lockers winch or lift, most benefit?

hunterboy2121 · 07-12-2009, 03:25 PM

02 sahara wrangler 4.0 with 3.73 gears d44 rear

i cant decide if i want to lock the axles put a winch on it or put a bigger lift on it. i already have a 2" lift and 31x10.5 tires on it. if i lift it it will be a few months before i can get bigger tires and that could look funny but the end result is better (look wise) than the winch or lockers. but the lockers would get me anywhere i would want to go.but you can never go wrong with a winch. im a bit lost what wouldyall do first?

**lj_wil** · 07-12-2009, 03:26 PM

Armor.

10char.

YJteen · 07-12-2009, 03:27 PM

Hmmm depends on budget. Id get a lift/tires at the same time. Thats just a personal preference. Id look into an Aussie locker for the front (270ish) or the Smittybuild XR8 winch. 8000 pound pulling campacity for 300 bucks. Both are cheap and helpful. Im going with an Aussie before a winch after i get my lift/tires.

flexsaharatj · 07-12-2009, 03:29 PM

I have a richmond powetrax lockrite for a dana 30 for sale was in my jeep for 2 days and decided it wasn't for me because i do a lot of snow driving... pm me if you're interested

hunterboy2121 · 07-12-2009, 03:30 PM

thats the winch and lockers im looking at ... so your saying lockers ?

**mudb8** · 07-12-2009, 03:36 PM

selectable lockers and gears....

unless you enjoy winching and buy a good one that'll actually work more than a few times... which excludes 98% of the 300 $ winches..

without lockers, you won't be driving over anything that'll require much armor... without draging it with a winch...

hunterboy2121 · 07-12-2009, 03:54 PM

why armor ... and i have high clearance solid steel front and rear bumpers . .. rockers on the list

flexsaharatj · 07-12-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudb8

selectable lockers and gears....

unless you enjoy winching and buy a good one that'll actually work more than a few times... which excludes 98% of the 300 $ winches..

without lockers, you won't be driving over anything that'll require much armor... without draging it with a winch...

my smitty bilt has been nothing but bullet proof so....

**nwbronco** · 07-12-2009, 04:02 PM

Take a look at the rigs you wheel with. In our herd, there was more lifted rigs with big tires, and hooks, or shackles on all four corners. I opted for a winch, and used the devil out of it. If there is already a winch or two in your group, then do what you need to stay with the group. Lockers are great, but, there are carrier breaks based on gear size chosen. Gear size is dictated by wheel size. So, it is the flood gate opening. You lift it for the tires, you'll need to re-gear to get the power train back in it's sweet spot. Then the lockers can come into play.

Bob K.

**F9K9** · 07-12-2009, 04:06 PM

Join a club, go with them, just as you are right now, on a trail ride. Then decide which is more important to you. It also depends if, you are actually serious about wheeling it. You do not need armor if, it is just going to be a street rig or mall crawler.

Taking a stock or slightly modified rig on a ride is extremely enlightening. If, the club is worth their salt, they with get you through the ride unscathed. Many rightfully require a front and rear recovery point, fire extinguisher, 1st aid kit......etc.

flexsaharatj · 07-12-2009, 04:06 PM

IMO... well this is what I'm doing...

I have a 2 inch lift now...
have the winch up front
adding a 1 inch BL soon and throwing 33s on there...

I have only stock armour where I wheel I don't do insane rocks... mostlsy mud and other crap
steering skid is on my list but is fairly cheap... maybe rockers because they look cool... prob wouldn't use them other then stepping on them to get in and out

my first real mod was the winch after I got stuck with no winch and was a mess... it's a nice added security to know it's there AND if you decide you want to go with a different group then your norm and no one has the winch... you do... my $.02

**crusher242** · 07-12-2009, 05:49 PM

Lockers get you through. Winches get you out.

Rippers · 07-12-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudb8

selectable lockers and gears....

unless you enjoy winching and buy a good one that'll actually work more than a few times... which excludes 98% of the 300 $ winches..

without lockers, you won't be driving over anything that'll require much armor... without draging it with a winch...

BINGO!!!

I like this guys thoughts, I'd op for the locker, Keep your 2" lift! do a body lift and tummy tuck and your set son

**F9K9** · 07-12-2009, 06:02 PM

The OP has still not stated what his end results would be used for. There is a lack of info for whatever group to determine what he actually needs.

Jeepguy1977 · 07-12-2009, 06:04 PM

If you shop right, you can find a good Warn winch used for a pretty good price.