Winch rec, Tire Size, and Springs

peytondisco98 · Nov 27, 2020

Hi!

I'm finally getting around to upgrading a few items on the rig!

1) Tire Size - I have a 2" TF MD and looking for the biggest tires that look good, give me more clearance, and fit on the truck without having to do any cuts.

2) Winch rec - I have an ARB front bumper, and I'm looking to add a winch without breaking the bank. I'll use a few times per year, max. Anyone had luck with the Harbor Freight Badlands 12k winch? For under $300 I'm tempted. And I suppose feel a little better about venturing into some stuff I'm hesitant to do without another rig with me.

3) Springs - I currently have the TF MD springs. I now have the ARB front bumper, plus the new winch. Anyone running a setup like this with MD front springs, or should iI upgrade to HD front springs.

Thanks!

Toran · Nov 27, 2020

I am running the skinny 235/85/16
They are plenty tall but not that wide for my street traveling. I also have the 2" TF HD springs. Because I dont have a lot of cargo I could have gone with the MD setup for a smoother feels.

As for a winch I went with the Vortex 8500 LB. It was recommended by the Rover Offroad shop that installed my front bumper. These guys installed dozens of these Vortex winches and had a direct hotline with the distributor and they said they have never had a problem with the winches! This place was no joke so I gladly took their advice as they knew a lot more than I did. The winch has been used a few times since 2016 with no issues thus far.

I did replace the wire cord with a nylon one as to save weight and possibly save my hands if you know what I mean.

When I sold my D2, the buyer arrived with a flat bed and a Harbor Freight winch. I immediately asked it. He and his father had nothing but positive things to say about it as they have used theirs around the farm and on offroad events. It made me think because at one point I was going to go that route as stuff starts to add up quickly.

Hope that helps

peytondisco98 · Nov 29, 2020

@Toran huge thanks for the advice. Awesome rig. Is that the camel cut so that your tires does not rub?

Toran · Nov 29, 2020

Just sharing what I have done based on trolling Rover peeps over the many years! LOL

To be honest I am not sure. When I picked up the rig in 2016 it was stock, the PO had huge and wide offroad tires.

Knightspirit · Nov 29, 2020

peytondisco98 said:
@Toran huge thanks for the advice. Awesome rig. Is that the camel cut so that your tires does not rub?

That's more than the Camel cut - I have the same tires and 2" Terra Firma lift (I bought the medium springs - and they are perfect). All I had to cut was a small little section on the back of the rear wheel wells - can't even see it from the side.

Toran · Nov 30, 2020

Knightspirit said:
That's more than the Camel cut - I have the same tires and 2" Terra Firma lift (I bought the medium springs - and they are perfect). All I had to cut was a small little section on the back of the rear wheel wells - can't even see it from the side.

Does your Camel cut look more like this image?

ukoffroad · Nov 30, 2020

With a winch, you get what you pay for. If you will be alone a lot, I would spend extra $$$ for a Warn or similar.

rovercanus · Nov 30, 2020

I've had my Superwinch for around 15 years. It's been on 2 trucks and I've never had to do any maintenance on it. Just used it recently and it worked just fine.

Blue · Nov 30, 2020

It warms my heart to see a new thread like this.

Regarding tires, look at the 238/85 but another option is likely 245/75.

You will probably have to trim a bit behind the rear tires where the fender will occasionally catch on the outer shoulder lugs.

I’d also consider the advice about winches. If you are venturing far off the beaten path alone, the peace of mind of a better winch may be worth it. Think of what an off road recovery would cost and suddenly the winch is not very expensive.

Blueboy · Nov 30, 2020

Blue said:
It warms my heart to see a new thread like this.

Regarding tires, look at the 238/85 but another option is likely 245/75.

You will probably have to trim a bit behind the rear tires where the fender will occasionally catch on the outer shoulder lugs.

I’d also consider the advice about winches. If you are venturing far off the beaten path alone, the peace of mind of a better winch may be worth it. Think of what an off road recovery would cost and suddenly the winch is not very expensive.

My Warn has been on 2 Rovers and has gotten me out of many stucks. Also look at winch “rope” vs wire. Much safer.
And depending on your terrain, consider getting a PullPal.

ERover82 · Nov 30, 2020

245/75 is a very proportional size on a D1 that fits with no compromise.

Your TF medium rate springs should be fine with said equipment.

ukoffroad · Nov 30, 2020

My Superwinch X-9 is about 15 years old, second motor after abusing the first one.
Looking at this one for the DII, move the X-9 to my Series.

ukoffroad · Nov 30, 2020

And yes, ditch the wire first thing. Synthetic is worth every penny for safety.

Swedjen2 · Dec 1, 2020

You might want to add spacers.
Don't know about D1's, but stock D2's don't sit level, front to back. They look like a '60's Funny Car at the drag strip ready to rip off a 13.5 sec quarter mile.
So I had to add a 1" spacer to the front. Now, my D2 looks too good. Other rover owners, friends who normally could give a Shite, even my 27 y/o nephew who drives one of those Kraut sleds heap praise.

Front only.

K-rover · Dec 1, 2020

Blue said:
It warms my heart to see a new thread like this.

Regarding tires, look at the 238/85 but another option is likely 245/75.

You will probably have to trim a bit behind the rear tires where the fender will occasionally catch on the outer shoulder lugs.

I’d also consider the advice about winches. If you are venturing far off the beaten path alone, the peace of mind of a better winch may be worth it. Think of what an off road recovery would cost and suddenly the winch is not very expensive.

I agree with buying a good winch, problem is all the big companies have been sold recently. Warn, Superwinch..etc.. had a buddy who put a Superwinch on his 90. First time he went to use it the motor was dead. He tore it apart and the whole inside was already corroded. He called Superwinch and they eventually sent him a replacement. But that didnt help him when he was stuck on the trail! I sold my Superwinch and went to a Smittybilt X20 10k with synthetic. The lone speed is much faster than my old winch.
I made the switch after spending all day pulling cable for a couple buddies of mine at a buggy park right after a rain storm! They both had the x20 and neither had any issues winching all day long!

SCSL · Dec 1, 2020

ukoffroad said:
My Superwinch X-9 is about 15 years old, second motor after abusing the first one.
Looking at this one for the DII, move the X-9 to my Series.

One more vote for Superwinch. Have had my X-9 for around 17 or 18 years. And yes, ditch the cable and get a synthetic rope right away.

ERover82 · Dec 1, 2020

When I last got deep into winch research, the Superwinch EP9 / Comeup DV9 were impressive for their light weight, compact size, decent line speed, electrical efficiency, and external full load cone brake.

Blue · Dec 1, 2020

ERover82 said:
When I last got deep into winch research, the Superwinch EP9 / Comeup DV9 were impressive for their light weight, compact size, decent line speed, and electrical efficiency, and external full load cone brake.

Noted. I'm about to get back into winch research for my new truck.

Knightspirit · Dec 2, 2020

Toran said:
Does your Camel cut look more like this image?
View attachment 60149

Here's what I did for the Camel Cut - works great with the 235/85/16's:

Flyfish · Dec 2, 2020

I definitely agree that the winch is the last place to go cheap. If you need it, you need it!! I’ve used the Warn XD9000, Superwinch X9, Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500 synthetic & Smittybilt XRC. If I was in the market, I’d get the Smittybilt Gen 3 XRC 9.5 synthetic. And it’s just under $600.

Winch rec, Tire Size, and Springs

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