Nate's 2002 TJ, Not so simple anymore by gst95dsm

3 minute(s) of a 391 minute read

Knocked out a little project I've been wanting to do for a while now. Put together an in-cab winch switch. Always meant to buy one from 12v guy but never got around to it. Anyways I was bored yesterday so I decided to hit radio shack to see what I could come up with.  

Came out looking pretty much like the one's you can buy pre-made. Works good, was a fun little project.

I got everything at Radio shack, spent about $30 including the wire, fuse holder, loom. The wire was over half that, so if you have wire already laying around this is a very cheap little project. I anyone wants to know what items were used specifically let me know.

It was always annoying having to get my controller out any time I needed the winch. This will be handy!



I bought an LED also not realizing the tip of the safety switch had one build in, I thought that was pretty slick!

5-3-2012

Installed the Swag Offroad Drop Down Tailgate kit last night. Maybe I was just tired but I found it to be a finicky install.. Getting those backing plates into place behind the tub for the lower hinge bolts was about the most frustrating thing I've done in recent memory! Also somehow even though I drilled the hinges with the tailgate locked solid my striker attached to the tub does not have enough adjustment to be completely smooth when opening.... bleh!  

I'm also leery of how the cables attach to the tub, Self tapping bolts? I would much rather use a bolt / nyloc combo. It seems like A LOT of force being put through there. Also self tappers and a small bracket on the passenger side cable mount on the gate itself. I really hope these hold up to years of use. I just can't see it happening though. 400lbs???  

The newest design has a plate that runs the length of the gate with the Swag logo in it. I'm just not understanding why we wouldn't want that solid plate running the length of the TUB where the hinges mount?? Seems like MUCH more pressure is on the tub with weight on the gate. A plate running the length of both is probably ideal Bleh.....

Honestly feeling a bit of buyer remorse with this one. I hope it changes once I actually get to use it and it comes in handy. I was already thinking $200 was a lot for what your getting but figured the kit was designed incredibly stout based on what I've read. Maybe I was just expecting to much. Somewhat disappointing.......