1996 tow hooks on a 1997?

As the title implies, I was wondering if I'd be able to take my tow hooks off my 1996 XJ and put them on my 1997 instead of having to buy some...

Do the mounting points look the same? Line em up and take a look!

I don't know. I'm going to check it out when I get home, but wanted to see if anybody knew beforehand.

Factory tow hook brackets fit either 1984-96 or 1997-2001.

You can adapt the brackets to fit across the 1997 face lift. You will need to drill a hole in your bumper to match the hole in the bracket. The bracket mounting points on the "frame" are the same for all years.

If you search the forum you should find the picture that shows the difference in the brackets.

I guess it doesn't matter. I broke down and got a winch bumper...sigh, credit cards...

Just for reference, the frame attachment points for the brackets are the same, but the bumper portion is not, so if you were to go ahead and use one type on another you'd have to remove or modify the built-in bumper brackets. I think you can cut or grind off the bumper brackets, and then use your original bumper brackets, as you would on non-factory adapters. 97-up hooks also have a thicker base, and use longer bolts, to clear the plastic skirt, but the earlier ones fit. You may, however, have to cut a notch in the plastic for clearance.

97+ bracket on the left and a bent (but functional) pre97 on the right. A quick look at the front bumper of the 97+ and you'll see why the dropped hooks are needed. The bumper attachment points are different also.

thanks for the side by side. That's an awesome answer to the thread!
I went and got this: