Rear Tow Hook

M2LJ · 06-25-2007, 10:48 AM

First and foremost, I apologize if this has been discussed previously; I tired the search function but for some reason my work computer will not display the results.

My question is: I noticed in the specifications for my 2005 LJ that it is suppose to have a rear tow hook, but there is none. While out in the parking lot a little earlier, I noticed a TJ that had one on the left side of the rear bumper, attached to the bumper spar. It looked stock, but may have been aftermarket.

Now, I am the second owner of my LJ, and I was wondering: 1) did the TJ/LJ come with a rear tow hook? 2) Is it common to remove the rear tow hook, and if so, why? 3) Where is a good place to get a replacement?

I have both of the front hooks on the front, but I suspect that if I needed to pull someone out of a situation (with a tow strap), it would be better to do so pulling forward than in reverse...right??

Cheers! M2

bruker · 06-25-2007, 10:50 AM

Does your TJ have a receiver hitch mounted to it? If so the previous owner may have had to remove the hook to mount the hitch.

jeeptillidie · 06-25-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruker

Does your TJ have a receiver hitch mounted to it? If so the previous owner may have had to remove the hook to mount the hitch.

That is very possible and also not every Jeep came with tow hooks standard. You can get one off e-bay or pretty much anywhere that sells Jeep stuff.

chadsmeltzer · 06-25-2007, 10:58 AM

My build sheet says I should have one, but I don't. It didn't have a hitch on it when I bought it. Should it just bolt on, and what is it rated to pull?

jeeptillidie · 06-25-2007, 11:02 AM

I dont know what the stock one is rated to. I have yanked a mitsu mighty max pretty hard out of a mudhole with mine and it didnt hurt anything. It is possible it was taken off. But the one you saw in the parking lot is the stock location for one so at least you know what you are looking for. Their are other options for the back as well. You dont necessarily have to get that type.

M2LJ · 06-25-2007, 11:05 AM

My LJ may have had a tow bar on it at one time, there is wiring in the back that would lead me to suspect that but no other indicators that one was once attached.

By chance does anyone have a pic where an OEM tow hook attaches to the rear of a Wrangler? I have seen a few people install regular tow hooks on the same bumper spar as the one I saw this morning, but I can't find anything that shows where the original one was.

Of course any other options would be gratefully appreciated! I understand attaching them directly to the rear bumper is a bad idea...

Cheers! M2

**Steelman** · 06-25-2007, 11:06 AM

This is what I did for a rear tow hook: http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/gas/tj_hooks.htm

Quick and Easy!

M2LJ · 06-25-2007, 11:16 AM

Disregard, I should learn to read before I type!

Cheers! M2

EDGEY · 06-25-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majormadmax

Now, I am the second owner of my LJ, and I was wondering: 1) did the TJ/LJ come with a rear tow hook? 2) Is it common to remove the rear tow hook, and if so, why? 3) Where is a good place to get a replacement?

My LJ came with the rear drivers side tow hook. Someone may have removed it if they used an aftermarket bumper (then put the stock bumper back when they sold it). Ebay should have a replacement.

FuzzyDolly · 06-25-2007, 02:10 PM

The tow hook package was not standard. I had to buy mine after the fact. I was able to get the stock rear point. Which, btw, is not easy seeing as they do not make them anymore. I had my local Jeep dealer contact every dealer in the country, and there were 2 that had any in stock. And that was in October 2006! Anyway, here are some pix of the stock rear point on a TJ. Hope this helps!

M2LJ · 06-25-2007, 02:16 PM

Yep, that's the one I saw today, and according to the specs on my '05 LJ, it should have been standard equipment.

Thanks for the pics, Joe!

Cheers! M2

97_tj · 06-25-2007, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelman

This is what I did for a rear tow hook: http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/gas/tj_hooks.htm

Quick and Easy!

i would go with this setup vs a hook that will bend easy it is very simple to do and costs about $10.00 i have it on my rig and it is perfect recovery pt and i did both sides of mine just in case i needed them in pair off situations

M2LJ · 06-30-2007, 08:40 PM

whe

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97_tj

i would go with this setup vs a hook that will bend easy it is very simple to do and costs about $10.00 i have it on my rig and it is perfect recovery pt and i did both sides of mine just in case i needed them in pair off situations

Well, that's what I did. Yesterday I got the hooks (about $8.99 each at Pep Boys), and this morning I went to Lowe's to get the bolts and a drill bit. I was lucky as Lowe's gave me a 10% military discount. Here is what each part cost:

1 x 1/2" Cobalt drill bit - $15.91
2 packs of 1/2"-13 Grade 8 hex nuts (2 per pack) - $1.88
2 packs of 1/2" Grade 8 lock washers (2 per pack) - $1.88
4 x 1/2"-13x4" Grade 8 hex bolts - $8.04

Grand total at Lowe's = $27.71 + $2.25 tax = $29.96

So including the hooks, the total cost of this mod was just over $45. Of course if you already have a 1/2" drill bit, that cuts it back to around $30.

Drilling was fun, mainly because there is about an inch between the other side of the frame spar and the gas tank. And it is no easy thing to drill through the steel spar, but I got everything done in about half and hour and it is solid as a rock. The only difference between the way I did it and the pics in that link is that I used the existing hole in the upper left of the photo...

...instead of the lower holes. My hooks parallel the lines of the spar, so they are more aligned towards the rear and where a tow strap would go. Just felt this made more sense.

All in all, this is probably a lot smarter than the stock hook shown above. For one, the hook I saw hung low on the bumber and was unsightly. I am also sure it would snag a lot of underbrush. These are still easy to get to from the wheel well, but are tucked in nice and neat.

Thanks for all the inputs!

Cheers! M2

**Unlimited04** · 06-30-2007, 10:15 PM

the factory tow hook sucks. i yanked mine and replaced the rear bumper with this guy:

i use 3/4" shackles on this.... bumper is made of 2x5" x 3/16th thick box steel. hitch and tabs are welded thru both sides, and i have 1/4" jeeperman frame tie-ins welded to the frame on the other side. usually it only sees a bike rack & snowboard rack, but its does work great for towing.