synthetic winch rope.

[mack]

can you get away with 1/4" rope? it's rated at 9,000lbs min. and i have a warn x8000i, or is the 5/16 the better way to go?

 

[Lincoln]

can you get away with 1/4" rope? it's rated at 9,000lbs min. and i have a warn x8000i, or is the 5/16 the better way to go?

I would stick with the 5/16" minimum.

From www.rockstomper.com
"Please note: Although the strength of 1/4" Amsteel Blue is very high, we recommend it for winches 6,000 pounds and under only."

 

[mack]

well, i'm going to go with AmSteel Blue 5/16 100' line, i found for $138+shipping, now i just need a hook and fairlead, or does the new hook even matter?

anyone want a used warn roller fairlead?:laugh3:

 

[Canopener]

From my experience with synthetic ropes at work, I would go larger than 1/4 rope. The strength ratings are good when there is nothing to damage the rope, but dirt and U.V. can weaken it. We have had 3/4 rope fail at 60 percent of it's rated weight in a pull test. It was a rope that had been out in the dirt and weather with some shock loading. We use up to a 1 1/2" Amsteel Blue line (200,000+ lbs breaking strength) just for the safety factor. Always go a little higher.

 

[ArcticXJ]

Im sure you "could" get away with 1/4, but is it worth the risk?

Safety is never something worth skimping on. Its worth the extra few bucks to ensure that you wont snap a cable when you need it most. Just because the rope itself poses little threat when it breaks, doesnt mean that nothing bad will come if it does. You could be winching over a rock obstacle, or steep hillclimb, be out of the vehicle, and the cable breaks. Bad situation. Go with the 5/16" or better. Just my opinion.