My tow hook predicament...

Muddy Beast · Jul 8, 2008

So I picked up some front tow hooks from a fella awhile ago, and I'm working on installing them now.

First off, do I put the brackets on the inside or outside of the bumper? Also, do I need to get all new bolts? If so, what bolts do I need?

I also dont have the bolt for the farthest back part on both bracket...anyone know what bolt that would be?

Thanks!

krelja · Jul 8, 2008

Here is a link to the install of the hooks
http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xj_hook.html
and here is a link to some of the bolt sizes. The furthest bolt to the back is usually a carriage bolt. It has a square part by the head that fits into the bracket. It should be either 1/2 inch or 9/16.
http://www.custom4x4fabrication.com/pdf/Tow_Hook_Bracket_Instructions.pdf

Muddy Beast · Jul 8, 2008

Well now I have a problem, I'm not sure if this is common or not...but my steering box is in the way.

I grabbed a bolt thats the right length I had lying around and tried to fit her in...no matter what I do I cant get the bolt head or nut in because of the steering box...

razdrvr · Jul 8, 2008

Bracket goes on the other side of th frame rail.

Muddy Beast · Jul 8, 2008

Well no matter what I do I wont be able to put the brackets on...they would work if they were between the bumper brackets and the frame, but the bumper brackets are to close in to fit...and they would work if they were on the outside, but on the outside they hit the support for the bumper brackets.

I'm so stumped right now...

WheelinJR · Jul 8, 2008

Muddy Beast said:
Well no matter what I do I wont be able to put the brackets on...they would work if they were between the bumper brackets and the frame, but the bumper brackets are to close in to fit...and they would work if they were on the outside, but on the outside they hit the support for the bumper brackets.

I'm so stumped right now...

You either need an aftermarket bumper, or set of factory towhooks with the integrated bumper brackets.

Or a big hammer.

Tim_MN · Jul 8, 2008

Here is better set of instructions for installing tow hook brackets. - http://users.adelphia.net/~sands143/towhook.htm

Muddy Beast · Jul 8, 2008

I managed to figure it out. Dumb me didn't look to see if the bumper brackets were adjustable...once I noticed they were I moved them out a bit and now it all fits.

I'm on my way down to the local nuts and bolts store to get the bolts from the above directions.

Thanks!

I'll post my findings.

Tim_MN · Jul 8, 2008

Muddy Beast said:
I'm on my way down to the local nuts and bolts store to get the bolts

Grade 5 or better and hardened washers.

Begster · Jul 9, 2008

Tim_MN said:
Grade 5 or better and hardened washers.

I wouldn't use anything but Grade 8, this is going to be used for recovery.

Skwerly · Jul 9, 2008

Begster said:
I wouldn't use anything but Grade 8, this is going to be used for recovery.

Agreed, spend the couple bucks more, it's important in recovery!!

Tim_MN · Jul 9, 2008

Some people say grade 8 is overkill, but I used it on my tow hooks and brackets.

xjtrailrider · Jul 9, 2008

Begster said:
I wouldn't use anything but Grade 8, this is going to be used for recovery.

X2 and I usually go with fine thread. 1/2-20tpi grade 8 just for overkill

Muddy Beast · Jul 9, 2008

I got grade 8.8, I told the guy what it was for and he gave me the good stuff.

Only problem I have is this...I couldnt get the top bolt the mounts on the bumper (drivers side) to go in, so I just tightend everything down and left that hole without a bolt, will that be ok?

Oh, and the bolts for the far back part of the tow hooks rub on the sway bar, I pressume it's not that big of deal though since its not hitting them that hard (plus I have lock nuts on...).

Ba-Riedo · Jul 9, 2008

Muddy Beast said:
Only problem I have is this...I couldnt get the top bolt the mounts on the bumper (drivers side) to go in, so I just tightend everything down and left that hole without a bolt, will that be ok?

Thats not gonna be good, sounds like you either stripped it out or the stupid nutzert thing broke. Take the bolt to the nuts/bolts store and get a nut for the back, somehow work it in through where its missing one and tighten it down.

Also if you get carrage bolts (flatter round head with a square just below it before it gets to thread) you won't hit the swaybar.

-Alex

Muddy Beast · Jul 9, 2008

I think I'll just get a bolt for the other end...and after doing a good 20 miles of driving on the sway bar/new bolts the rub isn't that bad...so w/e.

Blaine B. · Jul 9, 2008

Tim_MN said:
Here is better set of instructions for installing tow hook brackets. - http://users.adelphia.net/~sands143/towhook.htmhttp://users.adelphia.net/~sands143/towhook.htm

Those are some funny looking hooks.

Muddy Beast · Jul 9, 2008

Blaine B. said:
Those are some funny looking hooks.

But cheap...?

:dunno:

Turfzilla · Jul 9, 2008

Front reciever hitch is a great way to go IMO. I got mine at etrailer for $119 delivered. Rated at 9000#.

markw · Jul 9, 2008

Muddy Beast said:
I got grade 8.8, I told the guy what it was for and he gave me the good stuff.

8.8 is the metric equivilent of a grade 5. 10.9 is the metric grade 8. Just an FYI. You should be good though, it'll rip through the sheetmetal before breaking a bolt.

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