I think that I need to fit my 01 Cherokee with some type of extraction points/bumpers/trailer hitch/?? before hitting the high country this summer. Any ideas on how to do this economically?
Seems like a front bumber would give me added "crash protection" as well to the rad & engine. Perhaps the rear could just get some kind of tow hook??? All thoughts appreciated, Thanks.

BTW, I never intend to tow anything with this rig ; I have Dodge diesel trucks for that, so a rear trailer hitch seems unnecessary

 

I have front and rear hitches on my XJ. I never tow with it, but use a cargo hauler and bike carriers in them. They work great for recovery points and I feel help tie the unibody together front and rear for a bit of strength. the only disadvantage is you give up a bit of aproach angle.

 

you can get a stock tow hook and bracket in back, you can find them at junkyards and they will usually go pretty cheap.

for the front there are dozens of bumper options out there or tow hooks

 

You could do hooks or an inexpensive bumper for the front and pick up a hitch from the JY for the rear.

 

Not trying to hijack this but where did you run your roof rack lights into the body at. I was thinking at the rear hatch and at the front door into the body with a grommet. Any suggestions are welcomed.
BlueXJ

 

Hey XJJeepThing, you are running a front hitch. Does it offer any protection of parts under the front end, like steering box or radiator? I figured it'd be in front of those and offer some protection.

 

I ran the wires for the lights under the factory mounted roof rail, I removed an end cap, drilled a hole through the roof, installed a grommet, ran the wires and then siliconed the hole shut. I reinstalled the end cap. Been that way for 2 years now and no leaks.



The front hitch does help protect the radiator area. I feel it also helps stiffen the front end and the steering box area.

 

I researched the net for weeks and then built a front bumper. It's not fancy and a winch won't fit on it but I think it will hold up for recovery. Still building the rear.

 

Jonb8 just had to say that I am a huge fan of that front bumper, looks like some excellent home fab work.

 

I saw a Jeep XJ parked in Durango today with a front hitch, but this Jeep wasen't raised up like XJjeepthings & it looked liked it was hangin a little low. I am leaning toward a front bumper which will add some protection for the rad & a hitch in back. Thanks all

 

Nice bumper...Me likes!

 

Stock style front tow hooks http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.as...77&partID=3804 are not too bad.

 

I have these (except for zj) and they work great,not to expensive (like a bumper) and easy to put on.

 

FWIW I run these
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scri...p?idProduct=40

Great product I have used them on many occasions with no problems.

 

[QUOTE=Great product I have used them on many occasions with no problems.[/QUOTE]

i hope your doing the towing kyle! LOL