Not a certified welder, engineer, or instructor but if by "surface weld" people mean fillet welds then I don't see a problem relying on them for a recovery point as long as they are properly done (big if, most I see suck). Adding a simple seam or seal weld to the back side where a recovery point is inserted through the base metal shouldn't provide much if any structural benefit. If a manufacturer were to take the time to make a proper structural weld there that might help. I doubt they do that though.
Suggestion & Tips for Tow Hooks / Recovery Points
- Thread starter TJim
- Start date
It’s all about force distribution over area. If you weld around a lug it’s a small area. If you weld the entire thickness it’s more.
If you can run the lug through the plate and lap it against something structural then you can multiply the area considerably.
Sorry to resurrect this thread but can I just check: my UK spec TJ (2001) doesn’t come with front bumper recovery hooks but does of course have the two bolt holes (35mm centres).
I am assuming therefore that I can safely fit aftermarket hooks? (maybe even these cheap Amazon ones:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N31SFUN/?tag=tjforum0a-21
although the bolts look too short)
I am assuming therefore that I can safely fit aftermarket hooks? (maybe even these cheap Amazon ones:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N31SFUN/?tag=tjforum0a-21
although the bolts look too short)
Yes! Check my front bumper too! It is an export too and it didnt have tow hooks! I installed aftermarket tow hooks like the one you linked! Just use the correct hardware (Grade 8 bolts)!
@Jerry Bransford
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QK5I7GI/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Is installing those shackle mounts in the rear crossmember with 4 x grade 8 bolts in each one acceptable for recovery purposes?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QK5I7GI/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Is installing those shackle mounts in the rear crossmember with 4 x grade 8 bolts in each one acceptable for recovery purposes?
Absolutely not, that's suitable as a tie-down point but not for recovery. Tabs for shackles need to pass through the bumper and be welded at the front and rear. That could also be used for safety chains but recoveries can place shock-loading on the recovery points and that simply isn't strong enough to withstand those types of potential loads.
Would this include the Savvy rear bumper with recovery points? Seems they claim very specifically that it is suitable for serious tough offroad use...
Any recovery points sold as such from Savvy will of course be more than suitable for that use.
Technically that's a hook used during transport they attach a chain to. Many use it for recovery but this is how I'd do it (again) if my rear bumper had no recovery points.
One hole is already there, you just drill one more on the outside of the frame. The nuts and washers are placed inside the frame via a factory slot under that area. The frame should not be through-bolted for this recovery hook. Bolts need to be no less than Grade 5 but Grade 8 is the way to go where recovery hardware is concerned.
I have encountered some befuddlement as to what to do after ordering some hooks. My rear tow attachment looks different. Like it is covering up different holes on the frame. Also the rear tow attachment was bolted through the frame. Aftermarket?
Here is the area of the tow mount on the side.
And now here is me holding up the hook I have.
I numbered the holes. What to do?
Use existing rear upper tow mount bolt hole to go through Hole number 1 on my hook. Then drill through tow mount/frame and bolt through hole number 2. Ignore hole 3.?
My experience in recovery is very limited, but I am confident in my ability to drill and bolt once I have the plan right.
Here is the area of the tow mount on the side.
And now here is me holding up the hook I have.
I numbered the holes. What to do?
Use existing rear upper tow mount bolt hole to go through Hole number 1 on my hook. Then drill through tow mount/frame and bolt through hole number 2. Ignore hole 3.?
My experience in recovery is very limited, but I am confident in my ability to drill and bolt once I have the plan right.
Last edited:
Look here
Post in thread 'Rear mounted tow hook?' https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/rear-mounted-tow-hook.13704/post-219218
Post in thread 'Rear mounted tow hook?' https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/rear-mounted-tow-hook.13704/post-219218
Sorry to Hijack this thread but what did you use (washers, a mounting plate etc?) to mount the rugged ridge tow hooks on your OEM front bumper that allowed you to retain the front rubber bumpers?
Sorry to Hijack this thread but what did you use (washers, a mounting plate etc?) to mount the rugged ridge tow hooks on your OEM front bumper that allowed you to retain the front rubber bumpers?
You could add a plate to raise them up, or not.
Like you said, they're rubber; they should swish down just fine.
Or you could source some oem hooks.
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