I'm planning on getting a winch/bumper combo in the near future and would like some opinions. I don't go offroad much but when I do I'd like to be prepared since I have two little girls that may be with me. So the winch would be used little (hopefully). I have a 2dr that is close to stock and will probably stay that way since its a daily driver.

I've narrowed it down to "budget" 8000lb....Mile Marker Sec8, Superwinch lp8500, Warn Vr8000

The Warn would stretch the budget so I wonder if it would be worth the approximately $180 increase over the other two??

I ran Warns on my ATV and Sidexside and always had good luck...opinions?? Or would all of the above fit the bill?

 

I can't recommend a specific brand or model given your criteria, however having just done a similar exercise, I can say my main concern was weight. When I researched it, the running logic was that a heavy-duty winch bumper and winch would add enough weight on the front to require a lift or at least budget leveling kit. Since I was also trying to keep the drive train and tires stock right now too, weight was a big concern. There are lightweight options, but they will not be budget. Either way, you should probably understand what you're in for over the whole project before specifying a particular winch.

Also, for budget options, you should look into winch mounting on the standard factory bumper. Rough Country, for example, has a kit. They may not look as slick as some aftermarket solutions, but this would allow you to put more money toward the winch of your dreams.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have considered the weight. My bumper choice is going to be the dagger series midwidth from JCR offroad. I like this option because its a pretty slim design that I think wouldn't look out of place on a near stock JK and I'm sure its not as heavy as others out there.

This past weekend I replaced my factory 14 springs for some 17s which netted me a little over an inch up front..the rear was left as is. I think with a bumper/winch combo I'll still be good.

 

This is how she sits now..

 

You mentioned the ones that your considering.
Have you looked at the Recon winch?
From what Iv read, its has pretty good ratings.

 

Expedition One makes a light weight bumper called the DX (I think). It is set up for a winch and has the option of side wings for stock fogs. The lightest winch that I have seen is the SmittyBilt XRC8. It's the competition one so it comes with synthetic line and a few other things to make it light weight. Runs about 70 lbs I believe. Though I've heard the Engo winch with synthetic is relatively light.

 

Not to hijack but i wonder if the MW3 bumper will fit an 09?
Thanks

 

You might want to consider a Smitty XRC8 Comp winch w synthetic line. Mine has never let me down. Hard to beat for the $$.

 

My TJ runs a Mile Marker and works great, had it for years and has been trouble free. Wish I had pictures when we pulled, actually drug an old 54 Chev tuck on 4 flat tires that didn't roll along a grass front yard and up a hill. Parked the TJ in front of the curb for blocks and pulled that Tuck about 70' from the side of the house and up a about a 10' slope to the street where we could put it on the car trailer.

On the JK I have a Warn, no complaints and works great has pulled the JK up and out of several tough spots.

You can't go wrong with either one.

 

Never mind.
I asked the dealer and it will fit with no prob.
Only prob is the price of it.
1500 bucks.