Hey guys. I had a hitch on the XJ for a bit, but long story short, my dad took it off

So i put on a rear tow hook again that I had gotten from a friend on here, because I'm going to a local 4x4 meet in a week here. Just wanted to see if you guys thought it would do the job for a bit? Here are some pics...






I tried to test it out yesterday. Here's what happened. We were on a bit of a hill, so I was pulling up hill. Had my brother in the 94 Chevy S10, had him put it in neutral and i slowly tried to pull, going forward, and just as the tow strap slowly went tight, i heard something pop! That's the only way I can think of describing it. I got out, just imagining that my tow hook had been totally ripped out, shredding my "frame", but there was nothing wrong with it at all. Totally solid. And by the way, the S10's bed was filled with gravel. Not sure if that extra weight would make a huge difference.

Do you think maybe it was just the bracket or frame flexing a bit? Or was there something worse that I didn't see? I don't think it was the S10, because I heard it but my brother didnt.

So after reading that, do you think I'd be safe to use it as emergency recover? I've never been stuck, only do light offroading. I actually bought the hook to pull people out, versus having myself pulled but I'd like to still be able to if I ever need it.

Thanks guys.

 

if you heard it popping then I wouldnt be using it. means something is loose. having the unibody flex is also a bad thing. I have seen one setup like your completely rip off. i would get the hitch back and go that route

 

I wouldn't use it.XJ frames are really thin.

 

Good point guys, but I dont know if I can get a hitch in time. Would you guys say using this hook would be better than using the leaf spring shackle or axle?

Also, if this were to rip out, how bad would it be? I'm not talking safety issues, but damage to my XJ? If it totally ripped out of the "frame", then would that be a serious issue or would I just not be able to bolt anything there anymore?

 

all i have to say is the other last weekend me and two of my buddies all got stuck i got pulled out and when my one buddy was getting tugged first his hitch pulled right through the frame rail...then he hooked the strap to his axle and and the eye on his main leaf snapped off

 

how is it mounted? is it bolted to a strip that is bolted to the frame rail? like a nutsert or remotely similar to the way a hitch is bolted up?

cause it appears to me it is bolted on correctly.
if it is, just go over the torque on the bolts again. could have just been a tiny slip on the bolts.

i don't like using those hooks cause the strap can slip off, or even slide down and the hook will pierce through the loop end, rendering it useless. however, it should be fine for the event.
it looks like it would pass inspection.

but get yourself a decent hitch that also bolts to the center section and get a warn shackle insert.

 

Yes, it is put up just like a hitch would. Didn't have to drill any holes, this bracket is a Mopar part that was made for the Cherokee. (I'm pretty sure its the same bracket that was used on the rear tow hooks for Cherokees with the upcountry package)

And Ok, I'll try to torque them on a bit more, thanks.

And to phillyxj, ouch! that stuff always worries me. Just goes to show that not even a hitch is safe.

 

stupid idea and a dangerous one to hook up to a axle or shackle. the damage you will do is rip a hole and crack the unibody around the hook area. this would then strain that area and leave you will a hole. get proper recovery points and dont risk your life or someone else with improper recovery points

 

I ran a Mopar rear towhook and bracket assembly for years, plenty of pulls on it with no issue. Used with the factory nutstrip your good to go.

With that said.. common sense needs to be applied. No running starts or trying to pull a rig sunk to it's frame that weighs twice the weight of your rig. Use sense here..

If you run mud and wheel with other heavy rigs you should opt for a good hitch and warn receiverblock and d-ring.

 

If the bolts did not fit snugly into the holes on the hook then the pop you heard was the hook sliding a fraction of an inch until the bolts are up against one side of the holes. Get under there and make sure they are very tight and check for cracks around the mounting bolts.

I have my hooks mounted to a homemade hitch that is attached with homemade nutstrips and I tested it by strapping the hooks to a tree and pulling then backing up and giving it a little slack and yanking it. Nothing moved or bent except the tree so im happy.

As long as your using proper mounting hardware and everything is tight you should have no problem using that hook for recovery.