Huntsville Alabama / Tennessee Valley Chat
04-21-2009, 04:30 PM
#1531
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Madison, AL
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I plan on making the dive back in 35" tires, but I can't decide which ones to go with. I really like the KM2's that Jeff has, but I think the Mud Grapplers are really badass too. I could go with Hankook's and save a few bucks or Kuhmo, but they are directional. Then there's Firestone and Dunlop down at the bottom of my list. Anyone have any useful input??
04-21-2009, 06:22 PM
#1532
JK Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Huntsville, AL
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When I sat down and started jotting down facts, I discovered that 75% of my winching time was self-recovery and the remainder was helping others out (I wheel alone alot...I know, I know, I shouldn't do that). Then I weighed the option of various motors for the winch (series vs. planatery). Next came the weight to pull ratio and the line speed. For the two+ times a month that I use a winch, I felt that an 8K or 9K, series wound with decent line speed and a snatch block would be right for my needs.
So....I felt no need to spend upwards of $1000 on a winch when a $299-499 one would fit my needs. Granted, the upscale ones are twice/three times the winch I have, but I personally didn't need them. If I were a dedicated rock crawler or a dedicated recovery vehicle in a club, then I would absolutely drop the cash for a high-end winch with air compressor, wireless remote, two speed gear, etc.
I think you should go with it, but if you plan to utilize frequently (ie. once/twice a week) you might want to upgrade b/c a high-end unit will last longer and perform better.
p.s. 4-wheel drive parts (the store) owns the rights to Smittybuilt and stands behind their products. Don't be afraid to trust the XRC8, it has served me well so far.
04-21-2009, 06:26 PM
#1533
JK Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Huntsville, AL
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I plan on making the dive back in 35" tires, but I can't decide which ones to go with. I really like the KM2's that Jeff has, but I think the Mud Grapplers are really badass too. I could go with Hankook's and save a few bucks or Kuhmo, but they are directional. Then there's Firestone and Dunlop down at the bottom of my list. Anyone have any useful input??
Though, I have to complain about their "decent" traction in the snow/ice. The problem is they aren't siped and slip a little on packed snow. They do awesome in the loose powder though and mud/rocks are NOTHING for them to conquer. Plus, they have great on-road manners and are fairly quiet.
04-21-2009, 06:39 PM
#1534
JK Freak
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North AL
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The problem is that after the coils go on, it will make my 33's look small and then I won't have a choice. My jeep will demand 35's and I will be compelled to obey.
man how can you stand not getting those on??
04-21-2009, 06:57 PM
#1535
JK Freak
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Madison AL
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I believe in thoroughly detailing the needs vs. the wants when shopping for a winch. I had a 9K Tabor (Warn) on my TJ...I bring this up b/c it's relevant to why I went with the one currently on the JK.
When I sat down and started jotting down facts, I discovered that 75% of my winching time was self-recovery and the remainder was helping others out (I wheel alone alot...I know, I know, I shouldn't do that). Then I weighed the option of various motors for the winch (series vs. planatery). Next came the weight to pull ratio and the line speed. For the two+ times a month that I use a winch, I felt that an 8K or 9K, series wound with decent line speed and a snatch block would be right for my needs.
So....I felt no need to spend upwards of $1000 on a winch when a $299-499 one would fit my needs. Granted, the upscale ones are twice/three times the winch I have, but I personally didn't need them. If I were a dedicated rock crawler or a dedicated recovery vehicle in a club, then I would absolutely drop the cash for a high-end winch with air compressor, wireless remote, two speed gear, etc.
I think you should go with it, but if you plan to utilize frequently (ie. once/twice a week) you might want to upgrade b/c a high-end unit will last longer and perform better.
p.s. 4-wheel drive parts (the store) owns the rights to Smittybuilt and stands behind their products. Don't be afraid to trust the XRC8, it has served me well so far.
When I sat down and started jotting down facts, I discovered that 75% of my winching time was self-recovery and the remainder was helping others out (I wheel alone alot...I know, I know, I shouldn't do that). Then I weighed the option of various motors for the winch (series vs. planatery). Next came the weight to pull ratio and the line speed. For the two+ times a month that I use a winch, I felt that an 8K or 9K, series wound with decent line speed and a snatch block would be right for my needs.
So....I felt no need to spend upwards of $1000 on a winch when a $299-499 one would fit my needs. Granted, the upscale ones are twice/three times the winch I have, but I personally didn't need them. If I were a dedicated rock crawler or a dedicated recovery vehicle in a club, then I would absolutely drop the cash for a high-end winch with air compressor, wireless remote, two speed gear, etc.
I think you should go with it, but if you plan to utilize frequently (ie. once/twice a week) you might want to upgrade b/c a high-end unit will last longer and perform better.
p.s. 4-wheel drive parts (the store) owns the rights to Smittybuilt and stands behind their products. Don't be afraid to trust the XRC8, it has served me well so far.
thanks
pretty much what i thought..i'm gonna use it once every month or two...i want it to work when i need it but pull speed an stuff aren't worth double the price.
04-21-2009, 06:58 PM
#1536
JK Freak
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Madison AL
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I'm looking at upgrading to 35's too. But I tend to be a little unconventional and have to try something different. I may go for the Dick Cepek Crusher or maybe the Goodyear MTR-Kelvar; or I may play it safe and go with Firestone Destination MT or the Mickey Thompson MTZ. My ATZ's have done really good and I know what I'm getting with Mickey Thompsons.
04-21-2009, 07:00 PM
#1537
JK Freak
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on a side note i'm priming and painting springs in my garage all night tonight...well currently actually, waiting for the first coat to dry now...any words of advise??
04-21-2009, 07:18 PM
#1538
JK Freak
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Huntsville, AL
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no, I was never very good at painting stuff. But damn it, I'm good at fixing stuff. And tearing up after I fix it
04-21-2009, 07:22 PM
#1539
JK Freak
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North AL
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04-21-2009, 07:26 PM
#1540
JK Freak
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