Aside from the obvious specifications, is there really a big difference between these two SmittyBuilts? One costs more but you usually get what you pay for. And there are certain things that you don't really want to skimp on. (Although I am not prepared to pay the price of a Warn winch). If you have an 8 do you wish you got a 10? And if you have a 10 do you think that an 8 would have been good enough?
I have a 08 Rubicon UNlimited and I'm keeping the stock bumper for now. I do moderate off-roading.

 

I have the XRC-8 and it has worked great for me. I've pulled myseld out of mud over my bumpers with no problems. I say go for the 8 and get their recovery kit with the extra $$$.

 

I have an 8 and it has worked flawlessly. I do have a 2dr though, with an unlimited I think I would go with a 10.

 

I am having the same ordeal... there is only like a 100 dollar price difference right now from Quadratec... I think im just going to go for the 10

 

The XRC 8 is enough. Especially if you get a snatch block.

 

what is a snatch block? is it needed for either the 8 or the 10?

 

It is something to use to keep your girlfriend honest while you are away. Seriously it is a pully that can double your pulling power or allow for angled pulls. A definite plus to carry.

 

I forgot what the rule was..something like:

"Get a winch 2.5 times the weight of your vehicle" That covers your vehicle plus compensates for the suction of mud.

So add in the stock weight of your JK, then add a few hundred in the event you add heavy mods and gear inside.

 

Base curb weight for a 2dr is 3849lb, 4dr is 4231lb (2009 Jeep brochure). 2.5x these would be 9622lb and 10577lb respectively. So I guess everyone should be getting 9-10k winches and leave the 8k's at home.

 

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ght=xrc8+xrc10

Some more info on the subject