Looks like your brother didnt do to bad of a job. Going under the knife can be edgy.
Looks like your brother didnt do to bad of a job. Going under the knife can be edgy.
In the end there were not too many holes to drill out and the install went very smooth from start to finish. The recovery hook bracket actually provided me with 2 nuts on each side welded to a piece of angle iron eliminating the need to fuss with holding the nut and tightening down. Had to remove bracket on passenger side to allow feeding the back plate with nuts inside the frame rail. Once those 3 bolts were snugged down I bent the handle, used to feed plate, back up inside frame within reach to pull out if the need should arise. Bolted bracket back into place and was as simple as holding the bumper in place and feeding the bolts through. The farthest back bolt on each side actually goes all the way through the frame. This is where I hit the only hick-up. I am missing the 2" frame rail spacers. The brackets bolt on from the outside of frame rail so will be easy to install later. I will contact Smittybuilt when I get time and maybe get them to give me a good deal on a winch . I am thinking of the X2O 8000 Competition winch because it comes with synthetic line and is waterproof. I was contemplating upgrading to the 10k though because I wheel with big trucks a lot...like Rick.
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We do not remember days, we remember moments.
Cesare Pavese
looks great!
The bumper looks good.
Nice Cliff!
Looks great
Sweet.
I like it !!
I dig it. I need to get a bumper on my xj
So I went to four wheel parts and they have the x2o 8k winch with synthetic line and was planning on picking up tomorrow. Not sure it is the right winch though. I really like the fact it is waterproof. The down side is the 440 amps it draws. I was looking at the Quadratec Q series winches and for $100 cheaper can get one with synthetic rope. The line speed is faster, max power higher and amp draw only 300. Anybody have experience with these winches? Any other thoughts on winches? Never had one before.
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We do not remember days, we remember moments.
Cesare Pavese
Sweet Cliff! My advice for the winch is the bigger the better, and buy snatch blocks and other related equip. My lesson from our last run was that when we did the entire line pull with no snatch block, I ripped the synth line button out of the drum. Easily avoided when using a snatch block. I am going to buy a 100' of extra synth line to use instead of straps and chains too. Keep it more uniform, and light weight. Synth is expensive though.
Yeah it is. $200 bucks for 90 some odd feet of 8,000 lb at Four Wheel Parts. Priced it out while I was there this morning. I get today off paid for my birthday (not till tomorrow). The only reason I was questioning my decision to go with the X2O-8 was the high amp draws. Since there is no comparable waterproof winch out there I went ahead and picked it up. I am planning to run a dual battery setup (was supposed to be done before winch) which will help to counter the high amps. When looking at winching kits I think I have decided to go with the rugged ridge one to get me started. Do I have to carry a length of cable to use snatch block?
___________
We do not remember days, we remember moments.
Cesare Pavese
I am rather disappointed that when I explained my concerns to 4 wheel parts they didn't offer me a possible solution that I found while reading the manual. The 10k and 12k winches actually draw less amps. Not sure I would have gone for the additional 100 bucks, but would have liked to know. I am still super happy with my winch and bumper selection. Installed in a couple hours this afternoon. Very straightforward and the bumper had nice openings right where I needed them. Still have to go back through with some rubber hose to finish insulating my wires. I talked to Smittybilt today and they are shipping me the frame rail spacers, for now I just snugged up bolts so they won't fall out.
___________
We do not remember days, we remember moments.
Cesare Pavese
Looking good! If it gives you too much trouble I'm fairly certain there are some high output rewind kits for your alternator, at a very reasonable price. Ill try and find the site for you just I'm case.
xaza (March 16th, 2013)
Cliff, extra cable is nice, but not mandatory. Just try to half the length of your wire to the snatch block in any pull, if possible. I am of mind now to just use the block on every pull if feasible, because it is easier on the winch motor too. Make sure you have a tree strap/cable/chain dedicated for the snatch block. BTW, I still have your brothers short strap, will see you at some point I am sure.
I put together my own kit, you may price out stuff seperately and save $.
Jeep is looking good Cliff!
Nice Paul. Did you get your strap back? Here is the Rugged Ridge kit I was looking at.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92109_2200_07.htm
I think that with the straps, chains and cables we already have will be a good start. Wasn't sure if you could run synthetic line through this snatch block though. Meant to pick it up yesterday with winch but got too excited I forgot. My brother carries a 20 ft cable if not. Might just piece together my own kit though considering I really have everything in the kit besides the tree strap and snatch block
___________
We do not remember days, we remember moments.
Cesare Pavese