Rear tow hook mod

Jeepchik · 01-12-2003, 03:12 PM

I decided that since it was freezing outside that it was a good idea to lay out on a frozen driveway to do the "'drack" rear tow hook mod....here's a few pics for those of you that might want to try it

Simple to do....only had to drill one hole since the other was already there

Bob J · 01-12-2003, 03:36 PM

looks good

did you use a sleeve for either of the bolts?

**igofshn** · 01-12-2003, 04:07 PM

When you do that you don't need a sleeve because the bolts don't go through the other side. You can access the inside of the frame from the under side of the fram. There is enough room to get a nut and wrench in there. I've done both sides.

Owen · 01-12-2003, 04:59 PM

This may seem stupid but I am confused as to why you would put the tow hooks there in the first place. whats wrong with the hooks on the back that are stock?

**Jerry Bransford** · 01-12-2003, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by owen1832
This may seem stupid but I am confused as to why you would put the tow hooks there in the first place. whats wrong with the hooks on the back that are stock?

Most TJs don't come with any sort of tow hook. Mounting them to the frame like is shown above keeps them out of the way and it's a very strong way to mount them. I have had my rear tow hooks mounted exactly the same way for years, that location works very well. Plus the factory tow hook, being upside down without a clip, doesn't hang onto a strap or chain too well.

Jeepchk, next you need a gas tank skidplate! Your gas tank is looking mighty vulnerable as it is.

macb · 01-12-2003, 05:16 PM

that is the way to go! - now you know how easy it is.

Owen · 01-12-2003, 05:29 PM

I have tow hooks on the back of my TJ...Used them last week to get out of a 4 foot snow bank...

Bob J · 01-12-2003, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by owen1832
This may seem stupid but I am confused as to why you would put the tow hooks there in the first place. whats wrong with the hooks on the back that are stock?

not all TJs came with tow hooks, especially the SEs like she has.

and some people rather sped the $15 for a set of tow hooks rather then give the dealer $40 each for a single tow hook.

Owen · 01-12-2003, 05:43 PM

I guess thats a great mod I was just under the assumption that all TJs had rear hooks stock...hence the "This may soudn stupid." I was really glad I had them last week...

Jeepchik · 01-12-2003, 07:22 PM

hahah heck I don't even need to reply...everyone answered my questions

Bob I put a nut on the inside of each bolt...easy to access and my tow hook came with the nuts....i'm into the whole...make sure it doesn't come back out thing

My TJ did not come with a rear tow hook, so that is why it was necessary for me to do this...besided the total thing cost me 9 bucks, not 40 like stated above and I got a much stronger tow hook in a better place.....

Yeah...my gas tank skid sucks, but the fluid you see there isn't gas....it was from an attack of a speedo gear O-ring....amazing how much fluid they let out when they break....but a gas tank skid is next on my list....that and an oil pan skid....

Bachman · 01-12-2003, 07:52 PM

My Sport came with the rear tow hook. It is in a terrible place, right under the bumper on the drivers side. When I started the Rubicon last summer it was nice and straight, when I got to the Tahoe staging area it was bent up so bad it was unusable. I will be doing the samething as Jeepchik next weekend.

**igofshn** · 01-12-2003, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bachman
My Sport came with the rear tow hook. It is in a terrible place, right under the bumper on the drivers side. When I started the Rubicon last summer it was nice and straight, when I got to the Tahoe staging area it was bent up so bad it was unusable. I will be doing the samething as Jeepchik next weekend.

I remember that trip.

**AgentZed** · 01-13-2003, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by owen1832
I am confused as to why you would put the tow hooks there in the first place. whats wrong with the hooks on the back that are stock?

For the Jeeps that do come with a rear tow hook, it often needs to be sacrificed if you add a trailer hitch. They often use the same bolt holes to attach.

So for extra flexibility, you can re-add a tow hook elsewhere. Sure, you can hook a tow rope to the trailer hitch, but a direct tow hook can usually handle more weight. That difference can be critical when you are being pulled out of the mud--you are dealing with not only the weight of the Jeep itself but the resistance and suction of the mud.

YellowX · 01-13-2003, 06:57 AM

Derek,
I have a Draw-Tite Class III hitch on my '02 TJ, and am considering adding rear tow hooks for exactly the reasons stated above. Ideas for another location for the hook(s)? To be honest haven't looked yet, but will.

Bucket110 · 01-13-2003, 01:48 PM

i am presently getting rid of my stock hook and putting one on the side of the frame as in jeepchks pics above. i was wondering if it was safe/good idea to put one on the other side? im worried about the strap getting burnt by the exhaust tip.