With an email inviting me to 15% off any item over $200 at 4WD, I decided it was time to order my winch. The decision was between the winch I really wanted (Superwinch EPi 9000) or the winch that is so cheap I could still buy more things for the Jeep (Smittybilt XRC8).

While on the phone with Mat at Smittybilt, inquiring about the SRC Front Bumper status, I asked him who made the XRC8. It is made by Smitty (or for Smitty, more likely) It uses the motor from the MM PE8000, and the body, brake, and some other internals from the Warn M8000. $299 is the introductory price through the end of the year, after which it will be $399.

Not quite convinced, I looked around for a while, when I came upon an idea. Get the Smittybilt and then upgrade to the Superwinch later. When I upgrade, the Smittybilt, if still working, goes up under the rear bumper for a two winch setup. I liked this Idea, so I ordered it. $289 shipped, with the discount. Money left over for lights or save for lift and wheels

The first shipment of 380 from Smitty will be at the end of this month. 4WD has sold about 320 as of Yesterday. Sadly, it will probably beat my bumper here.

 

wow..ummm thats.....cheap! and no plastic clutch thing.
hmmmm I need a beater rear winch for another project...