Thanks for all the info guys, I went with the SB XRC8 today and the plan is when this thing dies and I am making more $$ I will go with the nice warn!

Mike

 

don't forget that Rugged Ridge also have winches i been also looking in to them but smittybuilt will do the job

 

I really like my warn 8000. The price is not bad and is on sale alot . It is a beast. Used it for about a hour straight pulling large bushes and did not even get hot. Lots of power. If you need more run a z rig.

 

Thats the same thing I am planning on doing, lots of folks have had good success with this winch.

 

my only advice would be if you get the stinger make sure and weld it on if you plan on using it

 

I've had Warn, Ramsey, Superwinch and now Smittybuilt winches. They all have their bells and whistles and I've broken all of them in one way or another. I'm using the XRC-8 now and I'd say it's just as good as the other ones I've had. The line speed of all winches is about the same under load, its the unloaded line speed that makes the other brands faster than the XRC. So far I'd say this is one of the better winches I have owned. It has pulled me out of every situation I have got my self into.

 

The Smittybuilt is made in China. That's enough reason in my book to buy a Warn. I may not be able to control that America is indebt to the Communist Chinese, but I can choose to keep my fun money out of their hands. Save a US job and buy a Winch you can depend on. Buy American. I used my Warn M8000 a couple hours ago to pull out a 1978 full size GMC burried in the worst mud immaginable. It pulled through AGAIN with flying colors.
The Smittybuilt winch may work as well, but it's still money in the wrong hands.

 

I think I made a good choice, it seems alot of people here on the forum have alot of success with the smittys. I understand buying american, I have been AD military for over 6 years but I really can't justify the cost of the warn..I would of love to buy the M8000 but I am just a weekend warrior at this point. Has there been a problem with stingers on the XHD's??

 

I too would have loved to buy American, but the Smitty is a great product for the price. If I had to do it all over again, I would still go with a Smitty. The thing pulls its little heart out and keeps on going. I have not had any issues with it yet, and based on what others have stated here, I think I am a strong majority.

 

I would say go for it! Although Ramsey is my fav, but would buy xrc anytime for price and durability