what size winch

[xjhm]

what size winch is needed?
i have a '99 xj with rusty's 3-5 lift lol with 31" tires factory gears and a lot of common sense so i don't plan on finding a 4' deep mud pit to see if i can touch the bottom... i just want a winch for pullin out my buddys tacoma lol
so what size would be the smallest/cheapest winch i could get away with?
and btw anyone tried the harbor freight one discussed in the post last month?
thanks

 

[Buck Jackson]

I've got a 5000lb electric boat trailer winch that i mounted on a small square 3/16" steel plate that is in turn welded and bolted to a spare trailer hitch. I just stick it into whichever receiver i need it for when i need it. I bought it at Costco for $125 CDN in 2001. Works like a damn, but i would not dangle my jeep over a cliff with it. I've seen similar ones at marine supply stores for around $200 CDN. Don't know if you are looking for something a bit more manly, but mine does the job.
Buck.

 

[Rev Den]

8000 Lbs is considered the benchmark for the XJ.

Rev

 

[Goatman]

8000 Lbs is considered the benchmark for the XJ.

Rev

Agree. I wouldn't go less than 8000 lb, and more than 8000 lb really isn't needed. Ramsey still makes an inexpensive 8000 lb winch.......many are using it successfully.

 

[CRASH]

Agree. I wouldn't go less than 8000 lb, and more than 8000 lb really isn't needed. Ramsey still makes an inexpensive 8000 lb winch.......many are using it successfully.

Yeah, 8,000 at least. I burned up a 6,000 lb Warn back inthe days of 31's and 3" of lift.

CRASH

 

[35xj]

Get an 8000. I saw a Ramsey 8.5e at Northern tool yesterday for 450.00 Not bad, but you can't beat a WARN!

 

[CRASH]

I've beaten two Warns.

CRASH

 

[Beezil]

I've beaten two Warns.

CRASH

shit, we fried TWO warn winches on ONE trail....

this doesn't iinclude a torn up winch cable the next day....

Doesn't change my feeling on warn winches though, it only sucks cause i think warn sourced a crappy motor supplier at one time or another.

when I replaced my motor, the new had Bosch markings on it, as opposed to the fried one that said "brazil" on it, so I think I'm good.

 

[CRASH]

Go tow-truck winch or go home.

CRAS

 

[Ralph]

I've beaten two Warns.

CRASH

How did you manage that? I saw a guy toast his winch, but he was an idiot that put an ATV winch on his CJ. Toasted his winch after wasting both front and rear driveshafts on a hill climb.

 

[CRASH]

I was fishing with them.

CRASH

 

[Jes]

I've got the WARN x8000i and have used it a lot. I've been very happy with it.

Jes

 

[Redcbr007]

warn m8000 here also...no problems yet (used it twice)