hi-lift is not as efficient a winch as the Tirfor design, but you can't jack with a Tirfor/Black Rat either. The Hi-lift is the least costly, most versatile option.

Yep, I'll have to agree again. The reason I recanted what I said in my first post was because of the thread title. I'm sure Thai gets it though.

 

[reffug]

based on the type of wheelin you are describing I too would say a winch.

when your really stuck lockers arn't a lot of help.

 

[JohnnyC]

a locker gets you quite far in the mud....but....the mud is always deaper than you think

GET a Winch

 

[jamisobe]

Get a locker and a hand winch/come-a-long. The locker will allow you to go more places without getting stuck. As long as you have a plan b in case you do get stuck (phone, buddy, or hand winch).

 

[slow91fj90]

Get the locker, you probly wont need a winch with recreational wheeling (I guess depends what recreational means to you) the locker should get you through alot.

Plus its a whole lot cheaper.