Smittybilt XRC8 8,000lb winch

[FlyingWil]

We finally got the winch in.

Installation was pretty straight froward.
1.) Remove Bumper
2.) Install Winch via mounting holes
3.) Wire in winch
4.) Re-Mount bumper

Bumper removed:


Frame horns got some POR to address the rust issues:


Prior to installation we wanted to take a good look at the internals of the winch:




I am glad we decided to look inside. Look what we found.


Unfortunately this was not the only spot we found Styrofoam packed into the grease! We re packed the winch with grease and in total found 9 balls of Styrofoam (the size of a BB). You can 4 other "chunks" in the picture above (wiped on the cardboard).


With the Shrockworks front bumper the winch mounts with the bottom of the winch facing the front (so to speak on its side). With this configuration the winch had to be clocked so that the clutch handle could be easily reached. Clocking required removing the 10 screws on the clutch housing as in the picture below:


The solenoid (control box) is not water tight and is overly large for what was in it. With the bumper it would not allow enough room in to mount the unit using the bracket included with the XRC-8. We drilled out the rivets that held the plastic cover on and the solenoid to the base plate. The bracket that held it to the base plate fit perfectly on a cross member on the front of the Xterra.



Since the Shrockworks bumper has a location for a winch plug in, we relocate the controller plug there. I wonder who makes the SmittyBilt winch?




So once all the wires were installed and connected the bumper went back on...














Looks good all and all. Now to just go out and test it!

Seemed comparable to the Mile Marker's in sound from what I have used. As shown in the picture above, Mile Marker Labels were found on the wire markings after cutting through shrink wrap and a protective cover... so it might just be a re-badged Mile Marker.

Things in Common With the Mile Marker PE8000:

• Roller Fairlead
• Control Box Mounting bracket
• Winch Control
• Weight
• Drum Size
• Motor
• Overall Dimensions (LxWxH)

Haven't used it off the pavement yet (it's our grocery getter, but on the pavement line speeds seem comprable to the MM PE8000, not too slow, not too fast.

[Good Times]

man still tempting... I've been reading the pirate thread for some time now and man I really want to get it but I'm still hesitant... ugh... thanks for the update

[FlyingWil]

man still tempting... I've been reading the pirate thread for some time now and man I really want to get it but I'm still hesitant... ugh... thanks for the update

I would wait... and see how it goes with them... the price around $300 should be good through the end of October. (Our company can get them at that price through then at least). Due to the Styrofoam in the grease, we will not be stocking them nor advertising them, as they are not up to our spec's. If indeed this is a 100% MM made product, we will be dropping the MM brand all together. What factory would just allow that to slide? That is totaly unacceptable in my book. No customer should hever have to take a brand new product apart and look to see if the product is contaminated.

[Good Times]

good point. I'll definitely take that into consideration and hold off for the time being. Keep us posted on your ongoing research on this product.

thanks!

[ecchamberlin]

I will start by admitting that I know very little about winches.

I understand that from a venders point of view the styrofoam in the grease is an issue but...and this is a serious question... would those small pieces really effect the operation of the unit in a considerable way?

[slosurfer]

Eric, good question. I was wondering the same thing.

[Robinhood4x4]

would those small pieces really effect the operation of the unit in a considerable way?

I doubt it. The winch wouldn't even know they're there. I'd be more concerned if there were no grease or if there was dirt in there.

[ecchamberlin]

And I was sort of thinking that also.

Anybody have a different take on this?

[slosurfer]

I'm guessing, the problem isn't the foam, but if those get in, what else will get in or what else are they not catching that is finding its way in there. If the QC at the factory isn't catching this, what are they catching? Or, if it found its way in during shipping, God knows what will work its way in there during days of offroading. I'm guessing that is what is running through the mind of someone who may offer to sell these and wants to maintain the high standards of products that they are known for selling. Is this sounding about right, flyingwil?

I'm still very interested in how these turn out with all the real live tests.

[ecchamberlin]

Good point Chris. I have not seen anyone here or on Adv4X4 who have pushed one of these things hard yet. THat is of coarse the real test.

Again as a vendor I respect that his standards are so high. I wish all the vendors had these excellent standards. But as a consumer....

I think considering how the pieces are in the grease it is pretty certain that it happened during assembly. Yes?