I plan on a mild build on a 86' bronco, I figure either 31" tires, or 33"s and possibly a gear change to 4.10s if I go with 33"s. Anyway, my question is, since I have a very limited budget, should I go with a winch, not regear it and leave the axles open, or get a "lunch box" locker for the rear and regear both axles to 4.10s? Would the 8.8 be ok with one running either a 31 or 33 inch tire? Or should I look around for a 9"?

 

I'd do the axles. You get a lot more use out of them and will cut down on times needing the winch.

 

x2. I never got around to buying a winch after I put in my Lockrite. The lunchbox lockers are easy to install, fairly cheap, and most of all, they work. You will be amazed at how much more you can do in 2wd than you used to do in 4wd.

 

If your going to get into heavy off-roading I'd say get a winch first because sure the lockers will get you through more but they can only take you through so much.

 

I go with winch first. Lockers are great, but they only get you stuck further in.

 

I'd say go with the locker... a winch is a great tool but its best used when your alone... (shouldt be wheeling alone) i would take some time to mount good tow hooks to your truck and invest a some good straps and then use that for recovery... you'll get way more use out of a locker then a winch.

 

I would go with the winch. mine has got me out of some bad spots and ive helped a lot of other people out with it too.

 

After taking the quads out today I can say that no locker would have gotten me outta that.

 

I would suggest a winch. I've got a warn winch, and there are so many different times i've used it that having a locker wouldnt have helped me get out. Not to mention other people i've helped with it.

Lockers can't get you unstuck, they can just prolong it.
A proper winch can always save the day. (Assuming you have something to anchor to!)

 

A winch can be used for many things + I use to pull others out with mine for $$ unless I knew them or were mudding with them.

 

Yeah. You can charge people and soon enough you'll be able to buy a locker with the money made from the winch.

 

i just got stuck tonight and had some buddies with me but i usually have the better off road rig so if i get stuck there is nothin that will pull me out and even with lockers i woulda just dug deeper. im going to start looking for a good winch, sick of calling around to get one or sometimes 2 good trucks lined up just to save mine plus i am usually on the top of everyones list to call for a pull so a winch would be worth it IMO

 

Ford-Harto, you ought to wheel with people with at least the same SIZE truck. My f-350 is much more capable than anyone I wheel with, but the main guy has a K5, if it so happens that either of us get stuck, we can get out even if it is just sheer bumper bending force.

Edit:
Now that I think about it, he's going to have his new engine in aswell as his locker next time we wheel. Thats a scary thought, a chevy outperforming me. :P

 

i would put in the locker first... i've been wheeling for years and still have not bought a winch. i would also tell you to buy a locker before building up your motor, its had to go anywhere if you can't get any power to the ground.. with open diffs you will be needing to be pulled or using a winch than if you had the lockers, if you flex out a bit too much on dry ground with open diffs you just spin a tire and might need a pull, but with lockers you would just keep on moving..

 

I would really get both lol. The locker is going to take you to alot more places but those places you will need a winch. I would get a lock rite and a gorrlia winch. Gorrilas are nice pieces and only for $400.00 for a 10,000 its a good deal. Also $130.00 for Synthetic Rope its not a bad idea to get that either.