Why Only One Tow Hook for KK?

Wayside Charlie · **Joined:** Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:31 pm **Posts:** 39

Hi,

Have a 2012 Liberty. Maybe someone here can help me understand some tow hook issues.

Jeep only has the passenger side tow hook for this model. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind this? Does it imply there is a structural limit for the drivers side, and Jeep is avoiding it by only selling the passenger side?

I also see from other posts that the KJ model tow hooks fit the KK, but you need to remove the bumper cover to install them -- while the KK M-bolt version can be installed with the bumper cover installed. Is this correct?

I also see that some have said a tow hook with the M-bolt has been ripped out when used -- is this because the vehicle was jerked out of a problem, or did the hooks come off with just a slow steady pull?

DREDnot · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:29 am

My 2012 came with two front hooks.
Take a look at the drivers side mount and see if there is any evidence that one was ever mounted.
Is you existing tow hook factory, or is it a more generic aftermarket hook?

In certain export markets, they come with recovery loops instead of hooks. Also a rear hook/loop seems to be available in places other than the US.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:50 am

Ok, for some reason, mopar only has one tow hook for the KK unless it came that way new. The KJ tow hooks are the same except that you get two for approximately the same price. DO NOT use the M bolt that comes with them. The bolt is about 5/16" diameter and goes to a curved point, terrible design. Instead, purchase the stud plates, remove the bumper fascia, remove the uniframe caps and install the hooks. The reason that the tow hooks pull through the uniframe is because it's about 5/16" thick and there all of the recovery force placed on a round bolt that comes to a point. The metal just can't handle it, not for very long anyway.
The replacement tow hooks for the KK are available but very expensive.
This should take you to the hardware kit. This kit along with a pair if KJ tow hooks will set you right up.
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=69850
I'm one of the ones that had the tow hook pull out. I replaced both of them with a Detoures backbone winch plate.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 7:36 pm

Wayside Charlie wrote:

Hi,

Have a 2012 Liberty. Maybe someone here can help me understand some tow hook issues.

Jeep only has the passenger side tow hook for this model. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind this? Does it imply there is a structural limit for the drivers side, and Jeep is avoiding it by only selling the passenger side?

I also see from other posts that the KJ model tow hooks fit the KK, but you need to remove the bumper cover to install them -- while the KK M-bolt version can be installed with the bumper cover installed. Is this correct?

I also see that some have said a tow hook with the M-bolt has been ripped out when used -- is this because the vehicle was jerked out of a problem, or did the hooks come off with just a slow steady pull?

I have installed the KJ tow hooks (2)with the M Bolts on my 08. Some have had the bolts rip out, when being pulled. They are small diameter.some have taken off the cover and used bigger bolts. I have jerked myself unstuck with mine and haven't had this happen. I've pulled myself out with my tractor. I'd like to make something better but at-least there is a hook up point. For the cost I'm happy. If I had to spend a lot of money on a recovery point, I'd call a tow truck.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 7:56 pm

I'm glad that you haven't had any issues. I was sitting on the axels when mine came off. If I were to have the damage properly repaired it would've been over two thousand dollars to replace the uniframe rails. Replacing the m bolt with a fifteen dollar part seems quite inexpensive to me. :2cents:

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 8:29 pm

IMO, removing the bumper and wrenching on my Jeep is not only fun but also mentally and physically challenging. Yeah, it may take an afternoon to figure it out and to remount the hooks, but I think it beats paying someone else to do it and I'll also have the peace of mind of knowing that it's fixed right.

If anyone has questions about the process, let me know and I will help you out. I recently installed my KJ tow hooks with the M bolts but will be swapping the M bolts out for the beefier stud plates soon. See this thread for the stud plate part number and info: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=69850
Cheers, --LFH

Ted15 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 8:47 pm

lfhoward wrote:

IMO, removing the bumper and wrenching on my Jeep is fun and both mentally and physically challenging. Yeah, it may take an afternoon to figure it out and to remount the hooks, but I think it beats paying someone else to do it and I'll also have the peace of mind of knowing that it's fixed right.

It's easy to do and doesn't take as long as you'd think. There's a write up on here that shows removal instructions with pictures. Just take your time and have a blanket or something to set the plastic on.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 8:51 pm

Bumper removal instructions and photos, complements of Diggerfreek:
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=41683

Why Only One Tow Hook for KK?

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