WELLLL, even though I have a Warn M8000, here is an idea from no experience with using it as a winch. (I do have one, just don't use it as a winch) Get a piece of canvas that is as long as the jack and put an eye in it then hook it to the leading edge of the jack. As you use the jack, the canvas will follow underneith it. When you drop tension on the jack and it drops to the ground, it will drop right on the canvas instead of the mud. What do you think? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />