Factory recovery points for RHD/Export TJs

[AdelaideTJ]

Taking my TJ up the coast for some beach driving this weekend and have been trying to figure out where my factory recovery points are, if I even have them.

I read some other posts and was puzzled looking all over my TJ for hooks, until I saw another post explaining that Australian TJ's had a shackle on the front instead (originally guessed this was for stowing a winch on):

I can't find anything on the rear resembling a hook or shackle and am unclear if TJ's shipped from the factory with them, or if they have always needed to be fitted aftermarket.
I can see a few holes in the frame where maybe they would get bolted.

I'll be taking recovery tracks, tyre deflator, compressor, shovel, etc and it's considered an easy beach to drive on, so I'm not worried for this trip, it's more for future thinking when I take on more challenging 4wd areas and need to think about getting some recovery points installed for potential snatch recoveries.

Can any Aussie/UK/RHD TJ owners enlighten me on our rear factory recovery points?

Cheers and beers from Down Under

 

[Rickyd]

A frame mounted receiver hitch makes a good pull point for the rear?

 

[AdelaideTJ]

I wondered about that, maybe if I upgrade the rear bumper, but at the moment I've got (what I presume is) the stock tow ball bolted on, no Hayman Reese-style receiver. I would never pull from the towball itself, and I think the welded shackle rings for the trailer safety chains would still make me a bit nervous, assuming they are designed and rated for a max 2000lb rolling mass with little resistance.

 

[JustDandee]

That front one look lIke a tie down point for shipping. To me neither one of those are worthy for a recovery point duty. If time does not allow to put something better on to the frame, next best thing I can think of is consider getting a recovery strap that you wrap to the axle area.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Thanks, never considered that. Does that require a dedicated piece of equipment, or is it a case of securing the same snatch strap you would use on a recovery point to the axle instead?

 

[JustDandee]

I don’t get stuck … often…. Might be some better advice that comes along but I carry something similar to this 20,000 lb rated strap. Strap along one or two tow rings and I think a guy can find a way get a secure pulling point.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Ah cool, yeah I'll have the snatch strap kit and soft shackles in case I get desperate and need to flag down a fellow beach goer. I'm not expecting to get badly stuck or really need anything more than recovery boards, but definitely will look to get some proper points installed for future trips. Just kind of doing everything backwards!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Use frame mounted recovery hooks, most are rated to at least 10,500 lbs. with Grade 5 or Grade 8 bolts. They are available that bolt onto the top of the front bumper and just a pair of 1" longer 1/2x13 bolts than the factory used there. Grade 5 or better, Grade 8.

Grade 8 1/2x13 bolts work in the rear too, this is a good recovery hook location. One mounting bolt hole is already there, you just need to drill one more. Drill through just one side of the frame then fish the washers and nuts up inside via the small opening located in the frame below there. Don't drill through both sides of the frame for these bolts, that'd just start the frame collapsing inwardly from the bolt tension.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

Use frame mounted recovery hooks, most are rated to at least 10,500 lbs. with Grade 5 or Grade 8 bolts. They are available that bolt onto the top of the front bumper and just a pair of 1" longer 1/2x13 bolts than the factory used there. Grade 5 or better, Grade 8.

Grade 8 1/2x13 bolts work in the rear too, this is a good recovery hook location. One mounting bolt hole is already there, you just need to drill one more. Drill through just one side of the frame then fish the washers and nuts up inside via the small opening located in the frame below there. Don't drill through both sides of the frame for these bolts, that'd just start the frame collapsing inwardly from the bolt tension.

View attachment 457707

Thanks for this, Jerry. I'll be sure to order and install them before the next trip!