Tow hook shackle mounts

[XJ Wheeler]

So i've been mulling this over for a while and have come to a point of needing others opinions and info.

My thoughts are to get some solid square metal (type and size to be discussed) to cut, drill, and mount to my original tow hook mounts below the bumper, and in place of the tow hooks.

These are the same idea that some companies make for some wranglers.

4070

Of course, these are mounted upside down for my application. Also, i don't think the length of these is necessary because i'm not trying to extend past the bumper and i don't like the amount of leverage the pictured one has against the mounting bolts due to its length.

So, for weight savings i would like to do aluminum but with the approximate diameter of the ones pictured will they be strong enough? And what type if so, 6061?

I'm sure steel could handle to force but a 1-1 1/4" solid rod wouldn't be light, i would imagine. If necessary i will use steel though.

I guess i should have more knowledge on metals and what they can handle but to our resident fabricators, what's your thoughts?

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Brasscatz]

Hmm, interesting. By the picture it almost looks like it extends past the back side of the bumper. I wonder if it has a clamp or something that goes behind it for added strength.

I think it might be strong enough for some recovery situations, but I can't say how much it can handle.

[4.3LXJ]

When it comes to tow hooks, there are a number of different styles. Personally, I don't like the factory style of hook. The strap only stays there under tension. I don't know what your front bumper situation is, but to say any more I would need to see where it will be mounted and what the bumper looks like

[XJ Wheeler]

Hmm, interesting. By the picture it almost looks like it extends past the back side of the bumper. I wonder if it has a clamp or something that goes behind it for added strength.

I think it might be strong enough for some recovery situations, but I can't say how much it can handle.

I think it just goes that far because that's where the stock one went. You can see the bolt is back there too.






When it comes to tow hooks, there are a number of different styles. Personally, I don't like the factory style of hook. The strap only stays there under tension. I don't know what your front bumper situation is, but to say any more I would need to see where it will be mounted and what the bumper looks like

Stock bumper, factory tow hook mounts. I'm thinking the mount would end just before the edge of the bumper.

4071

But yes, that is one of the reasons i'm thinking about doing this... the strap falling thing.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[4.3LXJ]

There are two hooks that wrap 270° that are made for under the frame use. The stock ones are really designed to be on top

[XJ Wheeler]

There are two hooks that wrap 270° that are made for under the frame use. The stock ones are really designed to be on top

Another reason i wanted to do these is i really like (1) the look of shackles, like the old chevy cucv's and (2) the safety and strength of the closed loop shackle.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[4.3LXJ]

I don't see why it cannot be done. Those TJ mounts might work. If you want, I can measure the bolt holes to see if they are the same as standard hooks. The TJ is here for awhile

[XJ Wheeler]

I don't see why it cannot be done. Those TJ mounts might work. If you want, I can measure the bolt holes to see if they are the same as standard hooks. The TJ is here for awhile

I really appreciate the offer but those mounts are $45 a piece. So i figure i could come in way under that by making them. Just drilling three holes in each. Although i figure i'm either gonna have to buy a drill press or find someone to make the holes. Seems easy enough though.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[XJ Wheeler]

I guess then i moreso need guidance on the type and size of metal.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[4.3LXJ]

You can use aluminum if you want. 6061 T6 is plenty strong enough. It has roughly the same strength as mild steel. To select size, then I need to know what the diameter of the pin in the clevis is etc.

[XJ Wheeler]

You can use aluminum if you want. 6061 T6 is plenty strong enough. It has roughly the same strength as mild steel. To select size, then I need to know what the diameter of the pin in the clevis is etc.

Awesome, thanks!

The pins for the shackles i have are just a hair over 7/8" and the width between eyes on the shackle is 1 1/4". If i need to i can cut/grind down the metal to fit between the eyes like the one i pictured above.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[4.3LXJ]

1.5" square would do it

[4.3LXJ]

On second thought, make that 1 3/4" square

[XJ Wheeler]

Great! Thanks a ton, Steve.

Now i just gotta find some... I'll give an online supplier a try. If not i'll go local, just doubt they'll want to sell short amounts.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[XJ Wheeler]

Found one, and its a good bit cheaper than i thought.

$13.44 for (2) 6"x1 1/2" square 6061 t6 pieces... plus shipping.

http://www.speedymetals.com/pc-2500-8378-1-12-sq-6061-t6511-aluminum-extruded.aspx

Edit: cheapest shipping was $16.??, more than the metal.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[XJ Wheeler]

Just saw your post about the 1 3/4", noted.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[XJ Wheeler]

Same place has 1 3/4", same (2) 6" pieces for $20.28.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[XJ Wheeler]

I just keep posting... lol.

Found a 12" section of 1 3/4" square 6061 t6 aluminum for about $25 shipped on ebay. Shows to have 45k psi tensile strength.

Would you mind looking this over before i purchase just so i'm not missing anything and buying sub quality metal?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180878771190?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[4.3LXJ]

Looks good to me. Mild steel is 48K tensile strength.

When you get this done, two little suggestions. Put antisieze on the threads of the clevis. And feed a tree strap through the eye of the snatch strap and hook the tree strap to both clevis. That will spread out the forces on the thin sub frame

[XJ Wheeler]

Looks good to me. Mild steel is 48K tensile strength.

When you get this done, two little suggestions. Put antisieze on the threads of the clevis. And feed a tree strap through the eye of the snatch strap and hook the tree strap to both clevis. That will spread out the forces on the thin sub frame

That makes sense, and i'm thinking the tree strap would help on more of a side pull. Good thinking!

Much appreciated!

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[denverd1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-TOW-HOOKS-HOOK-JEEP-OFFROAD-VEHICLE-10-000-LBS-/231028647605?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35ca6166b5&vxp=mtr

2 hooks. 15$. Free shipping. No sense in reinventing the wheel.

[XJ Wheeler]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-TOW-HOOKS-HOOK-JEEP-OFFROAD-VEHICLE-10-000-LBS-/231028647605?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35ca6166b5&vxp=mtr

2 hooks. 15$. Free shipping. No sense in reinventing the wheel.

I already have those kind, just trying to improve my recovery options.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[denverd1]

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2UkPQNWyCdOQOfrNkEzBqK_saluTNn iBq7DY5e5KH4rdhK2tl7Q
picked these up locally for $20 on CL. Will bolt them to front bumper.

also noticed this Smitty XRC front bumper for $100. Helluva deal on it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smittybilt-76811-XRC-Front-Bumper-84-01-Cherokee-XJ-/190997372325?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c78549da5&vxp=mtr

[XJ Wheeler]

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2UkPQNWyCdOQOfrNkEzBqK_saluTNn iBq7DY5e5KH4rdhK2tl7Q
picked these up locally for $20 on CL. Will bolt them to front bumper.

also noticed this Smitty XRC front bumper for $100. Helluva deal on it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smittybilt-76811-XRC-Front-Bumper-84-01-Cherokee-XJ-/190997372325?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c78549da5&vxp=mtr

I wonder if that is real! If so, one amazing deal.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[denverd1]

seller's got good feedback. and there's a few more out there like that.... not sure whats up

[denverd1]

Its the lightbar, not the bumper.... false alarm

[prcjeep]

Looks good to me. Mild steel is 48K tensile strength.

When you get this done, two little suggestions. Put antisieze on the threads of the clevis. And feed a tree strap through the eye of the snatch strap and hook the tree strap to both clevis. That will spread out the forces on the thin sub frame

Could this work for making sliders from?

[XJ Wheeler]

Got the metal in yesterday. Not gonna be able to undertake the fabrication and installation till after Christmas though but a 12" section of 1 3/4" solid was only 4lbs (shipping weight). :D

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[prcjeep]

http://houston.craigslist.org/sno/4210409491.html

I saw this and had a little laugh, I dont think I would have thought to post on CL to ask for help to get towed out...


EDIT:
i posted in the wrong thread if "yall" want to move it over to the craigslist finds thread

[4.3LXJ]

Could this work for making sliders from?

Yes, fairly tough stuff and half the weight of steel