Can somebody let me know if their Smittybilt XRC 8 winch clutch lever sticks or engages smoothly when operating it? I installed the winch then never had a chance to really use it because of my schedule and then two months passed and I can't remember how it felt out of the box. Thanks!

 

It's going to be a little tight the first couple times u use it. Mine is too but just has to be "broke in"

 

Thanks! Much appreciated!

 

I've read the XRC8 doesn't go to spool position sometimes -mine did it too- and it seems a drop of oil on the shaft (where it enters the casing) fixes that. I'll just do it once in a while from now on...

 

I have found that slowly pulling a couple extra inches while pulling clutch helps some times. But ype kind of stiff for me, Only used twice thou

 

I try to keep mine covered as much as possible and since doing that the clutch seems to work much smoother. Less road crap getting in I guess.

 

There is a cheap bearing with a spring to lock the engagement arm in place.It gets water and junk in it easy.You need to oil it up and it will engage easy.

 

the problem is its a smitty winch...never compromise quality for price!!!!! go get you a warn and live happy and stress free.. also dont get the vr series.....

 

There is nothing wrong with Smittybilt winches. Warn winches have issues every once in a while as well.