Here is one more to think about.

http://www.blackmountainsuspension.com/prod02.htm

 

I paid $550.00 for my Superwinch EPI 9.0. The one with the 125' cable. Was awesome and never let me down. Got it from Quadratec.

 

How long have you had the Superwinch?

A couple notes. Several companies can get you in around $500. Ramsey, Mile marker, Superwinch, and TMax are not off-brands. They may not be the World leader (for whatever that's worth.), but they are decent brands. Permanent magnet motors would probably be fine , and they are cheaper and draw fewer amps than the heavier duty series wound motors. Drawing fewer amps is a point of concern if you want to stick with your stock battery and alternator.

Warns are great, but they also draw higher than just about anyone. Take a look at permanent magnet winches from Ramsey (Rep series), or Mile Marker (PE or MX series).

Superwinch Series Wound EP series claims to have a very low draw (about as low as Permanent magnet motors). Does anyone know how series wound compares to permanent magnet with respect to water resistance?

As far a mounts go, the cheapest winch plate I have seen for the stock bumper is the Warn for about $300. I looked into making one, but it would have cost me about $175+.

 

X2 on the SuperWinch ePI9000, I have had mine for about 7 months. Most of the people that I wheel with are on 35's and locked, but most of them do not have winches. So, I am normally the recovery Jeep. It has never let me down or over heated.

 

I'm going to use a Tabor 9K. It's put out by Warn, part of their "value line". It'll get you in for around $500. Smittybuilt has their new 9000lb winch out. I saw it in 4WD for $299.