Rear Tow Hooks

[Luntz]

I just joined NAXJA an am trying to make the Big Bear event next week.
I installed front tow hooks yesterday, Rusty's are beefy.
What do you recommend for the rear, hooks or a receiver?
Where do you find the nut plates?
What length tow strap should I get?
Any specifics on fire extinguishers?
:wave:

[jeepinandy]

As for the rear tow hooks or receiver just decide wich one will suit your needs the most. After market hitches specified for the XJ will come with all the hardware you should need. If you decide to go with just a tow hook on the rear i checked with my local jeep dealer they have or can get the nut plate. as for the tow straps i use a 25 footer and a 10 footer (tree saver) if needed for a snatch block. My friend uses a steel cable. not sure of the size. thats where the tree saver strap and snatch block come in. make sure you use straps with NO metal hooks. GOOD LUCK and have fun on your trip

[casm]

I just joined NAXJA an am trying to make the Big Bear event next week.

Cool, hope to see you up there.

What do you recommend for the rear, hooks or a receiver?

I'd vote for a receiver and shackle. Tow hooks can have a tendency to bend under certain conditions (you've got to be pushing it a bit before this happens, admittedly), but the real advantage to a receiver is that it's useful in a larger number of situations - you can tow with it, attach accessories, etc. Also, because they're tied into both frame rails (unlike a hook which only attaches to one) any pulling load is distributed more evenly than with just hooks alone.

If you do end up going this route and intend to use your XJ for towing, I'd recommend a tranny cooler as well if it's an automatic. For just yanking someone out of the mud, though, you'll be fine with just the receiver.

Where do you find the nut plates?

They should be included with the kit, but if you don't have them for some reason you should be able to get them from junkyard XJs with a tow kit.

What length tow strap should I get?

20' with a 20000lb. pulling capacity should be fine. Most auto parts stores will have them, and I've seen them in Target and Wal-Mart as well. As stated before, DO NOT get the kind with the metal hooks - if the hook breaks free, you're going to have a three- or four-pound chunk of metal flying through the air at high speeds. This can easily cause severe injuries or death.

Any specifics on fire extinguishers?

AB or ABC. Pep boys has a two-pack intended for automotive use for around $20, IIRC.

[Luntz]

Thanx!
The receiver sounds like the hot setup.
Off to the stores with my shopping list...

[RichP]

Third option nobody mentioned is replacement bumpers, several manufacturers, tomken, rigidco, etc have front and rear bumper with mounts for D rings shackles and built in receivers. I have factory front hooks and a tomken rear bumper that uses an insert with a D ring on it. The bumper option kills two birds with one stone, gives you the tow points and the added steel of real bumpers.