Seems like tons of people add a winch, but from the small amount of wheelin I have done, seems like we almost always just use a Recovery Strap and get a quick yank from a friend. So I am thinking, if I always wheel in a group, why bother adding the front end weight and expense of a winch? On the other hand, having no limited slip front diff means anytime I get 1 front wheel loose, I am pretty much in 2wd, and spending money on a front locker wpi;d keep me from needing a tow or winch lots of times.

Anyone have a front locker and ever wish they had bought a winch instead?

 

A winch will almost always get you out of something that you THINK you might make it through. A winch will also get your buddies out. A winch will also help you clear windfall off the trail (provided that you brought an axe and/or a saw).

The locker will do none of those. Lockers will probably mean that you get stuck less often (maybe), but when you get stuck with lockers, you're probably going to be a lot more stuck than without. That's where a winch would come in.

 

a winch will get you out of most trouble. a locker will just help you get into deeper trouble. then you will wish you had a winch.

 

A winch would be the better option from a safety standpoint, however per your scenario I guess you could justify the locker and be fine.

 

I agree that the winch can come in very handy I have even helped people (on roading) with the winch. And cleared deadfalls many times. But alas I am locked as well..

Hope This Helps

 

if you always wheel with someone else then i would buy the locker first. when i had my yj i couldnt believe the results that i got from a front locker. just buy a locker for yourself and talk one of your buddy's into buying a winch for their rig.

 

x2. You beat me to it.

The choice to get a winch or locker shouldn't be exclusive unless the concern is money. Although I still beleive the winch is going to be the best choice you could probably go with the locker if you are pretty sure that wherever you go someone will have a winch.

Additionally, keep in mind that sometimes the stuck needs more than one winch. There are a couple of extractions that I've been involved with where the second winch was used to stabilize the stuck vehicle.

 

I agree with the winch.....sometimes I am out alone and it gives me piece of mind.

 

Get the winch first, better safe than sorry!

 

Just one thing: NEVER go off-road alone!
Sling or not, winch or not, it's very dangerous.
Go wheeling at least with another Jeeper with a sling.