Well, I ripped one of my tow-hooks out of the frame the way they were mounted. My buddy got his '00 ext cab f-250 diesel stuck and I tried to get him out. After breaking two straps we got out the chain. One of the straps went through the grille and flattened a golf ball sized part of the fins all my trans cooler. No mechanical damage though and no leaks. When we pulled out the chain and I gave it a good yank and it pulled the hook out. It is a hook from a s-10 or blazer. It was mounted inside the frame and had a tapped piece of c-channel o the under side that it was bolted to with the bottom of the frame sandwiched in between. It sheered a slot right in the frame where the bolts were.

So, when we go to fix this, going to cut out the metal and weld some new in, how can I brace it to keep it from happening again. The two hooks in the front are very useful.

I would have used the rear hitch but I havent ever gotten it remounted under the rear where when my buddy put it on he didnt have a bumper on it. I had taken it off to put a bumper on and have to move it further in to be able to clear the bumper.

Added Pics:

 

I think the 96 can use the older style bumpers. I would find a stock bumper w/ the tow hooks built in. You can even swap the hooks for d-links. Then you'll have more bracing and you shouldn't rip the frame apart again.

http://store.hicountryoffroad.com/D-...unts_p_17.html

 

I've been doing some searching and found a couple kits and I might invest in one of them. They are less than a hundred bucks and should be stout enough.

JeepinOutfitters - C4x4 XJ Tow hook brackets, CF-XJ-THB
Rugged Ridge Front Tow Hook Kit - Jeep Cherokee XJ / Grand Cherokee ZJ

 

Here is another one which will allow you to use d-rings..

http://store.hicountryoffroad.com/Je...ounts_p_7.html

also you can buy just their d-ring mounts and use them with either of those kits you listed so use d-rings instead of hooks.

 

I havent found any pictures of these mounted. Do they mount inside the frame? I'd like to keep the hooks I have and have them come out the holes I cut in the bumper the same way. If I have to I will find some 3/16 metal plate and make my own.

 

i have the c4x4 ones, and they can tug out a stuck jeep with no issues

 

What I want to do is get the C4x4 mounts and then use these brackets in place of the tow hooks so I can mount d-link shackles instead of hooks.


Direct link to brackets..
http://store.hicountryoffroad.com/D-...unts_p_17.html

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-...item2ea3222eea

 

If you're looking for the brackets, I just ordered a set from Quadratec. They're made by Tomken and they're super beefy. They were relatively cheap too ($47)
http://www.quadratec.com/products/76045_802.htm

 

id take c4x4 over those any day.

 

get a front mount hitch from hitchesonline.com mine has 2 recovery points on the hitch witch bolts to the "frame rails" nice and solid. the factory bumpers on cherokees are not made for any type of recovery

 

Happen to know which exact one you got? This should help others in finding one that fits.

 

the hicountry mounts are awsome. I had them and they hug the bottom and outside of the frame. They also bolt under the sway bar so I believe there are 5 or 6 mounts on the bottom of the frame rail and 3 on the sides.

THESE ARE THE BEST. plus d-rings are safer cuz the recovery strap will not slip off for nothing.

 

Well to each his own I guess. I personally like them a lot and they work great for me.

 

second hitch down on the page for cherokees. 3 mounting points on the frame it uses the sway bar mount holes and you drill 2 holes, one in each frame rail all necessary hardware is included