im wanting to add a grab handle to my drivers side a pillar. my plan is to drill a pilot hole and then use self tapping screws. i will be using a paracord grab handle. is there any reason i shouldnt do this such as wires getting in the way. i plan on putting them in the same spot as the passenger one.

 

I can't say whether or not adding the handle is a good idea, but in my experience, self tapping screws don't hold well in sheet metal. They are good at first, but with stress (especially from a grab handle) they will likely loosen over time. I think a better solution would be to use rivet nuts or sometimes called Rivnuts and a machine screw to hold the handle. They will provide much better pullout resistance than a self tapping screw.

 

There is already the same holes on driver side as passenger. Grab another passenger handle and then measure and cut the trim to match passenger side .

I did this mod on mine. Very easy.

 

Will that grab handle work on my 97 XJ? I need something to grab onto versus yank the steering wheel out of it's roots when I get in. Where do I get this grab handle?

 

Remove the trim piece on driver side and passenger side and compare the holes. I can only say for certain on 98, but it's highly likely same on a 97.

 

whats a good way to remove the a pillar trim? ive read it breaks easily.

 

I did it to my 99 so it's 99 also. Also I broke my trims clips but with the handle on it holds just fine in my opinion.

 

First of all, if possible, do it in warmer temp so plastic is not overly brittle. The pillar has 2 screws under round plastic caps. Start with those. I'm not looking at the trim, but it overlaps going back to front, so I think you need to loosen or remove a piece above rear seat. Just follow how the trim is put on and remove in reverse and take time with it and don't force it to come out.

Let us know if you get stuck.

 

my passenger side a pillar trim was broken when i got the jeep. so i plan to go to a junkyard and practice on taking it out on the drivers side than take the passenger side. ive installed my other paracord handles and they look great.

 

Figured I would update you guys on what I did. I was able to get my a pillar trim off without it breaking. Then I drilled two holes where the factory holes were. Fed the paracord through and used sheet metal screws and fender washers to attach the handle.