Should I get OEM used or what brands are decent and will bolt right on my factory bumper? Also, should I get something for the rear or just use the receiver hitch with a shackle adapter?
Tow hook recommendations for stock TJ
- Thread starter B1Toad
- Start date
I'd get something similar to the below for both front and rear. The OEM hook is not rated for as much as this type is. Other similar hooks can have three holes which also work great, all like this will have higher load ratings than the factory hook does. Nearly any 4x4 store will have hooks like you need.
If you want to install a rear hook like below, one of the two holes is already present so you only need to drill one more hole. And don't drill through both sides of the frame, just drill through one side. The washers and nuts can be inserted inside the frame through a small opening that's present underneath the frame there. Through-drilling the frame on both sides can cause the frame to collapse as the bolts are tightened. They'll stay tight for a while then they'll loosen up as time goes by as the two sides move in towards each other in a never ending repeating cycle.
And while using a receiver mounted tow hook will work in some situations, most receivers are only rated to for towing 3500 lbs and the TJ receiver hitch is only tow rated to 2000 lbs. Those are nothing like could happen during a tougher vehicle recovery.
If you want to install a rear hook like below, one of the two holes is already present so you only need to drill one more hole. And don't drill through both sides of the frame, just drill through one side. The washers and nuts can be inserted inside the frame through a small opening that's present underneath the frame there. Through-drilling the frame on both sides can cause the frame to collapse as the bolts are tightened. They'll stay tight for a while then they'll loosen up as time goes by as the two sides move in towards each other in a never ending repeating cycle.
And while using a receiver mounted tow hook will work in some situations, most receivers are only rated to for towing 3500 lbs and the TJ receiver hitch is only tow rated to 2000 lbs. Those are nothing like could happen during a tougher vehicle recovery.
Pay close attention to the ones that Jerry recommended if you pick that option. The latest batch of them for sale at the common places is very flawed. The bottom face which needs to sit flat on the bumper is rounded more than the top of this one pictured below. They need to be flat to work correctly. We had to return several of them and finally pay top dollar for the Warn versions to get some that were flat.
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I would lean HEAVILY against this.
It's abused a lot, and tends to be most people's first resort.
Most Receivers aren't rated to handle the force of a proper recovery/snatch-strap situation.
They 'typically' work fine, but in the event that they do fail, they often fail violently.
*an actual life/death scenario, should it propel towards someone*
As Jerry and Blaine said, the easiest option would be a dedicated frame-mounted hook. (or multiple).
Another cheaper option (less desirable) is to buy some soft-shackles and just keep them in the Jeep.
They're versatile enough to pretty much connect to any part of the frame, to be used as a recovery point.
^^ This one claims a 9500lb working load, and can be picked up from Harbor Freight for about $35.
MountaineerTom
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You can also get two Wizard Recovery Gear soft shackles for $29.99 with free domestic shipping. Multiple colors.
https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/wizard-recovery-gear-soft-shackles-orange-red-yellow
https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/wizard-recovery-gear-soft-shackles-orange-red-yellow
Updating this thread, I had ordered a Curt hook and just like @mrblaine said, it was seriously rounded on the bottom, it looked like a beached rowboat (see pic) I wanted the retaining clips which the expensive Warn didn't show in the pic, but I ran across these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WZL8GT7?tag=wranglerorg-20 which have clips, the holes line up with the front bumper holes and they come with clips. Best of all you get two in the package. FWIW they claim a 10,000 lb. rating.
When they arrived I opened them up and there was a very slight rounded/raised ridge on the bottom, no where near like the Curt. I took them out to the shop and it literally took 30 seconds to flatten them on the benchtop belt sander (with an aluminum oxide abrasive belt). I think most of it was paint. After a quick re-paint they are ready to go. These will work for both the front bumper and the rear frame.
First pic is the Curt, followed by the XSTRAP
When they arrived I opened them up and there was a very slight rounded/raised ridge on the bottom, no where near like the Curt. I took them out to the shop and it literally took 30 seconds to flatten them on the benchtop belt sander (with an aluminum oxide abrasive belt). I think most of it was paint. After a quick re-paint they are ready to go. These will work for both the front bumper and the rear frame.
First pic is the Curt, followed by the XSTRAP
That's some bullshit, Curt. You had one job.
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I have a set of factory front tow hooks if anyone needs/wants them. Shipping only.
Too blingy for me. They'd make the rest of my TJ look even worse than it really is lol.
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Depends on the bumper and whatever else you have in the way. If there is nothing that interferes with using them, then nothing at all wrong with them. I've dealt with the lack of a retainer many times with a roll of cheap electrical tape.
Nothing some black rattle can won't fix. Until the first time you use it! lol you could also have them anodized. Though we know how most black anodizing ends up.
Apparently you aren't a proponent of function over form.
Those hooks are really well made, see the rounded opening for example, done it's designed to be used with soft shackles. The polished inside of the hole is done with purpose too.
@sunnysideup_lj does a fantastic job, just like the 6061 tailgate skin that @jjvw posted about very recently.
I am, I was only commenting on its brightly polished chrome look.
My TJ has an old modified Pro Comp bumper from the PO. It looks fine but not winch capable and with the hoop added it lost a set of bolt holes. I'm looking to upgrade in the future and have strongly considered going to a bumper without built in shackle tabs so that I can add those. The drawback is that it adds a pretty good cost to an already expensive bumper vs. going with one with tabs.
Or I could switch to a stubby stock bumper with winch plate and these??
Shame me if you must, i don't have a forward recovery point. Not by choice, its just been overlooked because anytime I have needed a front pull I have used my winch. I like the look of @sunnysideup_lj design.
Serious question, would adding those recovery points on top of my already crowded front bumper (grade 8) bolts compromise strength during recovery? Picture for reference, i currently have the front bumper going through a winch plate, savvy winch guard, and a few thick washers to line everything up because i wanted to retain the front bumperettes.
If I shouldn't add a recovery point on top of those bolts, what are my options? A bumper with an integrated winch mount?
Serious question, would adding those recovery points on top of my already crowded front bumper (grade 8) bolts compromise strength during recovery? Picture for reference, i currently have the front bumper going through a winch plate, savvy winch guard, and a few thick washers to line everything up because i wanted to retain the front bumperettes.
If I shouldn't add a recovery point on top of those bolts, what are my options? A bumper with an integrated winch mount?
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I can't read your mind, only what you write. There was nothing in your post that indicated that you appreciated the functionality. You said it was too blingy for you (and indirectly left it for inference that you hence won't run it on your jeep despite the design goodness, if you were in the market for one).
I have had good luck so far with the ones from Buyers Products https://www.buyersproducts.com/product/drop-forged-light-duty-tow-hook-233 Of course now that I say that they will be just like Curt.