askingxforxit

Will early model tow hitches fit on my 2000xj? There are about three here and range from 88 to 91

askingxforxit

Also a factory skid plate from same earle models

98REDXJ2

yes the hitch will fit. i just got my hitch today off of a 95.

the skid plate will fit with minor adjustment to one of the flanges on the edge. i believe it has to be bent flat to fit on our year xjs, that is if your talking about the gas tank skid

askingxforxit

Awesome thanks!! This one us going to be a pain cuz it has the gas tank skid and its being propped up by the gas tank....

98REDXJ2

bummer. yea i took a rubber mat to lay on cause all the snow and rain here. broke all the bolts loose with a breaker bar first. only cost me $20 for mine.

i forgot to check if the others had skids =/

askingxforxit

Couldn't get any of these hitches off!!! But I'm leaving with a skid plate

98REDXJ2

man thats a bummer. why not?

askingxforxit

I forgot my 1/2" ratchet set at didn't have a big enough breaker bar. I'm def going back next week for the rear skid, hitch, and cross member support. I think it has factory tow hooks up front also so I need that large torx bit

98REDXJ2

ah yea that sucks. i need the tow hooks too i don't think any around here have them stock.

askingxforxit

I'm at the jy again right now and pulled off a hitch. Theres an xj here with the factory tow hooks but I can get them out...the bolts are hard to get to and seized like a ****

purplegrocerygogetter

What JY u at? Shoulda called if u was local i woulda brought u my new set!

askingxforxit

Ecology in Thousand Palms. Theres about 5 early model xjs here. One of which is in really good shape. Makes me kind of sad its here :/

Sucks cuz all my good tools are at work!!

askingxforxit

Is it just me or did the skid plate stiffen up the front???

redjeep1983

I used to work for Uhaul installing hitches. All year Cherokee hitches work for your Cherokee. I believe in 97 the pass side can with a nut plate in the frame. These rusted out and become worthless to reuse. If you pull a hitch and can't use the hardware, go to the nearest Uhaul center and order a part kit. It comes with carriage bolts an square hole plates that feed into frame. The kit even comes with a wire feeder to feed the hard ware in to frame. I can give you more tips on this to finesse your install.

askingxforxit

Since my xj didn't come with a hitch originally its missing the threads on the drivers side. I was going to order nut strips from JCR and pick up new bolts from the hardware store. The oem bolts are an off size at 1/2x14. If the nut spuds strips are cheaper from uhaul I'll def go there.

I just finished cleaning and putting a couple quick coats of rattle can on for appearances. It looks pretty good so I can't wait to get it on. Oh!! I also have the cable with harness but I doubt I have the other harness in the rear panel :/