Tow Hooks=> XJ (Install?)

adam smith · 09-30-2004, 11:51 AM

I'm looking to put a set of tow hooks on my xj. Is it necessary to get the adaption kit that runs around $75? if so, where is the cheepest place online to purchase this???

[ October 19, 2004, 11:31 AM: Message edited by: adam smith ]

yellowXJ · 09-30-2004, 11:54 AM

Get the C4x4 hooks from Jason (Jeepin' Outfitters) [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Better yet, save up a little bit more money and buy a bumper with recovery points. You'll probably be glad you did in the long run.

Jeepin Jason · 09-30-2004, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by yellowXJ:
Get the C4x4 hooks from Jason (Jeepin' Outfitters) [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Better yet, save up a little bit more money and buy a bumper with recovery points. You'll probably be glad you did in the long run.

^^^ what he said.

And yes, it is necessary to get the reinforcement mounting kit to mount tow hooks to an XJ.

Zentirn · 09-30-2004, 03:00 PM

I bought and installed the C4x4 from Jason, they are very nice, I haven't used them yet because I don't get out wheeling much if any in my area.

They were very easy to install, and I have never done more then basic fluid changes, etc.

79DanCJ · 09-30-2004, 03:11 PM

I have them. They are awesome. Very strong.

xjduke · 10-01-2004, 01:50 AM

I just got some c4x4 ones off ebay for $50

RJ · 10-01-2004, 01:52 AM

I bolted one of these black hooks front and rear on the old XJ and they were plenty sturdy where I mounted them and had tons of heavy yanking and worked flawlessy for total $15.

bbaCJ8 · 10-01-2004, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RJ:
I bolted one of these black hooks front and rear on the old XJ and they were plenty sturdy where I mounted them and had tons of heavy yanking and worked flawlessy for total $15.

[img]graemlins/squint.gif[/img]
Where the hell'd you mount em?

zerospin2003 · 10-01-2004, 01:55 AM

Build a bumper best way to go gaurantee it [img]graemlins/rock.gif[/img]

RJ · 10-01-2004, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbaXJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by RJ:
I bolted one of these black hooks front and rear on the old XJ and they were plenty sturdy where I mounted them and had tons of heavy yanking and worked flawlessy for total $15.

[img]graemlins/squint.gif[/img]
Where the hell'd you mount em? [/QUOTE]To the "frame" towards the end on each side. Tried and true.

Static-XJ · 10-01-2004, 02:18 AM

I used Elmers Paste to attach my hooks. I bought them for like 15¢ eash at homo depot.

edit: mmmmm....paste....

[ October 01, 2004, 02:23 AM: Message edited by: Static-XJ ]

Nate Spear · 10-01-2004, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RJ:
To the "frame" towards the end on each side. Tried and true.

Pics?

j_prime · 10-01-2004, 03:11 AM

Got the pic from bba's thread about testin his rig's limit. You can see the hook on the passenger side frame rail

[ October 01, 2004, 03:13 AM: Message edited by: j_prime ]

nblehm · 10-01-2004, 03:18 AM

good call j_prime [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

he's a keeper [img]graemlins/grinyes.gif[/img]

Nate Spear · 10-01-2004, 03:30 AM

Hmm.. I kinda want to try what RJ had going on... looks pretty good.

IntrepidXJ · 10-01-2004, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RJ:

To the "frame" towards the end on each side. Tried and true.

i'd never pull you out from those hooks. i wouldn;t trust them. you need some brackets to distribute the load on the thin sheet metal of the unibody

[ October 01, 2004, 06:14 AM: Message edited by: IntrepidXJ ]

bbaCJ8 · 10-01-2004, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidXJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by RJ:

To the "frame" towards the end on each side. Tried and true.

i'd never pull you out from those hooks. i wouldn;t trust them. you need some brackets to distribute the load on the thin sheet metal of the unibody [/QUOTE]I agree. I wouldn't trust that sh1t at all. I'd rather wrap a tow strap around your damn axle than use those. It may have worked for you when you did it, but I don't wanna be there when that lets go. Not if....when. No way in hell that's strong enough for the loads placed on it

XJ Fanatic · 10-01-2004, 07:44 AM

what ya expect...

adam smith · 10-01-2004, 11:21 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I'm a student right now so funds are limited. I'll probably just go with the hooks for now. Then once it's not my dailly driver I'll hook it up with a custom bumper.

Neocode · 10-01-2004, 11:30 AM

I have a set of those hooks sitting in the back of my XJ for when the funds become available for the brackets. When I first got them, before I knew I needed the brackets, I looked at the underbody. There is no way to install them safely. First, you can't get into the unibody box frame to place the nut on the bolt. Secondly, it would be so far underneath and so far back even if it DID hold, any pull would use an upward angle, and say goodbye bumper....

I'm gonna wait until I can get a hitch for the rear and brackets for the front.

adam smith · 10-01-2004, 11:34 AM

any pics of the installed product?

[ October 01, 2004, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: adam smith ]

Static-XJ · 10-01-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by adam smith:
Thanks for all the advice. I'm a student right now so funds are limited. I'll probably just go with the hooks for now. Then once it's not my dailly driver I'll hook it up with a custom bumper.

If funds are limited, start scouring u-pulll-it's looking for an XJ with the factory brackets. I won't pull a vehicle by an unsafe recovery point. If you find front bracket, that heep likely has the rear one also, proabably a gas tank skid too. Either use a rear hook with bracket, a hitch, a bumper with recover points (reciver or clevis monts), or a welded tube cage.

Neocode · 10-01-2004, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Static-XJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by adam smith:
Thanks for all the advice. I'm a student right now so funds are limited. I'll probably just go with the hooks for now. Then once it's not my dailly driver I'll hook it up with a custom bumper.

If funds are limited, start scouring u-pulll-it's looking for an XJ with the factory brackets. I won't pull a vehicle by an unsafe recovery point. If you find front bracket, that heep likely has the rear one also, proabably a gas tank skid too. Either use a rear hook with bracket, a hitch, a bumper with recover points (reciver or clevis monts), or a welded tube cage. [/QUOTE]Thats one of my plans too Static.. hit a yard and see if I can't find an XJ some dope trashed... get what I want off it.

wrath · 10-01-2004, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbaXJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by RJ:
I bolted one of these black hooks front and rear on the old XJ and they were plenty sturdy where I mounted them and had tons of heavy yanking and worked flawlessy for total $15.

[img]graemlins/squint.gif[/img]
Where the hell'd you mount em? [/QUOTE]On his boat. [img]icon_smile_wink.gif[/img]

adam smith · 10-19-2004, 11:18 AM

okay, I'm gonna be installing these on Saturday. For installation you have to take the bumper off, I wd40'ed three bolts on either side of the bumper, total of 6. Are these the only bolts connecting the bumper to the frame?

MJMA · 10-19-2004, 11:27 AM

My funds are limited, I'm a college student and I just found someone to hook me up with tow hook brackets and a gas tank skid for free!! Just ask around, find cherokees that are just sitting and have been sitting for a long time, and ask if you can have the parts. Seems like older cherokees came with stock armor a lot more so than they did towards the end of production.

adam smith · 10-19-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by adam smith:
okay, I'm gonna be installing these on Saturday. For installation you have to take the bumper off, I wd40'ed three bolts on either side of the bumper, total of 6. Are these the only bolts connecting the bumper to the frame?

Zentirn · 10-19-2004, 01:03 PM

Do you have a pre '97 XJ, or a '97 or newer XJ?

I can tell you where all the bolts were on mine, but I don't know if it's the same if you have an older XJ.....

bbaCJ8 · 10-19-2004, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by adam smith:
okay, I'm gonna be installing these on Saturday. For installation you have to take the bumper off, I wd40'ed three bolts on either side of the bumper, total of 6. Are these the only bolts connecting the bumper to the frame?

Should just be those 6 holding the bumper brackets to the unibody. You're also gonna wanna remove the bolts holding the brackets to the bumper. You'll need to move both those brackets about 1/4" outward in order to sandwhich the tow hook brackets in there

Zentirn · 10-19-2004, 01:33 PM

Ok, I took some pics of all the bolts I can remember .....I think I got all of them.....Take your time!!

These pictures are kindof in order...I don't remember the process completely

....

Once you get the metal bumper off, the rest is preaty easy

I think there is another bolt like these 2, I didn't see it at a glance though:

[ October 19, 2004, 01:37 PM: Message edited by: Zentirn ]

adam smith · 10-20-2004, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zentirn:
Do you have a pre '97 XJ, or a '97 or newer XJ?

I can tell you where all the bolts were on mine, but I don't know if it's the same if you have an older XJ.....

tis a 96XJ

adam smith · 10-20-2004, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbaXJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by adam smith:
okay, I'm gonna be installing these on Saturday. For installation you have to take the bumper off, I wd40'ed three bolts on either side of the bumper, total of 6. Are these the only bolts connecting the bumper to the frame?

Should just be those 6 holding the bumper brackets to the unibody. You're also gonna wanna remove the bolts holding the brackets to the bumper. You'll need to move both those brackets about 1/4" outward in order to sandwhich the tow hook brackets in there [/QUOTE]Gotcha! Thanks for the help

09-30-2004, 11:54 AM	#2
yellowXJ locked > lifted Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Land of Love, Crawlorado Posts: 4,968	Get the C4x4 hooks from Jason (Jeepin' Outfitters) [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] Better yet, save up a little bit more money and buy a bumper with recovery points. You'll probably be glad you did in the long run. __________________ Just another grocery getter on 35's Troesch: Best Friend Forever 1981-2005

09-30-2004, 03:00 PM	#4
Zentirn Trail Guide Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 501	I bought and installed the C4x4 from Jason, they are very nice, I haven't used them yet because I don't get out wheeling much if any in my area. They were very easy to install, and I have never done more then basic fluid changes, etc. __________________ 1998 XJ 4.0, AW4, Tow Hitch, Trans Cooler, AUX Fan Control, CB., C4x4 Front Tow Points

09-30-2004, 03:11 PM	#5
79DanCJ was 96DanXJ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,503	I have them. They are awesome. Very strong. __________________ Trailer queen-79 CJ7 Pimped Tow rig- 05 E-250 XLT DD-78 CJ7 DD- 04 yota corrola s

10-01-2004, 01:50 AM	#6
xjduke Trail Guide Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Saint Cloud Mn Posts: 433	I just got some c4x4 ones off ebay for $50 __________________ 2004 Black Wrangler Rubicon

10-01-2004, 01:52 AM	#7
RJ OU Rulezz Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Norman, OK go OU! Posts: 14,108	I bolted one of these black hooks front and rear on the old XJ and they were plenty sturdy where I mounted them and had tons of heavy yanking and worked flawlessy for total $15. __________________ <b>Piggy Bro # 1 1/2</b>

09-30-2004, 11:51 AM	#1
adam smith Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Glenville, PA Posts: 110	I'm looking to put a set of tow hooks on my xj. Is it necessary to get the adaption kit that runs around $75? if so, where is the cheepest place online to purchase this??? [ October 19, 2004, 11:31 AM: Message edited by: adam smith ]

10-01-2004, 01:55 AM	#9
zerospin2003 Weasel Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Moses Lake Posts: 371	Build a bumper best way to go gaurantee it [img]graemlins/rock.gif[/img] __________________ 99'XJ 3-inch RC, custom roof rack,4 Hella 500's,rustys intake tube w/ K&N filter,flowmaster exhaust, 30x9.5 Wildcat Ext's on black Cragars, and custom front bumper.......<br /><br />A 7 day honey moon makes a hole weak!!!<br /><a href="http://phatxj.com/Jeepin/archive_3_05/TravSig.jpg" target="_blank">- Sig Pic -</a>

10-01-2004, 02:18 AM	#11
Static-XJ squarier™ Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 21,677	I used Elmers Paste to attach my hooks. I bought them for like 15¢ eash at homo depot. edit: mmmmm....paste.... [ October 01, 2004, 02:23 AM: Message edited by: Static-XJ ] __________________ '93 XJ \| '01 CTD \| '65 'Vair.

10-01-2004, 03:11 AM	#13
j_prime Trail Guide Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 111	Got the pic from bba's thread about testin his rig's limit. You can see the hook on the passenger side frame rail [ October 01, 2004, 03:13 AM: Message edited by: j_prime ] __________________ 98 XJ. 4.88,8.8, ARB'd

10-01-2004, 03:18 AM	#14
nblehm Needs moar dagger Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Littleton Posts: 21,795	good call j_prime [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] he's a keeper [img]graemlins/grinyes.gif[/img] __________________

10-01-2004, 03:30 AM	#15
Nate Spear Big Sexy returns Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Wilsonville, OR Posts: 24,883	Hmm.. I kinda want to try what RJ had going on... looks pretty good. __________________ Miss you guys.

10-01-2004, 07:44 AM	#18
XJ Fanatic I wear a thong Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fort Irwin, CA Posts: 16,827	what ya expect... __________________ 2002 WJ Overland, 4.7ho, quadradrive, all terrains, all 4 options available 31's The rubicon of the grands... Project Liquid Courage: 94 XJuggy, 44/8.8, 4.10 gears, minispooled f/r, hydro assist, 36" iroks, oba, leaves on all corners, aw4, 231sye'd, 4.0l... stroker and d300 in the works Proud to Serve, Proud to Defend, Proud to be an American Soldier

10-01-2004, 11:21 AM	#19
adam smith Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Glenville, PA Posts: 110	Thanks for all the advice. I'm a student right now so funds are limited. I'll probably just go with the hooks for now. Then once it's not my dailly driver I'll hook it up with a custom bumper.

10-01-2004, 11:34 AM	#21
adam smith Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Glenville, PA Posts: 110	any pics of the installed product? [ October 01, 2004, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: adam smith ]

10-19-2004, 11:18 AM	#25
adam smith Trail Guide Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Glenville, PA Posts: 110	okay, I'm gonna be installing these on Saturday. For installation you have to take the bumper off, I wd40'ed three bolts on either side of the bumper, total of 6. Are these the only bolts connecting the bumper to the frame?

10-19-2004, 11:27 AM	#26
MJMA Got Rocks? Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rehoboth, MA, USSA Posts: 9,743	My funds are limited, I'm a college student and I just found someone to hook me up with tow hook brackets and a gas tank skid for free!! Just ask around, find cherokees that are just sitting and have been sitting for a long time, and ask if you can have the parts. Seems like older cherokees came with stock armor a lot more so than they did towards the end of production. __________________ "If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so." Thomas Jefferson

10-19-2004, 01:03 PM	#28
Zentirn Trail Guide Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 501	Do you have a pre '97 XJ, or a '97 or newer XJ? I can tell you where all the bolts were on mine, but I don't know if it's the same if you have an older XJ..... __________________ 1998 XJ 4.0, AW4, Tow Hitch, Trans Cooler, AUX Fan Control, CB., C4x4 Front Tow Points

10-19-2004, 01:33 PM	#30
Zentirn Trail Guide Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 501	Ok, I took some pics of all the bolts I can remember .....I think I got all of them.....Take your time!! These pictures are kindof in order...I don't remember the process completely .... Once you get the metal bumper off, the rest is preaty easy I think there is another bolt like these 2, I didn't see it at a glance though: [ October 19, 2004, 01:37 PM: Message edited by: Zentirn ] __________________ 1998 XJ 4.0, AW4, Tow Hitch, Trans Cooler, AUX Fan Control, CB., C4x4 Front Tow Points