Hey guys. I'm a new member and I've got a 99 XJ classic. I live in Iowa and Wisconsin and the winters can get a little rough sometimes and my XJ has no recovery points. I was looking at adding some on to it and had some questions. Has anyone used this hitch before? http://http://www.etrailer.com/Trail...cleid=19997433
I'm curious if it bolts right into the frame or not, because on mine the muffler is attached to the frame there.

I also wanted to put tow hooks on the front. These to be specifichttp://store.hicountryoffroad.com/Je...ooks_p_10.html
Same question, do these bolt right on as well? Are they strong enough to help pull people out of the ditch? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

they look pritty sturdy to me. i like the d-rings with brackets!!!

 

I loved the high country d-ring mounts that I had. I was pulled out on them a few times and pulled a few guys out with them. Only reason they are not still on is i upgraded to a bumper.

 

Get these.They mount farther back into the frame rail for more strength.Click on the first pic and it will show you the XJ brackets.
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=3804
As for a hitch I would recommend a class 3.Class 2 will break if you pull too hard.Trust me ,I know from experience.

 

SOLD

 

I use the hicountry d-rings and bracket and I love them. I have been pulled out and have pulled other people out with them and they held up great. I perfer d-rings over hooks because tow straps sometimes slide off hooks. The install was easy and they are very beefy.

 

Ok thanks everyone, looks like D-rings are the way to go. Does anyone know how the hitches attach? Looking at the rear of my XJ, it seems like the muffler would be in the way of a hitch install, so any info or pictures with that would be appreciated. Also how do I remove the front bumper to get the brackets for the hooks/rings on?

 

There are already holes for a hitch from the factory. And you dont need to remove the front bumper to install the D-rings. You will have to cut the lower valance(where the fog lights are) in order to fit them. They dont come out in the factory location, they are just a little off.
This will help you get a better idea of how they install:
http://www.hicountryoffroad.com/Down...%20Rev%20d.pdf

 

Where do they bolt up if you don't remove the bumper and bolt them there?

 

They bolt to the "frame". They are angled slightly down so they come out below the bumper. There are 3 bolts that go through the "frame" horizontally and another 3 that go vertically(2 of which use swaybar bolts.) per side. I believe they are the same holes used for the factory tow hooks.
Its explained a lot better in the link. The link is instructions for mounting the bracket from hicountrys website

 

Excellent thanks for all the help everyone!

 

High Country Offroad states "Some modification or removal of the lower plastic valance is required", and they mean it. Here's mine.

Doesn't look bad with the skidplate.

 

Cant see the pic (Edited)

 

I prefer the c4x4f tow hook kit. http://www.custom4x4fabrication.com/....html#brackets
They mount far back on the "frame" and have side supports to add stiffness in angled tugs.
A hitch works great out back, but you can also mount a single hook back there like the factory did. (obviously not as strong as a hitch)

 

x2 on the C4x4 tow hooks. Had thier tow hookf, then upgraded to their winch bumper