I have a stock x with 31 x 11 Cooper STTs. First jeep and getting more daring every outing. Which is the next logical step, 4.10s for more grunt, or winch to rescue myself?

 

This question comes up every so often and of course, you're just going to get a bunch of opinions. If you go the gear route, I agree with Putnam Dan and say get those lockers in at the same time. IMHO I'd say a winch will get you into and out of more places than lockers or 4:10's. You may want to hold off on the re-gearing for a bit in case you later on decide you want 35's and all. Once you start with your mods, it's real hard to stop. It's kind of an illness no one wants to be cured of.

 

Since this is your first Jeep, I'd wait for regearing. 31s are fine now, then maybe 33s... until you see a Jeep running 35s and suddenly its time for 4.88s or 5.13s. I'd start with a winch.

 

Decision may have been made by my wife this morning while wheeling in foot deep snow on mountainess trails. Most of our trails are in the small mountains in upstate NY and PA. The gearing will help with the power needed for the inclines without going in 4Lo. The winch gives her peace of mind if we slide off the trail into the deep ditches. She basically agreed we need both. I will need to go with a more affordable winch.

Is the Warn M8000 capable enough? I can get that for $516 shipped.

 

Good choice on going with the winch. I think others are successfully using an 8000 pound winch and you cannot go wrong with Warn. You can always rig a snatch block and double line for a little more effective pulling power.

 

There's nothing wrong with going into 4Lo.

 

Agreed. I have 4.10s and use 4lo for the snow trails in Colorado.

For an affordable winch, take a look at Mile Marker. Not the greatest and certainly not the fastest, but it gets the job done if you'll only be winching occasionally.

 

4w lo is the way to go!

Then find out what u "need"

I added a 2" reciever to my front bumper and got a cheap ass 8000 portable winch I can now plug in at either end. This has prooven it self already and was especially good at getting a friend in his 4dr outa a hole behind me. He forgot he had a steering wheel.
Most people only need a winch occasionally and for short distances to get out of hull down centered up situations.

I havea friend that has a 3000 junker winch and its done the trick for him with a snatch block.
I mean it's not like you want to swing from trees and cliffs is it?


If you regear dont go to 4:1 go deaper as those of us that have the 4:1 already know.

 

Where can you get that winch shipped for that? I'm looking at the superwinch 9.0, but I may go with that for that price.

 

I use 4 lo for everything now, whenI am offroad. I used 4H before ... bt not anymore. I am running 3.73s and 35" tires .. i lost my 4 H when I got my suspension lift put on 4.5" ...

next on my list is lockers and gears ... they're selling the 4.10s with lockers to the dealerships. Thats what I am gonna do .. instead of buying gears .. then having to take em apart and add lockers .. just do it all at once.

BTW .. I run perfectly fine in 2W on all the trails except hills and rock/stumps ... when I am in 4LO i don't imiss 4H at all, except for use in the snow ...

but yah ... save for the gears and lockers. Its gonnna get you a lot farteher than a winch .... tow straps work just as well .. just make sure your with someone with a winch. What ialways don.