Winching Protocol & advice....

weever · 10-20-2006, 11:15 PM

OK so I recently installeda ARB Bull Bar Fog Lights,Marker Lights and Warn 9000 Winch on the FJ. I did all the work by myself as I wanted to know "all I can " about my gear. I added the winch because I did not want to have to try to do it later and have to remove the bumper again etc.etc. I am not sure ifwhen I will actually use the winch other than training with it but want to be prepared Just in case! I am interested in winching primarily and think dual battery philosophy should be in another thread....

Anyway those of you seasond people please take the time to let us Rookies the protocol on a new winch cable and how to break it in properly , stretching?

Also please post any tips or anything else you might want to let a novice know including proper spooling!
I have been studying.....

DirtyLittleSecret · 10-20-2006, 11:27 PM

As for "witching protocol" you'll need to discuss that with MissFJ.
As for "winching" you will want to set the winch cable (bolt it into place), and make about 3-4 TIGHT wraps around the spool by hand. Next, get the cable attached to something all the way out (like another car/truck/building) where you can get the entire cable under tension. You want at least 500 lbs load while doing this. Winch it in with light application of your brakes. It should spool nicely if you are winching in a "direct" line. The last 10 ft or so do by hand and dont over tighten when you "snug up" the last little bit. Done!

Lastly, I want to congradulate you for turning your own wrench! A breath of fresh air! Now you have the knowledge and power to go the next level and you have the pride that comes along with it. Kudos!

Edit: WEAR GLOVES!

weever · 10-20-2006, 11:33 PM

Thanks for the good words. I am somewhat "Green" at the wiring for sure!

....I have not had a run in with MissFJ so no Witching yet. Although she's pretty nice on the eyes...Is that part of her spell?

I plan to do a lot more reading and studying here before I try anything I just want to have knowlege....I wish Arb had a rear bumper ready I am ready for the next Challenge....

DirtyLittleSecret · 10-20-2006, 11:40 PM

No problems mate. That's why were here! I think you'll find that we are more of a community than just another forum. Welcome.

Joe Lech III · 10-21-2006, 10:17 AM

If you have to winch someone else out do not leave your rig in park alone, use the E-brake with enough stress it is possable to shear off the "dog leg" in the tranny. now you have N-R-N-D

gearguywb · 10-21-2006, 07:33 PM

I was always taught to NOT have the vehicle in park but to use the brakes to keep from damaging the tranny.

ldivinag · 10-25-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

gearguywb previously said:

I was always taught to NOT have the vehicle in park but to use the brakes to keep from damaging the tranny.

yes, you can break the parking lock pawl...

on an auto tranny, put it in neutral, set your parking brakes, step on the brakes and chock the wheels if needed.

warn recommends at least 5 wraps on the drum to be effective.

if i were the OP, i would first set the cable in. this lets you practice your winching. and you get to learn how to use the winch.

find a wide open space and unspool all but the last 5 wraps on the drum and slowly winch in the cable with some load on the cable.

get a set of winch accessories like a d-shackles, tree strap protector, winch block and a good set of gloves.

last thing you need is a small sliver of winch wire cutting up your hands...

DirtyLittleSecret · 10-27-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

ldivinag previously said:

yes, you can break the parking lock pawl...

on an auto tranny, put it in neutral, set your parking brakes, step on the brakes and chock the wheels if needed.

warn recommends at least 5 wraps on the drum to be effective.

if i were the OP, i would first set the cable in. this lets you practice your winching. and you get to learn how to use the winch.

find a wide open space and unspool all but the last 5 wraps on the drum and slowly winch in the cable with some load on the cable.

get a set of winch accessories like a d-shackles, tree strap protector, winch block and a good set of gloves.

last thing you need is a small sliver of winch wire cutting up your hands...

VERY good points that some of us simply take for granted...Im sure some of us overlook these all the time or do them and not even think twice!

MoSun · 10-27-2006, 08:58 AM

Nice posts eveyone. Very informative.

Tim Scully · 10-27-2006, 05:07 PM

a winch can be friend and foe. Most people take them for granted and that is what will get you hurt.

A few points:

I always load my new winch cable and let it stretch for several hours. This allows the cable to twist together and could remove any memory from its unloaded state.

I try to do this on a hill so the weight of the vehicle increases the load as I spool it in, some people add in some p=brake to add more load.
Properly spooling the winch is essential. If you put a load on the drum of the winch and the cable isn't spooled on tightly and properly you could damage the cable permanently on the first use of it. This leads to freys in the cable and flattened strands of the wire, weakening the cable.

It is best for the winch to remove a greater portion of the cable from the drum when recovering something that is heavy laden. I typically like to get down to the last layer on the drum, leaving at least 5-10 wraps on the drum.

Most people think that the cable or line is destroyed when you get a flat spot on it or a frey. It is weakened but not always destroyed. I typically unspool my winch after some hard use, attach it to the uphill tree, and load it up. wearing good leather gloves, I inspect the length of the cable. If I find a flat spot I use a 2x6 that is approx 16 inches and I use a hammer to softly tap the cable against the wood to help it assume its original roundedness(is that a word). If there are any freys or wires sticking out I will try to reshape them or break them off so they don't stick out possibly catching my hand or clothing during recovery/respool

I am pretty anal about how I use my winch and will stop several times during a recovery to respool it so the cable isn't laying over itself and potentially causing damage.

Lots to winches this bearly scratches the surface. Warn and others have great safety infomation on there sites to help as well. I think United 4wd also has some good tips for safety when winching.