This should be one of those no-brainers. But, I'm having issues deciding.

I've decided on 4.88s and a Warn M8000. They're both going to cost about the same. Which would you get first?

 

don't do the gears unless you're going double-locked.

winch would be MUCH cheaper (than gears, ARB's, and install), but it's also doesn't add any capability - only insurance in the event that you do get stuck. the winch won't allow you to wheel any different terrain that you can't tackle now. the only thing it will do is allow for an easier - and not necessarily easy recovery when you do attempt new stuff.

i use my locker(s) way more than i use my winch. with the lockers, you add capability - and versatility at the tip of a finger (ARB's - the only way to go). the winch is NOT at your fingertips, it's slow, and takes time away from wheelin' when you have to use it. however, the winch does come in handy from time to time, and is definitely good insurance. plus, it's great for confidence, cause if you second-guess about being able to make something, you "can always winch"...

my vote: save up some more. double-lock and regear AT THE SAME TIME. let the winch come later...

 

You'll use your gears 99.999999 % of the time, so Id say gears.

 

the winch is pretty much sure fire of pulling you out if you get stuck, you can still get stuck with lockers, my buddy knows that.

 

I voted for the winch... my theory is if you get stuck then you can *almost always* winch yourself out. My winch on my old Blazer saved my butt when I was young and stupid enough to go 'wheeling by myself.

 

I bring nothing to the table. so packing peanuts it is>>!!

I would do winch if you are a DD, I wouldnt want to get lower MPG then we get stock... and I also argee if you do gears get locked>

 

I voted the winch...
I would rather have a chance of pulling myself out...

I don't have lockers and really wish I had...

When the time comes to get lockers I will do gears at the same time...
As for now I would hold strong to the winch

Though packing peanuts for the kids to play with in the back is always a good idea too...

 

I voted winch. Mine has pulled me out of trouble many times. I would recommend a 9k though.

 

I don't know of a 9000# winch that will fit in my TJM T-17 and still cost $642 shipped.

 

I would say winch. I'm probably going to do that first, not for me but to pull out the other people I wheel with. It always seems that they get stuck and I'm the only one that doesn't. Get a winch so that you can get out of a situation that you get yourself into once you get gears and lockers.

 

Try this.... http://www.clemson4wheel.com/c-200-premium-series.aspx

Free shipping and Clemson4WC is the best of anyone! Fred Perry is an active member of the 4x4 world and you may have read about him in different magazines. They are local and I'm very prideful of them since they give the best service than the other redneck 4x4 shops around my area...

 

Holy smokes! That beats my best price by $100!

Thanks for the link!!!

 

No prob.... that's what my graduation gift was. A Warn XD9000i and it was only like $600 some odd dollars. Will an XD9000i not fit a TJM17? That's what my next mod was and just to fit my current winch on it. My dad used it on my old brushguard for his Blazer but it's now sitting in the garage waiting on my bumper.

 

Lockers. There's always the snatch strap.

 

one thing to look at: what does "member x" have compared to what they are voting for.

most of the members voting for "winch" don't have gears, front locker (or rear locker), or a winch.

personally, i have all 3. i got the rear locker first, then the winch, then the front locker and gears. that was good, but i had to pay double-labor on the rear since it had to be pulled to be locked, then pulled again to regear. i got the winch in a trade. i use my lockers every time i wheel. i have used my winch 3 times while wheeling, two of those on the same day at different parts of the same trail - after i broke a front CV.

if you wheel w/ others, then there's always a strap or even a come-a-long to get you out. you can also jack up using a hi-lift and stack rocks if you have to.

i still say that the BEST bang for the buck is a set of ARB lockers. while you're in there doing the double-lock, then you might as well spend another $600 for gears and master install kits.

by the way... http://www.performanceoffroadcenter.com (ask for Alex) has the best gear prices around. ask for the TTORA or Pirate price rate when you call.

 

You didn't state what your current axle ratio is but given your area of the country I would think lousy gearing due to increased tire diameter would make for some pretty unpleasant driving experiences - both on road and off. It sure makes sense to at least throw a locker in the rear if you're doing gears but mod-funds can be tough to come by. Unless you frequently wheel solo in very remote areas I think a winch is not much bang for the buck. Fellow wheelers and an assortment of straps can pretty much rescue you from the majority of off-road perils.

I vote for the gears even if you don't lock.

 

i voted gears, as i think this is also your daily driver, that being said, you will be driving, more then you wheel it, I cant believe that i waited so long to get mine re-geard.
as others have said, if you wheel with others, someone should have straps, come alongs, hopfully a winch.
btw, i got a guy that will install the gears for $350 total.

 

the main question is, how much do you wheel it ? vs. how much is daily driving ?

 

also worth mentioning...

with 4.10's, 285/75's, i got about 15-16 MPG on the highway.

with 4.10's, 285/75's, and a supercharger, i got about 17 on the highway.

with 4.56's, 305/70's (same dia but wider/heavier), i get about 16.5-17 MPG.

depending on your tire size and how you're running in your power band, lower gearing does not always lower your gas mileage...

 

yes.