If the 12k is cheaper, then what's the decision? lol. IMHO, I'd go as big as you can. If I were to get a winch I wouldn't get less than a 10k.So...... 12k or 9k winch?? The 12 is on sale and is slightly cheaper than the 9k. I got a Hefty Fab front bumper on this truck. The winch should mount internal on this bumper. Will the 12 even fit?? Never had a winch on my trucks.. always used brain power, chain and come along, or chain and hilift jack to get out of situations. They never let me down, but the hole is there for one... So ima stick one in there.