Yeah those HF winches seem to be problematic & have a high warranty/return rate from most everything I’ve read/heard.

On the other hand the Mile Marker E8000 winch that I recently picked up off E-bay for $325 from National Offroad is a much better choice IMO if you’re looking for a inexpensive alternative to some of the other brands.

Snoopy’s review/how to on the MM E8000 can be found at:
http://www.xterraownersclub.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=000633

After seeing that E8000 in action, reading the reviews, and talking too several resellers about their track records/ warranty claim rates so far I decided to get one.

The bolt pattern matches the warn specs so they mount right on to an ARB Bullbar. The control box requires a bit of customization for mounting, which is no big deal. Snoopy and I ended up mounting them inside the bumper for a nice hidden look, but they don’t bolt directly on the front like the warn ones. I added a roller fairlead to mine for $55 since it didn’t come with one.