Front Recovery point(s) Help me decide

[jimkelly]

Ok so the next mod is to install front recovery point(s). I've read all the threads and "how to's" about them but I'm still up in the air. My options are:

1. Curt Mfg Front Hitch

2. Factory Tow Hooks

3. DIY D-Rings

I like the look of the tow hooks or D-Rings, but I also like the versatility of the front hitch. Decisions Decisions.

Some background: I go trailing only a few times a year (too many other hobbies), but want front recovery points. I do help the occassional "shouldn't be driving in the snow" person get unstuck.

Help me decide

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Tow hooks, they are strong, and don't require drilling into anything.

 

[SurfGuitar141]

I've pulled some good size vehicles off the beach with my factory tow hooks...both front and back....

 

[J-Thompson]

factory tow hooks
plenty strong
easy
cheep

 

[osufans]

there's just something about the look of the D-rings/shackles on the front that stand out compared to the front tow-hooks. i guess it depends on how much harder the shackles are compared to factory tow-hooks. i'll be making this decision at some point down the road.

 

[Dave]

Factory tow hooks work fine. I have used mine.

Dave

 

[tjkj2002]

Forgot one choice..............

The ARB front bumper,has 2 shackle mounts and can mount a winch.Far stronger then any of the above choices,but yes the most expensive but so worth it.


I've seen the OEM tow hooks bend and even rip out of the mounting area.The d-ring mod is not really any stronger then the OE tow hooks.The hitch is best but not rated to handle the "stuck" weight of a KJ so that brings it all back the the ARB bumper.

 

[JeepINgeek]

well if youre going to introduce plan C ill throwin Plan B

Pay someone to make you a custom bumper with DRing tabs.

 

[bmrrwolfe]

I got the DIY shackles only cause I found the receivers for $5 a piece shipped online
Haven't really used them, other then pulling a truck down my driveway and had no issues. I would like to add some 1/4" sides and add a few more grade 8 bolts to make them even stronger.
I really like the idea/look of a front hitch though, just hard to come by, and if you do find one its usually overpriced..

 

[KeswickDave]

You will have to pry my front hitch out of my cold, dead hands!

Would love an ARB... maybe one day but for now, I like the shackle on the front hitch. One of these days I want to try "pushing" a trailer too, just for the heck of it! Not on the road, of course! Might be good for launching a boat...

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[kjweston]

Built my shackles for $65 and they are strong as balls.. have been snatched/yanked out of "sludge mud" that was almost over my front bumper. and many other times.. I have inspected them and doesn't seem to be any bending or movement. There was a guy on here that had his factory hook rip out as tjkj said. I also have to agree with him ARB is the way to go. I want one so bad.
hers a pic of my shackles:

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[jimkelly]

Thanks Everyone

Concensus has it Tow Hooks it is!

Thanks everyone for the pictures and point of vue on the subject.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

You could always go for a Detours Off-Road Backbone winch mount for your KJ!
http://www.detoursusa.com/kjbackbone.php
Not only does it have provisions for two H/D shackles, but you can also mount/use a winch!

 

[autoboy454]

You could always go for a Detours Off-Road Backbone winch mount for your KJ!
http://www.detoursusa.com/kjbackbone.php
Not only does it have provisions for two H/D shackles, but you can also mount/use a winch!

Detours stopped production a little while back... I don't remember why...

 

[tjkj2002]

Detours stopped production a little while back... I don't remember why...

Not enough interest in the product.

 

[Vranes17]

Well I wanted to get a little "pop" out of my hooks, So i decided to paint them white cause all the club decals and Liberty decal on my rig are white so why not, i know theyll probably get scratched off on the trail but oh well, I got more paint.

I noticed that my driver side hook was mis shapen. Take a look.

Left Hook

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Right Hook with inside the bumper view.

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Final Product Shot

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Just wondering If i could still use that hook if I have to or if it is unsafe now. Im guessing the last time I was out when I got winched up a tricky section of the trail is what bent it, but really no clue.

 

[kjweston]

Well I wanted to get a little "pop" out of my hooks, So i decided to paint them white cause all the club decals and Liberty decal on my rig are white so why not, i know theyll probably get scratched off on the trail but oh well, I got more paint.

I noticed that my driver side hook was mis shapen. Take a look.

Left Hook

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Right Hook with inside the bumper view.

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Final Product Shot

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Just wondering If i could still use that hook if I have to or if it is unsafe now. Im guessing the last time I was out when I got winched up a tricky section of the trail is what bent it, but really no clue.

I personally wouldn't trust it.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45909

Real question is (kinda hard to tell without removing it) is if the sub frame there got bent.

 

[Vranes17]

If by subframe you mean , the strip of metal that runs vertical at the 12oclock in this picture, then yes it is bent. It looks to be more of that strip bent, than the actual hook itself.

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[HoosierJeeper]

I'd be worried about using that hook. One idea is to take it somewhere, and have that piece replaced, or reinforced. I wouldn't straighten it without welding some better metal on there.