Tow Hooks?

[B192734]

Hey all, I was just wondering where people had tow hooks anchored in at. Looking to put some on and didn't know if I was going to have to remove the bumper first or if it was easier than that. Thanks.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Most XJ's use brackets to attach the front towhooks to the pseudoframe. You can see some at www.rustysoffroad.com . I plan on using a front and rear receiver for tow points.

 

[dingus]

yeah, being as cherokee's are a uni-body design, you really SHOULD at least have brackets mounted to the frame so that you don't bend your unibody.

that said, on both my old '90 XJ and my current '94 XJ, i just have them bolted up to the frame:

(once i get my hands on a drill i'll put the 2nd bolt through each of them)

 

[TwistedCU]

Hmmm. No brackets and one bolt in the unibody frame of an XJ...

Stand clear everyone!!!

Seriously though, you ought to consider a Draw-tite front hitch. IT actually will strengthen the front end and you can pull Hummers out of the mud with them. No loss of ground clearance either (with the Draw-tite brand).

They're just over $100 or so. Check out www.ETrailer.com for one.

 

[TwistedCU]

Deleted double post

 

[graewulf]

i agree on the front receiver... I have the draw tite... works real good.

 

[currupt4130]

that said, on both my old '90 XJ and my current '94 XJ, i just have them bolted up to the frame:

thats just plain scary! my god i hope you dont actually use those... one bolt through sheetmetal?

 

[XJBEATER]

Tow hooks on XJ's are scary!!! Even with the brackets. Had a factory hook come off a budds XJ and take out my back window!!
PLEASE USE ONLY A FRONT HITCH FOR SAFETY!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The factory setup, along with many aftermarket bracket/hook setups, are only marginal for recovery. I wouldn't do a real hard pull, or any side pull, with 'em.

Luckily I'll be installing a drawtite receiver, I'll have it tonight. Seems like the strongest method to me regardless of the pull angle.

 

[TwistedCU]

Luckily I'll be installing a drawtite receiver, I'll have it tonight. Seems like the strongest method to me regardless of the pull angle.

Without a doubt. Like I mentioned before, it also strengthens the unibody by tying together the frame rails, it adds another jacking point for a hi-lift, and it works like a skidplate to protect the steering box.

 

[TwistedCU]

Also, keep in mind that the XJ's unibody is merely 16 ga steel. I believe that's around 6 tenths of an inch :!:

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Without a doubt. Like I mentioned before, it also strengthens the unibody by tying together the frame rails, it adds another jacking point for a hi-lift, and it works like a skidplate to protect the steering box.

I think I'll add that skidplate that slips in the receiver, or make one.

 

[TwistedCU]

I think I'll add that skidplate that slips in the receiver, or make one.

I saw that on the website that I bought my Draw tite on. Looks pretty simple to make.

I still need to buy a welder