Welcome.
You can put it in a box and ship it to me so I can evaluate it. Seriously, Hickey sidewinder winches (if that is what you have) were a good winch but slow compared to others out there. Old advertising showed them winching a Blazer up a tree They are strong and as you know hide very well. If mounted in the center you could winch either direction by changing which side the cable came out. Not sure I would want to do that in a mud pit or water.
I have one waiting for me to go through it. Parts availability last I checked was somewhat thin. Control box and the controller can and should be upgraded to more modern options.
Viperwolf a very knowledgeable member here has more experience and hopefully will respond.