Warn 8274 winch mount

[Busted Knuckle Racing]

Well, as you probably know from the wanted thread, I scored a Warn 8274 for the YJ. My old winch mount would no longer work and looked pretty ugly anyway, so I need to build a new mount that will support the 8274. I bought some 3/8 x 8" flat bar from Fastenal and started cutting, welding, grinding, and drilling over the weekend. I didn't get too many pics of the progress because I was too busy working. I cut one piece of the flat stock to 18" long for the upright portion. I measured , marked and measured again for the mounting hole. I drilled the 4 1/2" holes for the mounting bolts. For the hole where the cable comes through behind the fairlead I cut 2 holes with a 2-1/2" hole saw and then cut out in between with a 4-1/2" grinder and 2 cut off wheels. It turned out great and I hated to cover it up with the fairlead. Then, I cut a piece of the 3/8" 33" long to go across the frame rails. I marked and drilled those holes to line up with the holes in the frame, then had to wallow them out a little to fit. I beveled the edges and centered the upright part on the cross plate and welded it up front and back. I got the winch bolted on to be sure everything fit and I am using the band saw at work today to cut some braces for the upright. I can't decide if I want to cut an angle on the corners or not. I guess I can always do that later if I want to. I am going to try to get the braces welded up tonight and get a good coat of paint on it. I will get some pics posted up later on.
The only pics I have so far are of the winch sitting on the bumper.

[Busted Knuckle Racing]

Well, I didn't get any paint on it... but I got the welding finished.

All welded up:

Side View:

I tried to get a good pic of the welds, but it was dark and I couldnt tell where I was pointing the camera..

[broncocraigellis]

Looks great Brad! I think the angled edges would look better, and they'd be safer as well.

[Busted Knuckle Racing]

yeah, I think you are right. I am going to cut them when I pull it back off to paint it. This winch is freaking fast. I knew they were supposed to be fast but I never really fooled with one until now. You could definitely get hurt if you arent watching what you are doing.

[broncocraigellis]

man yeah...i think it's the only winch to have b/c of its speed. when you can, i would recommend the synthetic rope. it makes life much easier when winching.

[Busted Knuckle Racing]

yeah, I have already been looking at it. I have a birthday this weekend, so that may be what I ask for... should I get the 5/16 x 150 or 3/8x125 ?

[broncocraigellis]

i have the 5/16 x 150 and like it. i can't remember the specs but i think it's stronger than wire rope of the same size. i really like being able to keep the 150 ft. of line, but 125 would probably be plenty. a lot of guys are used to 80 or 100 feet of line, so it's no big deal. if you feel like you need the strength of the 3/8, then go for it.

[broncocraigellis]

here's a comparison:
Master-Pull ™ Superline 5/16" 16,500lb.
Master-Pull ™ Winch Line 5/16" 14,500lb.
Amsteel® Blue 5/16" 12,330lb.
Vectran® 5/16" 11,700lb.
Plasma® 5/16" 11,700lb.
Spectra® 5/16" 9,000lb.

Wire cable
5/16" 9,800lb.

Rockstomper.com sells the Amsteel line, as does winchline.com. Of couse Master-Pull sells that line. I have plain Amsteel Blue

[Busted Knuckle Racing]

I think I saw somewhere that the 3/8 amsteel is rated at about 20,000lb. I was just wondering if it would be better to have the extra strength or the extra 25 ft of line.

[Rcross]

Regardless which you go for, if you buy for strength you will need the length and vise versa. Classic Murphy's law, sometimes I wish someone could find and shoot him