Help with winch purchase

[apache]

I was fortunate and found a Warn Classic winch bumper today. I mounted it up but im leary about the only 2 bolts per side from frame to bracket, is this sufficent?
Next question.
Are the bolt patterns universal on like sized winches in the 8 to 10K range? Anything wrong with the Smittybilt 10K winches for the occasional use I will use it for?

Thank a bunch guys.

 

[chevysmithz71]

I'd say NO on the 2 bolts for winching, though size may make a difference?

 

[Stomis]

My mount I made is three 5/8ths grade 8 bolts on each side.

What size are the bolts?

 

[apache]

Just 1/2 bolts and theres actually 3 holes on either side on the warn bumper brackets but only 2 holes in the frame that line up. I can add another hole and go up to 5/8ths but one of the concerns are the front 2 holes are pretty close to the end of the frame horns where I can picture them ripping out under abuse. All in all I dont remember the warn bumper on my old Dodge PU being such a light duty POS. I was considering biting the bullet and buying a new one just today but this used one came along. New including hardware were talkin $550 or so, Id have been one unhappy camper. Another reason I have reservations about spending $1200 on a Warn 10K winch.

 

[lectric80]

I added a third 1/2" grade 8 to the top at the rear of the bracket for this reason. It should be enough to hold through most use, although I could always tack it to the frame as well.

 

[AKbigsub]

My bumper is mounted with three 5/8 grade 8 bolts per side. I have pulled pretty hard with the 16.5TI and have had no problems.

 

[GNERGY]

I don't think there is anything wrong with Smittybuilt winches. I bought the 8K winch, it has a 2yr warranty and I bought the lifetime one for 39 bucks from 4 wheel parts.
I did a lot of reading about them on other boards before I bought it.
Tarey

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Milemarker winches are the cheapest, hugest POS's IME. From what I've seen, you'd be lucky to get a few decent pulls from one before the motor burns up or the housing breaks. And they are most certainly Chinese made winches.

As for the Smittybilt winches, I don't have any experience with them. Here's a rather large thread discussing them.

If I were to buy a NEW cheaper winch, I'd go with a T-Max.

If I were looking for the best winch for the money, I'd find a used Warn 8274 (generally in the $300-500 range). They are probably the fastest, most underrated (at 8K) and most reliable winch ever made.

 

[loafer]

One 1/2-13" grade 8 bolt can carry about 10,000lb in shear. Though in practice you may not want to go that high.