Replacing steel cable to synthetic rope

I have an older Warn xd9000i on my TJ. Decided to start bringing it back to tune, and wheel it.

The winch is good, but I’m going to open it up and put some grease in there, make sure nothing rusted. The cable has been all spooled up tight in there for like 15 years or so and is kinked, with a few splinters. I figured this would be a good time to update it to synthetic.

So, any brand recommendations for synthetic winch line? I was thinking somewhere between 85-100 ft of 3/8ths…

Yes I’m aware Warn sells synthetic. Just seeing what options are out there, by reputation.

I don’t remember off the top of my head but the winch with stock cable does something like 120 feet maybe.

 

First and last bump

 

It’s all from the same factory in China just in different boxes. I would find something similar in strength to what your winch is rated for.

 

I'm upgrading my steel cable to synthetic and will probably go with Freedom ropes when I'm ready.

Made in the USA.

https://freedomropes.com/our-produc...dom-Winchline-Synthetic-Winchline/c/162365829

 

Quick search on Google says 100 feet fit. came with 5/16th, 120 foot cable..

You might take the cable off and really look over the drum to make sure it doesn't have any burrs or worn spots that may damage the synthetic line. And if it does look good, make sure to get a proper fairlead that's never had steel touch it.

 

not exactly what you are asking, but i saw this the other day

https://youtu.be/WxFh3MmqUos?si=RUN8Ah4iRJGVB7gH

 

yeah I remember when that came out on bleepin jeep. I guess him and Matt from
Matt’s off road are buddies.

 

I am. I’m talking the whole thing apart. Planetary gears and all. I’ll be changing the fairlead, which is where the burs are anyways.

The issue is like with yankum ropes, another made in the USA and certain other brands, you can’t get 120 feet on 5/16ths synthetic.

Also, the line strength is not 1:1. 5/16ths cable is rated at like 21,000. 3/8ths synthetic is 17,000 and 5/16 synthetic is 11,000.

 

5/16 steel cable is more like 9,500 - 9,800 lbs: https://www.warn.com/winch-cable-hook-9800lb-38309

https://www.jmrigging.com/ is a good usa source for synthetics.

 

I ordered from them on Monday and was delivered yesterday, same day shipping!! I should've ordered an extra soft shackle or two

 

New Synthetic Winch line installed using Freedom Ropes 3/8" Synthetic Line along with a Bubba Ropes Line Grabber. Doing this out of general maintenance, Winch Lines should be considered a Consumable Item and should be replaced after a couple of years of use.


The Bubba Rope Line Grabber is a must have..


Forgot to take a picture of todays install with the New Rope and the Line Grabber, but this is what the Line Grabber looks like when installed.


Also installed a new Warn Hawse Fairlead and a Factory Proline Winch Line Shackle Mount.


That one time my Winch Solenoid caught on fire and I didn't even know it..


So I got a new Albright Solenoid and wired in HarborFrieght Badlands Wireless Winch Controller..and it works bitching!! Now my Winch and be controlled either Wirelessly or plugged in..


2 years ago I did a complete teardown and regressed the Winch, should be good for another year or so..