Who can recommend a set of front tow hook brackets for the a 1999 Orvis XJ (RHD if it matters)? The last set I bought (I don't remember what fabricator), I had to slightly trim the air dam on my 2000 2 door 4.0 5spd 4x4 (LHD). I want to avoid trimming the air dam for the front tow hooks. Any recommendations?

I'd also like to install a Curt front receiver to stiffen up the front end & to be able to use it to move stuff around with, and yes as a recovery point. I realize the tow hooks might suffice for this. Does anybody know if the receiver mounting points will interfere with the tow hook brackets? Anything I might want to consider? I do plan on mounting the front license plate to a removable receiver hitch if needed. Most likely I'll need to get one fabricated, since the XJ will have UK / Euro plates.

 

Not that I can help but.....
Did you have to trim the air dam or the bumper caps?
Cause with factory ones you have to trim the bumper caps unless the Jeep already had them.
But not the air dam.

 

Ralph,

You are correct, it's the bumper end caps, not the air dam.

I realize I'll need to trim the air dam with the Curt receiver, but I'm hoping the front license plate bracket will hide my artist ability.

 

Well the factory hooks have that big base.
But I wonder if you were to use the smaller base ones if you would still have to trim the bumper caps.


Oh and did you see this thread?

https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/...eiver-4432111/

Maybe something in there will help.

 

From my foggy memory, when I was installing the tow hook brackets & tow hooks on my 2001 XJ, it seemed like if the bracket was able to move slightly forward & a small spacer installed between brackets & the hooks (or thicker / fatter hooks), the hooks would have cleared the bumper caps.

I'm planning on installing the Curt front receiver & the Curt license plate receiver (actually, I'll have to have something similar made, due to the front UK / Euro plates).

 

I had some on an 85 XJ that did not affect the end caps

 

I have a bracket from IRO that has d rings. It ties into the frame like a receiver will. They also have a version that has tow hooks. All i had to do was make some square cuts in the lower plastic trim for the d rings to come out



https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/prod...tow-mount.html

 

The factory had a tow hook setup. Here is an excerpt from the 94-96 XJ Parts Manual

Had a look under my '96 and I cant really work out exactly where they should be bolted in, or whether I am missing something

I have a factory tow hook from an Isuzu, which I would try and fit if I can work out how

Has anyone got a closeup picture or other info on the factory towhook set up ?

 

Kinda. But this is on a '97 and up even though they still mount the same.

So the 2 big brackets go on the outside of the uni-body on either side.
The 2 angle brackets go here. See where I circled?

Now the funny looking ones go underneath. The 2 hole side is bolted to the tow hook. Sandwiched between the tow hook and the bracket itself.
The single hole side bolts up underneath there.
If you look real closely at the same shot above without the circles you can kinda make them out.

Now there is one thing. IMO regular hardware can be used almost everywhere but in one place.
Go back to the first shot. See the round headed bolts? Those are torx. Those go right where the front sway bar is.
Through the big bracket on either side of the uni-body.
IMO if you were to use a regular bolt there the head of it would interfere with the sway bar.
That is why I feel if you don't get all the hardware when buying these used you should make sure you do get those 2 bolts.

 

thanks Ralph, I meant to post this as well, in my previous post, from the 94-96 manual, (I have '96). Think I have a copy of the later parts manual as well, but photos are also helpful.

My "spare" Limited has the alloy bullbar, heavy duty mount plates, and I would like to swap over these parts to my DD Sports, adding towhooks and winch as well

 

Yeah I wish I had better shots for you but it is pretty clear assuming you have all the pieces how it goes on once you are in there.
Hey I did it so...... LOL.
There is one thing that you should be aware of.
Now I have never been able to confirm this but I kinda think the brackets for '96 and down are different then 97 and up.
Talking about #23 in the illustration above. So just something to keep in mind.
Also see #30 in your illustration?
I have seen that particular one in parts catalogs too.
But there is no mention of that in my '00 Catalog.
It is also part of the rear tow hook that Jeep had.

They only made one for the driver's side and IMO not a good recovery point.
I was just going for a look so......
Just to show off. A second one I got and modded for the passenger side. LOL.

 

My first reply. Have you tried E Trailer.com
I just ordered my third front 2 inch receivers from them. They have videos too that help you install them HTH
DaveXJ2001