Which winch hook/shackle do you guys recommend.

[Jtclayton612]

Flat link E, it can fit over a stock JL tow hook. Which isn’t the best idea but for an easy slow pull with the winch I feel pretty decent about it. The regular flat link can’t.

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[Wyoldguy]

Careful with that. You'll scar the fairlead which will cut your line.

I cut a piece of rubber that sits behind it now to prevent that, just not pictured. I’ll upgrade eventually but lift and tires were more of a priority and I don’t like leaving line out to attach it to the recovery point on the bumper.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Yeah price makes sense, that way if it gets damaged, it's really no big deal.... $20 buys another one. Have you put it to the test ???

Multiple times, worked like a charm. I've only run soft shackles through it, but I'm sure a steel shackle would work just the same.

 

[ChuckQue]

Could always go with the Badlands thimble if you want to keep cost down, I think it was $44? I’m using one as a placeholder until my flatlink gets here.

 

[Mx5red]

I'm a fan of the winch thimble fan myself, but I run a knock off $20 amazon special.

What is the flat plate on the top end of your hi-lift?

 

[Zandcwhite]

What is the flat plate on the top end of your hi-lift?

It's the new style top link that comes on the hilifts, replacing the triangular bracket.

 

[Steph1]

Could always go with the Badlands thimble if you want to keep cost down, I think it was $44? I’m using one as a placeholder until my flatlink gets here.

I really like the clean look, but can totally see myself busting a knee on that going around my Jeep in the garage….. otherwise, I was lesning towards this one.

 

[Philly_]

Personally I don’t think it’s worth swapping the hook out unless you are going to splice the new link on like the Factor55 “Splicer” or “Flatlink Slpicer.”

Those are the only links that truly reduce the number of failure points in your line.

I have the Flatlink Splicer on my Jeep and like that it reduces the number of potential failure points, weighs less than a standard thimble and winch hook, can be reattached fairly easily on the trail, and still snugs up to the fairlead nicely.

Wrote a bit about it here.

EDIT: The TRE one @Chocolate Thunder uses accomplishes the same thing and would be a great route as well.

 

[Rustynail11]

All of them will work, really comes down to preference. As far as shackles go I carry D rings and soft shackles

 

[Gadgettr1]

I'm a fan of the Factor 55 gear. The yellow plastic is just a template (flexible cutting board) to see if it keeps my winch drum/synthetic cable from getting road salt/chemicals all over the drum.

 

[Headbarcode]

Except for my Bubba recovery rope, I went with Factor55 for the rest of my winch equipment, including the Ultrahook with rope guard and 1" fairlead...

 

[Buddy Lee]

Another option to consider is no hook. I try to minimize the amount of metal needed for all of my winching operations. I just leave the rope thimble open and attach it with a small steel shackle to secure it. When I need to use the winch my first choice is to use soft shackles with the thimble.
If something breaks during the operation, there will be no metal pieces flying at me or anyone else. I always carry metal shackles and other recovery gear just in case I need them, but my default is soft shackles.

 

[Headbarcode]

I'm a fan of the Factor 55 gear. The yellow plastic is just a template (flexible cutting board) to see if it keeps my winch drum/synthetic cable from getting road salt/chemicals all over the drum.

Warn makes Stealth winch covers specifically designed for either the Zeons or VR Evos. They both include zip able windows for the drum which allow full functionality without removing the whole cover.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/winch-covers/107765-warn-stealth-series-vr-winch-cover

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/winch-covers/102639-warn-stealth-series-zeon-winch-cover

 

[Speed331]

Flat link E, it can fit over a stock JL tow hook. Which isn’t the best idea but for an easy slow pull with the winch I feel pretty decent about it. The regular flat link can’t.

It can also accomodate the business end a standard steel shackle (not just the pin). Probably very few instances where that would be needed, but weird shit happens out on the trail. Versatility is always better....

 

[yarmo]

I run a soft shackle at the end of mine; less weight to kill me if my line snaps...

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