Anyone ever try a Kong dog toy? Kinda gives you something to grip too.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Any ideas on how to save the front rack from the abrasion and stress of the winch hook if you set it up like action450? </end quote></div>

I've seen people use a length of garden or heater hose over the cable, secured with a zip tie. Some skid plates or front bumpers come with a loop for a which cable, however personally I like to hook to something that has just a little give, so if I wanted it hooked to the rack I'd probably do the bungee thing.

There have been a couple times where I've had to reach down into the muck and feel for my hook, when I've had to pull out with the winch under mud, but that doesn't happen very often (mud is rare in my area) and when it does happen I'm usually already covered in mud- so getting the arm dirty isn't an issue.

Mainly, the rubber bumper allows me to more easily get the cable tight enough that it won't rattle, without smacking the steel hook hard into the rollers. Especially with a synthetic cable, I think it's a good idea to avoid raising burrs or making scratches on the rollers...

 

i bought a large KONG from tractor supply and it works awesome...

looks good also

 

I used a muffler hanger and it works perfect. Made of black rubber and has a hole in the middle. I even shined it up with a little tire shine. Found it in the garage, Free... Must cost just pennies at a muffler shop.