Winch Cable Unraveling!! (1 Viewer)

[TWilson]

Hey All,
Stock PTO winch on '78 FJ40. Winch drum has a good working brake to hold the drum. PROBLEM: cable (wire rope) unravels on the drum when there is no tension on the cable. I know it's an argument for synthetic but that is not in my budget right now. It is fairly new cable but I have had the same problem with "well used" wire rope. Maybe it needs more stretching? I know I am not alone in this.

The rope is igland 7 X 19 IWRC, recommended for 4x4 applications.

Thoughts?

 

[e9999]

I had assumed most cables did that if in good shape. Mine sure does, but it's practically new still.
Anyway, I just put some tension on it.

 

[80t0ylc]

It's the nature of the beast. It has memory and wants to be straight. If was in the condition you desire, to stay wrapped with out tension, it would look like an old land line phone cord when off the spool. Wire rope, like synthetic, has it's plusses and minuses.

 

[TWilson]

I think I am going to try and fabricate a fairlead. The top and bottom rollers being spring loaded such that the spring tension would keep the rollers "together" against the rope. Not so much that it does any damage to the rope but will be able to "open" up when the winch has full tension on the line? Maybe something is out there like that already. Lot's of ideas in my "bouncy house" but that sounds interesting.

So yeah it is the nature of the beast but...the beast must be tamed!

Thoughts??

 

[Radd Cruisers]

There is supposed to be a pad that brakes the drum when the clutch is disengaged. Make sure that the spring the applies the pressure to the pad (and then the drum) is functioning properly.

~John

 

[TWilson]

Well with a little digging I found..what else...winch cable tensioners. Goole it if you are curious. Same idea I was thinking of...spring loaded top roller. There are also flat plates that apply tension to the spool. That was the other thought I had but a little different. Out to the shop I go. Thanks for the input!