I am looking to add the Warn VR 10,ooolb winch and the Lucky 8 winch kit (I dont know the weight of that).
My 90 has the steel springs, do you think that they will need an upgrade?
thanks!

 

Yes.

OEM spec requires upgraded springs.

From the install instructions. Replace the front coil springs.For additional information, please refer to the official Workshop Manual. Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - [+] Coil Suspension (204-01 Front Suspension)

• 6 Cyl 90 L8BM-5B302-AA VPLEI0604.
• 6 Cyl 110 L8BM-5B302-BA VPLEI0605.
• 4 Cyl 90 L8B2-5C314-KA LR140233.
• 4 Cyl 110 L8B2-5C314-EA LR140355.

 

When I self-installed the winch, even with air springs doing their self-leveling thing, I did immediately notice the extra weight -- in the way the vehicle handled. This situation was resolved in my case by adding the weight of the rock sliders (which moved the CG aft).

I note this only to suggest that the "stiffer coils" requirement is really necessary.

 

I have both the Zeon 12S and the Lucky8 winch tray in my garage right now, going on next Tuesday. I haven’t weighed them yet (will do so when I get back from out of town) but DAMN they’re heavy! I hate to kludge up the weight balance in the front — the P400 is the best-handling SUV I’ve owned so far at speed on mountain roads. I’ll probably need to relearn my lines and braking points, it’s that heavy of a combo.

 

after reading the weight detriment and transfer, I decided not to add that option.

 

@NoGaBiker - holy guacamole, you're right. I don't know the actual weights, but the Zeon 10-S (I went smaller), the winch tray (I went OEM), AND the Australian roo-bars weighed a LOT. I haven't done the math, but I definitely needed an assist to carry much of it and I don't consider myself too old & weak yet. Not to hijack the thread, but I have air. For those who are wondering, it was a crap load of weight but I haven't really noticed it at all on my Defender. P400, X-Dynamic HSE, air suspension.

 

The 10s and 12s both weigh 80 lbs. (only difference is rope capacity and gearing ratio) tray and brackets another 40 I’m guessing. My short wheelbase 90 with air hardly noticeable difference, slightly more bobbing during hard braking or acceleration, no difference in handling that I can tell. Definitely a worth while mod. Steel springs need an upgrade.

 

Thanks everyone, I called and changed my defender order to the air suspension because I plan on adding the winch. I am considering buying the 8000lb as it is 18lbs lighter (54lbs with the synthetic rope). But, I am nervous that I will be underpowered in case that I need it. I don’t do any muddying or rock crawling, just unmaintained logging road and a lot of snow driving.

 

so you are going to buy an undersized winch to save 18 pounds? If it is just for looks go for it. Our Defenders weigh 5000 lb, do you think 18 pounds will be a noticeable difference? Not.I have had winches on Jeep Bronco and numerous trucks and many times made the difference in being home that night, don’t skimp if you need them.

 

over the years I have had landcrusers (I have 2 now) full size blazers and CJ 7, all with warn 8000lb winches that worked great. I assumed this would be the same….