Warn Winch

I'm looking to buy an Warn Electric Winch. There are so many to choose from.......can anyone tell me witch one would be good for my CJ, and should it run on its own battery ?
thanks,
Dave

 

UPGRADED Hi output alternator.

Use HD wiring.

 

You'll probably want want capable of between 6000 and 8000 lbs. Too much more would be overkill. Warn makes several models in this range costing between ~$600 and $1200. Additionally, Warn seems to manufactur the Magnum range of lower cost winches ~$500 in the 8000lb range. The Magnum 8000 is probably what I'd buy if I were buying today.

HTH.

 

ok I know this is going to sound a little dumb, but what is "self recovery" when referring to the winch? There's a big price difference between the 8000 lbs winches compared to the 9.5. I don't mind spending an extra buck (or should I say extra few hundred bucks) to get something that wouldn't never let me down. Im looking at the 9.5ti Thermometric Self-Recovery Winch, but then again maybe I'm overkilling like you say. For example: If there were Ford Excursion stuck in the mud, I would like to be able to pull him out without any problems of overloading a smaller winch. (I do relize that I would have to anchor my jeep to something solid so I wouldn't be pulling myself to him/her.
Thanks for the feedback,
Dave

 

Save your bucks for something that will keep you from getting stuck. The 9.5ti would be overkill, unless you're getting in Extreme Competition. I sense this would not be your case.

Vanguard is right on target with his recommendations. Do some more research as the winch can be no better than the electrical system powering it. A winch can draw down a battery if used under heavy load over time. A second battery could help or (if your motor is running) you could wait and let it charge up some. The higher output alternator could help here. But then you may only spent a moment righting your buddies jeep.

It is really a balance of your needs vs. your budget. Keep in mind I said "needs" as opposed to "wants". The difference tends to be proportional to the thickness of your wallet.

And about that stuck Excursion. Be careful not to just jump in with your new winch. Size up the situation. Are you willing to risk serious damage to your rig or get stuck worst than him?

Oh, self-recovery refers to your use of your winch to recover your jeep.

 

advise taken........ thanks for the feedback. How many amps should my alt be ?
thanks again,
Dave

 

In looking at your signature line I see you have a Premier Arc Welder. This would mean you have a VERY high output alternator. The Premier kits come with alternators from 155 amps up to 200 amps. A lot more than the 35 amps or so from the stock alt.

So now your down to an extra battery or not. Your high output alternator should keep up with most winching duties. At least batteries are relativley inexpensive and easy to add later on.

 

check out the ramsey online store: www.ramseystore.com got mine there (8k was about $525). i recommend upgrading to a roller fairlead. you will also need a mount (make own or spend about $100), and recovery mounts. as far as removing an expedition, a snatch block is a must, it will cut line speed in half BUT DOUBLES winching power.

 

A good rule of thunb for winch capacity is 1 1/2 times your vehicles weight loaded with what you normally haul. To be truthfully honest an 8000lb winch is usually overkill for a jeep but you are limited in choices, a 6000lb winch will take care of you so long as you buy a good quality one, considering most jeeps way roughly 3000-3500lbs loaded, that would mean you need a 5200lb capacity, so a 6000lb unit still has quite a bit to spare. (My .02) This winch or a comparable Warn is what I would use.

 

I currently run a Ramsey rep 8000 and have had good results with it, snatch block, straps and a few clevises, and you would be good to go..... My .02

 

I have the warn 5000# winch on my 60 cj and it will hang it in a tree. Best electric winch I've ever had and I've had alot of different winches.

If I was to ever put a different winch on it, it would be a milemarker hydraulic. I don't have power steering but I would just add a power steering pump.

JB

 

thanks for all the feedback. I think I'll be going with the Warn M8000 for about 600 bucks........yeahoo !!! I was willing to spend 1000 on the 9.5ti but after reading the feedback I relize that it would be overkill. Should I have the winch welded or just bolted to the frame. I don't know if there is a high theft problem with winches.
Dave

 

The Warn M 8000 is a great winch for a CJ. Spend the money on a good mounting plate or if you have the capability build one. They make an anti theft kit that is similar to wheel locks to help lock the winch in place. IIRC it replaces the nuts or the bolts that hold the winch to the mounting plate. A roller fairlead is a very good upgrade to help protect the cable and allow the winch to work smoother. I have that same winch that is going underneath the back of my CJ-6. The only electric winch I will run for my wheeler's are the Warn units as I have watched every other brand fail when the Warn's have kept going. Not saying can't burn one up, but they are well built units. I would also spring for a cover to help keep the weather off the cable and out of the solenoids when not in use. Not a necessity, but does help protect your investment. Also get a recovery kit (doesn't have to be any particular brand just make sure the pieces are good quality) or assemble one yourself with good leather gloves, a snatch block or two, a tree saver strap, a length of good strong chain, some clevises, and a bag to keep it all in. Last, find someone to help teach you the basic's of winching technique and safety.
Nickmil.

 

Doesn't the M8000 have a short cable?
Have you thought about the Warn 8274? Those are tough winches and look great on a Jeep.
125 or 150 foot of cable.

 

Have a 8274 on my CJ5 great winch 150' of cable but it wieghs about 150# and it will make the front set lower. So if tires rubbing fenders is a problem might be concious of that.

 

Ok im guessing the the 8274 is the one with the over head motor which has a cool factor with me on jeeps. I have a related question is the a problem with the M type warn winches and a front frame mounted steering box? its looks like the 8274 would give you more room to mount the box or is it not a problem.

 

what Patrick said, both times. The extra 60" of cable is good but I can carry 3 chains and can make up if needed. When I finish the rebuild on my cj I'll probably go back with a "lay down" winch on the front. My 8274 has been great but I think its better suited to my pickup because of its size.

 

I dig the 8274 but the weight is a bummer. The cost issue is also a bummer. If I could find one locally for cheap that just needed rebuilding I'd go that route. The M8000 also looks good. You have to ask yourself how often will it get used. I've been wheeling for quite a while without one and only seen a few instances where they've been necessary. Definately handy, but most folks buy'em and never use'em.

BTW, I think it was 4wd hardware had the M8000 on sale for under $500.

Kevo