96Cherokee113

Hey everybody, yesterday I installed my RC 2" budget boost which included lift shackles and coil spacers. The shackles are adjustable and have 2 holes for adjustment at 1.5 inches and 2 inches. I used the holes that lifts it 2 inches and the holes above it are free. I was wondering if it would be possible to bolt up some sort of recovery hook to the shackle. The shackle looks like this.



I figure, I always used my shackles as a tow point anyway when it was stock and I can probably just bolt on some 1/4 in. flat stock that extends to the rear bumper and then mount a recovery hook on the end of that. I know that may be a little confusing to understand, but think it would work? I just want some opinions before I go do this.

JSwamper

I wouldnt recommend using your shackles as a recovery point.

You want something the ties into the framerails or another strong point.

96Cherokee113

As much as I'd like to, I just don't have the money for it right now. And I've never had a problem wrapping the tow strap around my shackle before and pulling. I also go pulled out when I was stuck in a ditch using my shackle. It was uphill through the mud and it held up.

RENIXBEAST

you are right it is a strong spot. I just wouldn't reccomend it as your main recovery point. If you ever ripped the shackle off you would have a lot of work to do. If you ripped it off at the unibody atleast its not going to stop you from getting home.

RENIXBEAST

I just installed the same RC 2" shackle but the picture they show isn't the shackle I got. Mine looks the same it just doesn't have the cool slots in the back, its just solid.

RadicalRandy

x2...

I was supposed to get those shackles in my 4.5" Kit and the ones I got didn't have those 2 nice slots in the middle either.. false advertisement! haha
I wonder how many people use the 1.5" hole rather than the 2"... Why not have an extra half inch right?

DCM

what about a hitch? go grab one at the junk yard, you should be able to find a few

96Cherokee113

My shackles also do not have the cool slots in them, haha. But they seem pretty tough and that's all that counts.

As for the hitch, I eventually want to get one, but it's too damn cold and snowy right now to crawl under another Jeep at the junkyard. Also, most of the Jeeps at my local junkyard are sitting on the ground making it impossible to get the hitch off. There was one with a hitch that I was gonna take, but they smashed it the day before I came back for it .

rdeskater

I wouldnt put any permanent recovery point on the shackles, they may be ok for an occasionaly pull out but as far as bolting something to them, shackles move slightly when the leafs flex so if whatever you're bolting to them doesnt have room for flex then you're gonna bend it, or put unnecessary strain on a key suspension component. fab up some brackets to tie the bumper into the frame rails better, and bolt up some d-rings on 1/4" plate

whowey

Its threads like this that give this forum the reputation that it has....


Under no possible circumstances does a shackle offer enough strength to create a safe recovery point. Anyone even attempting to suggest otherwise is either daft, doesn't have the knowledge to answer this, or simply is trying to hurt someone.

If you showed up at any organized event and attempted to pass a technical inspection with that as a rear tow point, you would be asked to leave. Period.

Long Island XJ

I would not tie the shackle to anything nor would I pull off it.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/ho...-points-20125/

Here is a link to my own rear tow points that can be made up on the cheap. with very little welding involved.

They are 1/2 inch think mounts currently tied into my 3/16 think gas tank skid from http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...y_Code=XJArmor
(which is on sale right now) to make one hefty thick piece of **** to pull off. Not going any where!

Good luck and remember safety first.

89eliminator

the shocks are a much stronger recovery point. so is the rear wiper.

96Cherokee113

You guys are saying you've NEVER used your shackle as a tow point? Sounds like a load of BS. It's not like this would be for intense recovery or anything. Just when I'm spinning them a little in the mud and need a little pull. I got pulled out of a muddy ditch upwards by my shackle without a problem.

And Whowey, I will not be attending any organized event where there will be a technical inspection, just fooling around in the woods. Also, many of my friends have used their shackles without any injuries to themselves, others, or their vehicles.

96Cherokee113

I also hear that the mirrors and door handles work halfway decent, but you can also use the brakelines if you're in a real tough spot

heep92

this has to be the dumbest idea i've ever heard of
it is NOT that hard to get a hitch at a junkyard and save yourself the hassel and worry of pulling on your shackle
seriously i hope no one tries this...