I have an old warn winch that needs a rebuild and cable. I would like to hear some opinions on whether to use rope or cable and any suggestions as to what size, make, etc.. All the markings are well worn off of the winch so I'm not sure what size it is. I know it is warn because you can make it out on the top, but can't see any numbers. I went to a 4x4 shop in san diego to get parts for it years back and the guy said he had never seen one that big before. Though it could be industrial or something. Any suggestions would be great.

tom

could it be a warn bellvue? kinda like this one? if so, the bearings are easy to come by and they are super easy to rebuild!!

http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000035354/1000035354_81200335700PM4.635257E-02

http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000035354/1000035354_81200335700PM0.7765423

http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000035354/1000035354_81200335700PM0.2476247

http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000035354/1000035354_81200335701PM0.4052851

I would get rope, it's tough enough for saltwater marine applications. 5/16 rope is generally rated as stong as 3/8 cable. I really was not a big rope fan, but after wheeling a few times with people who run it, I have decided when my cable is done I will be getting rope. I am not exactly a safety zealot, but I just feel more comfortable working and pulling around rope instead of cable.

Rockstomper has decent prices and he wheels what he sells

I absolutely love the rope. I will never use cable on my wheeler again.

It is GREAT and super tough.

Mr McGee, I do believe that's it! Looks like it. Where can I get rebuild parts?

Thanks
tom

ih8mud.com/tech/oldwarn.html

(I think that's it...look on my site, right column in the tech section, in the winch area...)

Cool, thanks.

Nolen, what size rope and what length do you run?

tom

not sure what Nolen runs, but I've got rockstomper.com rope in 5/16" size and 150 feet on my 8274-50. That would fit as well on the Bellevue winch you have. IIRC (check the site) 13,400# break point....

thanks woody, that had all I needed to take care of the winch.

that is the size I was thinking I would use. I was worried that 150 ft might be too long for it.

I preface this link by saying I'm a total geek, and I love stuff like this.


http://www.neropes.com/industrial_utility/spool_calculator.htm

well i dont know how much I have, but its FRICKEN LONG!! Got some brand new cable from my dads work. some tuff shit. anyways, go to any bearing supply place with the old bearings, and they can hook you up. only thing is that there were some bearings that were 1/4" wide....couldnt find them. so we took out one c-clip and made a spacer, and modified a spacer that was in there. seriously...very VERY easy to rebuild. ours runs like a champ and puts out 1/10th the noise it used to! :D

btw, if i can find the boxes when i get back from vacation, i will give you the numbers! :D

Thanks Mr McGee, that would be very helpful.
tom

Thats cool chef. I'll get measuring and figure just how long I can go.
tom

I like the winch rope myself. I managed to snap my 3/8" winch rope on the Rubicon two weeks ago and it just fell to the ground - no recoil at all. Best part was - and I didn't think this would work - a guy I met on the trail tied the broken ends into a fisherman's knot and I was able to resume winching with the repaired line.

I sent the line to Scott @ Rockstomper to be spliced/repaired and made into an extension, and I'm getting a new 3/8" winch rope from him to replace it.

Unfortunately the rope isn't here yet, Scott's out of town and I am doing Fordyce Tuesday. Hope it shows soon. :(

Morgan

What are the Rockstomper ropes costing these days? My wire rope is still in good shape but I've always like the idea of changing to "normal" winch rope.

3/8" x 125' winch rope, re-using my existing hook was $210. My first winch rope was from Master Pull. They wanted $280 IIRC.

Scott is repairing my broken line and making it into an extension as part of the deal.

I'm running an old 8274.

Morgan