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Tow Hooks with M-Bolts?
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11615		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  EricsKJ [ Mon Aug 21, 2006 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Tow Hooks with M-Bolts?
In another thread, someone had mentioned that some aftermarket tow hooks come with an "M" shaped bolt that allows you to install without removing the bumper. This sounds good to me.

So, are these any good? If so, who makes them/where can I get them? I'll looked at "All J" and searched online for tow hooks, but anyone that has tow hooks doesn't specify that they come with the "M" bolt. The text description is the same for all of them, too, so I guess they're all the same ones, but no brand name is listed anywhere.

Or am I over concerned about removing the bumper? It seems to me that removing the fender flares, grill and bumper is a lot of trouble to go to to install the hooks that Jeep should have included on all Liberties standard, if they want to push the "Trail Rated" thing. Heck, my Jettas ('95 and '99) each came with tow loops. OK, I'm done complaining. :lol:

Thanks in advance...
Author:  Se7enLC [ Mon Aug 21, 2006 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tow Hooks with M-Bolts?
EricsKJ wrote:
In another thread, someone had mentioned that some aftermarket tow hooks come with an "M" shaped bolt that allows you to install without removing the bumper. This sounds good to me.

So, are these any good? If so, who makes them/where can I get them? I'll looked at "All J" and searched online for tow hooks, but anyone that has tow hooks doesn't specify that they come with the "M" bolt. The text description is the same for all of them, too, so I guess they're all the same ones, but no brand name is listed anywhere.

Or am I over concerned about removing the bumper? It seems to me that removing the fender flares, grill and bumper is a lot of trouble to go to to install the hooks that Jeep should have included on all Liberties standard, if they want to push the "Trail Rated" thing. Heck, my Jettas ('95 and '99) each came with tow loops. OK, I'm done complaining. :lol:

Thanks in advance...


The "Front Tow Hook Kit" comes with the mounting hardware (ie, M-bolts) when you buy it from mopar or other dealership. If you buy hooks from somebody that took them off their jeep (and they were installed on their jeep from the factory), they will just have normal bolts (since at the factory, they install the hooks before they put the bumper on). So basically, to be sure, you'll need to specifically ask a seller what kind of bolts they come with.

The tow loops on a normal car really aren't good for recovery, They are meant to be tie-down points for vehicles that are transported over on a boat. But in a pinch, they could definitely be used, just not to the same extent as a 5000-10000lb tow hook can.
Author:  CaKJFreedom [ Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Remember that video in the snow where some kids car gets stuck and the end up pulling the whole bumper off? I think they used the tow loops.

I'd go with hooks or a receiver and shackle. Removing the bumper can be a pain but it's not hard. The stock hooks with the m bolt (for me) was much easier since I didn't have to take the bumper off, but I ended up ditching them for a receiver anyway. Think long term and don't pay twice.
Author:  Video Guy [ Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Need HELP with Mopar front hooks!
CaKJFreedom wrote:
The stock hooks with the m bolt (for me) was much easier since I didn't have to take the bumper off, but I ended up ditching them for a receiver anyway.


How is it possible to install the front Mopar hooks without removing the bumper? The included instructions are useless in this regard because the five bolts for removing the air darn are nonexistent on my '03 KJ Sport. My KJ has two bolts, and then the air darn is still connected to the bumper/fascia in at least four other places with plastic rivets.

This is so darn frustrating because I have the hooks and M-bar in place, but I can't fit my hand or any tool inside the plastic fascia to tighten the two side nuts. Any suggestions? I really don't want to go to my dealer with my tail between my legs and pay a $90 shop charge for one hour of labor.
Author:  Jeepjeepster [ Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
I just used a regular wrench to put mine on. Took me about 15min on Christmas day.
Author:  gopherbeats [ Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Jeepjeepster wrote:
Took me about 15min on Christmas day.


man you must have magic hands! that was impossible with my fat ones until I bought of of the ratchet type wrench sets. They only require little movement to engage.. good stuff: I did not get this exact set.. but these are nice
eheheh


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?vertical=TOOL&cat=Hand+Tools%2C+General+Purpose&subcat=Wrenches&pid=00946912000&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
Author:  Video Guy [ Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  front tow hooks ON
I gave up after an hour and nearly ripping all the skin off my wrist. The DC instructions are useless. This morning, with my front hooks 50% inistalled, I stopped in at my local 5-Star dealer and they put a mechanic on it right away and said there'd be no charge. "Excellent!" I thought. 30 minutes later, he was done, so I tipped him $15, which was all the cash I had on me. I'm a happy camper.

FWIW, the mechanic left the front bumper and fascia on the whole time and didn't remove a single plastic rivet. With the KJ on a lift, he approached the mounting bolts from the rear over where the air dam meets the frame.

Now I'm ready to go get stuck. :wink:

T.J.
Author:  EricsKJ [ Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
I just got the factory tow hooks. The instructions look fairly straightforward. Gonna install them this weekend. I'll let you all know how it goes. Maybe I'll get pics.
Author:  CaKJFreedom [ Fri Aug 25, 2006 7:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
"How is it possible to install the front Mopar hooks without removing the bumper"

Small hands and a wrench? I would have loved one of those ratcheting wrenches. I did one, got frustrated and took a break and did the second one later. I started by following the instructions too, then realized they were of no help at all. I just fished the bolt through the holes.
Author:  EricsKJ [ Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Installed factory hooks on Saturday. It was pretty easy, but I have a 2005 Sport so the bumper wasn't in the way.

The airdam got in the way of getting a socket on the rear leg of the "M" bolt. The airdam is plenty flexible though, so it just bent out of the way without hurting anything.

I had to cut out the cutouts on the bumper for the hooks to stick out, but that was no problem with a Dremel w/an abrasive cutoff wheel and a sanding drum to clean it up. A hacksaw or coping saw would have been just about as good.
Author:  CaKJFreedom [ Mon Aug 28, 2006 5:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
Woo Hoo! Feels good to have it done doesn't it?
Author:  EricsKJ [ Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:38 am ]
Post subject: 
You betcha. Gotta get a recovery strap, as soon as the next paycheck arrives... :D

Next on the wish list: Limited Slip or Locking Rear Diff.
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