Recovery/tow hooks

Bigbernie

Bigbernie

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May 17, 2021
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Newark, NY
Hey y'all. Got a bone stock 08 Wrangler X. Basic everything. It seems the only options it received was the premium sound system.

Anyhoo, I'm looking to start upgrading and building (on the cheap for now). I can't really afford to buy big option upgrades. So I was wondering if anyone knew how to put recovery/tow hooks on the front bumper? Os there any way I can install something kinda beefy for pulling?

Also... Any ideas for cheap builds/upgrades?
 
Bigbernie said:
Hey y'all. Got a bone stock 08 Wrangler X. Basic everything. It seems the only options it received was the premium sound system.

Anyhoo, I'm looking to start upgrading and building (on the cheap for now). I can't really afford to buy big option upgrades. So I was wondering if anyone knew how to put recovery/tow hooks on the front bumper? Os there any way I can install something kinda beefy for pulling?

Also... Any ideas for cheap builds/upgrades?
Click to expand...

Do you have the stock bumper? This is what the OEM hooks look like.

75622.jpg
 
Bigbernie said:
Stock. But where your hooks are is covered with the plastic cover. I'd have to cut to gain access.
Click to expand...

I don't have a stock bumper anymore but I'm pretty sure you'd simply need to remove the bumper to gain access.

Does your bumper already have holes that match where the OEM tow hooks would go but they're just not there?

Mine did have the stock rear bumper which I replaced and it was a pretty simple process of just unbolting it from the frame.
 
Just read some info that they were optional items on earlier models, which I'm guessing by your response means you don't have holes pre-cut into the bumper for the hooks.

You might just need to cut the holes in your existing bumper if they're not already cut. Should be pretty simple but I don't know what it actually looks like.
 
9680EAD1-DEC3-4232-942D-769D3DD1AE69.jpeg
Bumper comes off fairly easy assuming it mounts the same as metal bumper. Undo 4 nuts each side at the frame and it comes off. Disconnect any lights etc. they mount to the frame at the the location of the studs / nuts. Picture of hook here.
 
I don't love the look of the OE hooks. They look as if they would bend somewhat easily if one were to pull too hard.

Fine if you're pulling on road or at a slight angle on trail, but can't rip on 'em. They're maybe 1/2-3/4"?

Should I just dust off my old mig welder and look up some bumper plans? Add on 250 lbs of US Grade-A steal and some D-rings?😜
 
If you are really looking to do this on the cheap until you can afford better, you could probably find somebody's removed bumper and hooks on craigslist.

Hell, if you were close to me here in Western Wisconsin, I would just give you one of the bumpers that lives in my back yard. I don't even bother trying to get rid of them because they are everywhere.

I have never had any concern about the strength of OEM hooks. They will do the job.
 
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