Tow hooks?

B192734 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 04:56 PM

Hey everybody. Anyone out there put tow hooks on their XJ on their own? I've never had to pull a bumper before that had anything to do with airbags, and don't want to do something stupid with it (i.e. blow the bags while standing there pulling on something...). I was looking at the bracket set that Rusty's has, and just realized that I have to pull the whole thing apart. And suggestions? Is it easier than I may think it is (hopefully)?

droopey · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 06:09 PM

Just pull the negative cable off the battery you should be fine then.

90Xjay · #3 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 07:43 PM

front hooks were an overlooked item from the factory for sure.

Bounty__Hunter · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2006, 11:02 PM

Check into the drawtite receiver for the front, rated at 9000lbs line pull for recovery and ties the whole front end together. A lot stronger than hooks and brackets, especially when pulling at any angle other than straight on.

90Xjay · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2006, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bounty__Hunter

Check into the drawtite receiver for the front, rated at 9000lbs line pull for recovery and ties the whole front end together. A lot stronger than hooks and brackets, especially when pulling at any angle other than straight on.

good, do you happen to have a link to that? I'd like to look at that myself

Bounty__Hunter · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 12:34 AM

$104.55 http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/fron..._main.htm#Jeep

I've been real happy with mine, after seeing towhook brackets tweak from side pulls. The hitch mounts to the bottom of the chassis with 6 bolts, really solidifies the front of the unibody jeeps.

90Xjay · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bounty__Hunter

$104.55 http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/fron..._main.htm#Jeep

I've been real happy with mine, after seeing towhook brackets tweak from side pulls. The hitch mounts to the bottom of the chassis with 6 bolts, really solidifies the front of the unibody jeeps.

Ahh, now I see...I need to check and make sure it won't interfere with my Smittybuilt push bar.

Gone&DoneIt · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B192734

don't want to do something stupid with it (i.e. blow the bags while standing there pulling on something...).

I'm sorry but the visual I got on that was just funny as hell!!!!! Out front, trying to pull you buddy out, someone steering in the drivers seat and kerplow,... I know it would suck,... but the metal image had me in stitches!!!

TwistedCopper · #9 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bounty__Hunter

Check into the drawtite receiver for the front, rated at 9000lbs line pull for recovery and ties the whole front end together. A lot stronger than hooks and brackets, especially when pulling at any angle other than straight on.

This is absolutely the best towpoint for an XJ. The Drawtite (definately the one you will want to buy) sits nicely under the bumper, and strengthening the front of the unibody is a plus. As an added bonus it acts as a skidplate

Mine was solid and I put it to use quite a bit.

B192734 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-26-2006, 06:08 PM

Would you have to cut the faring to fit that in or does it hang just below? Looks good though. How was that going on? On a scale of 1 (sure I could do that...) to 10 (yeah, uh, I'm sure I could do that), where do you think it would lie. I just like to know ahead of time if it's a possibility that I won't be driving for a month while I figure out what the heck I did to cause the steering column to fall out...

TwistedCopper · #11 (**permalink**) 12-26-2006, 10:56 PM

I'd say a 4-5, but only because you'll need to get under the Jeep and if by yourself the first bolt ot two will be difficult if you have nothing to prop the hitch in place. It was an EZ install.

You will trim the airdam for the 2" receiver but that's all.

B192734 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-26-2006, 10:59 PM

Doesn't sound too bad. Use the 3 or 4 old hydro jacks that I have sitting around from old cars to prop it up. From the picture it looks like it bolts right to the side of the body/frame. Do you have to pull the front off, or does it bolt on around the bumper?