I picked up a vintage Warn 8274 (made Feb 26, 1982) last week for $100 nearly complete. and have started the rebuilt process. Budgeting $600 for the rebuild parts.

So, why a M8274? IMHO, the 8274 is one of the best winches Warn ever built. Granted, it is HUGE but is very simple, very strong design. My Warn M8000 seems a lot more complicated and probably isn't as strong. The 8274 also has the fastest line speed of any Jeep winch on the market that I know of. And, must be a reason Warn has made it with very minor changes for 40 years and can charge $1,800 for a new one.

Think mine must have been sitting in a barn for a long time -- lots of rust .... Took 3 days to get the top half off with liberal amounts of PB Blaster & heating the bolts.

Another day to get the motor off. Probably going to replace vs rebuild that since the newer motors are double the HP.

Clutch is seized ... So may have to get a replacement.

All the gears and the housing look in perfect condition.

Right now, I'm fighting getting the C-Clip off to take the brake apart. Been at it 3 days. If anyone has advice, it would be appreciated.

 

Where did you get all the stuff to rebuild I have the same one. I would love to rebuild it.

 

I miss my 8274. I had it on my YJ when it got stolen and stripped. Stupid insurance company only gave me $100 for it because I didn't have receipts.

 

The actual rebuild is fairly mechanically simple (so, far at least -- other than getting things apart).

If you call Warn, they can point you to a local distributor/rebuild shop and can email you a parts diagram for your serial number. Warn has also historically given you new decals for free if you ask and provided advice on the rebuild (how may other companies can you say would do that on a 40 year old product).

But, everything you'll probably need is on Amazon.com or eBay.com (just do a search for Warn 8274 or Warn + Part No):

• Motor - Part 7536: $194 (Aftermarket ones under $100 -- but, I doubt I'd trust one of them and risk being stuck in the boonies)
• Motor Armature Bearing - Part 8316: $20
• Clutch Assembly - Part 8326: $74
• Bushing Kit - Part 8680: $30
• Brake Rebuild Kit - Part 8409: $78
• Soleniod Pack - Part 38845: $160

There are a couple of pretty good rebuild resources online:

• Pictorial walkthrough: Warn 8274 rebuild
• YouTube Video Walkthrough:
  • Disassembly: Warn 8274 winch rebuild series #1, disassembly of winch - YouTube
  • Assembly: Warn 8274 Rebuild video # 2 Re-assembly of winch - YouTube
• Parts Source (I used them for the parts diagram): Warn Authorized Parts and Service Center for the M8274-50 Winch

My serial number seems to pre-dates all the parts diagrams. Over the years they've changed the motor, brake assembly, free-spool clutch design -- but everything looks interchangeable between all the serial numbers.

I was finally able to get the brake C-Clip to come loose. So, should have the brake assembly off today and can start cleaning everything up ... then figure out what really needs to be replaced.

 

Wow ... that is horrible about both the Insurance Company and the fact that someone would steal your winch ... I'm sorry to hear it.

 

Just picked up my very vintage 8274! It does work, we plugged into a battery and ran a few feet out and then pulled back in. Still think I want to strip it down though. It came with a double receiver mount, but I'm in a 2008 unlimited so I may have to find a welding shop here in Branson to do a little magic on it and see if they can weld brackets in to fit it in my spyder winch mount base. Can't wait to get her cleaned up though!!

 

Here is a pic of mine all cleaned up, and totally rebuilt!! Once I cracked the top open, I found there was no oil in her at all! Took quite a bit of elbow grease and sand paper, but she shined up alright. I replaced all the seals and ended up replacing the motor due to a broken electrode. Expecting my warn mount from northridge4x4 tomorrow or Thursday! Now just looking for a great deal on some synthetic rope.150' pref spydura. Any suggestions?

 

These are very tough winchesBack in the day nearly everyone had one of these

 

Great job bringing that pup back to life!

 

Thanks she was a bear, and when I hooked her up to an extra battery(walmart...late night purchase I was running low on options) she ran but not for long. And the end cap of the motor got pretty hot. Once I get the mount and get her on the front of my Rubi, we will see if the duralast platinum makes her run a little better.