Replacing steel cable with steel line

Howdy, as the title says I'm looking to replace my steel cable with a synthetic winch line. I have a Smitybilt X2O 10k winch. My question is is this possible and which line is compatible and do yall recommend.

Backstory: Back in the February Texas winter storm, I pulled a car out of a ditch and once I pulled the car I retracted the winch without tension and now my winch line is stuck on the back bar of the winch. So I have to drop my bumper and take the whole winch line out and respool it, so to avoid this in the future and get a less deadly winch line I was thinking of going synthetic.

 

The line is meant to be replaced periodically, so I can't imagine why switching to synthetic wouldn't be an option.

Smittybilt probably offers replacement cables. I think theirs would be the ideal choice. But, I believe there are some aftermarket replacement line options as well.

 

I've looked on their site and have only seen winches themselves.

 

https://www.youtube.com/results?sea...itty+built+winch+line+from+steel+to+synthetic
.

 

I didn't check their website, but found this:

https://www.quadratec.com/products/92122_910X_PG.htm

 

Do yall think this line would work as a replacement

Smittybilt 97710 XRC Universal Synthetic Winch Rope, 3/8" x 94', 10,000 lbs.,Silver

Smittybilt 97710 XRC Universal Synthetic Winch Rope, 3/8" x 94', 10000 lbs.,Silver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CG7QWE?_encoding=UTF8

 

Any maker's synthetic line will work as long as it is the same (or substantially similar) diameter and length.

You can probably go a little longer with synthetic line since it will compress on itself a little as it is spooled.

Personally I would avoid Smittybilt only because the hook is an integral part of the rope. If you want to replace the hook you have to cut it off. It makes more sense to use a Warn-style hook (or really any similar design, Factor 55, Harbor Freight, what have you) since you can remove the hook with just a clevis.

If you have never respooled a winch it's actually quite easy. The cable / rope is held on basically by tension of the wrap. The very end is tethered to the drum only by a small non-weight bearing bolt. Just make sure it's wound in the correct direction on the drum so it is coming out the bottom and you are good to go.

 

Interesting, I will look at other brands, I just don't know the diameter I would need as I am currently running a steel cable, and I assume they are different diameters, but I could be wrong

 

I believe they are based on weight rating so most vehicle use winches 8k-12k will be 3/8", but this is just my casual observation from owning a few.

 

Something that is very important to check when switching from steel to synthetic is the drum condition. Even the slightest burr will chew the synthetic. So sand or file down anything you can feel.

 

Yes and the hawse fairlead needs to be considered

 

Yea already have one picked out and a new front plate holder, stupid front plates

 

Based on me looking it seems that way, im going to see if i can dig the manual out and see if i can find out max length of the rope I can use

 

Few weeks old thread but I replaced my smitty x20 10k steel cable with synthetic. Have not used it yet, but everything went on as normal. This length was just about perfect with about 1-2 rotations to spare.

This is the one I purchased because I was able to remove the hook without cutting and add my own hook.

OFF ROAD BOAR Synthetic Winch Rope 3/8 92 ft, 25000lbs Recovery Rope with Hook, Winch Cable Replacement, Winch Line Extension for 4WD ATV/UTV Vehicle Jeep SUV (Black)

Amazon.com: OFF ROAD BOAR 3/8'' x 92ft Synthetic Winch Rope, 25000lbs Recovery Cable Line,Winch Line Extension for ATV/UTV 4WD Vehicle Jeep SUV(Black) : Automotive

 

I too had that problem of a birds nest with my steel cable winch line. Solution was to hook it to a tree / tree strap, put the winch in neutral and back up my 4runner pulling the winch line out. Then retension it under load - put the 4Runner in neutral and pull it with the winch.

 

I figure I'll eventually switch to synthetic but... like steel cable for pulling downed trees / logs off the trail.

 

Mine is so messed up, I have to take a top support bar off my winch, and drop the bumper, so I figured why not why not switch, plus Im going a little shorter line so it is less likely to happen again.

 

So glad I didn't run the steel on my smitty. Swapping it out was my first priority. I was also able to sell my new steel wire and recoup what I paid for the synthetic rope so it all worked out perfectly.