I was wanting a bit more durable front bumper, but don't know how to weld and don't have access to a welder.
After pulling off the front plastic end caps and looking at the stock bumper I came up with my idea, I am wanting to know if it would work.
Since the bumper is basicly a U shaped piece of thin steel, I was thinking of getting a piece of more heavy duty U channel (i think that's what it would be called) steel 4" x 6" 'ish and using it in place of the stock bumper.
Maybe later on reinforcing the mounts as well.

would this work or be a waste of my time?

 

Moved to Cherokee chat since this really is not fabrication.

Yes you can use a heavier U-channel in place of the original bumper.
People do it all the time.

 

What would be the best kind to use (size & thickness) ?

Also where is normally the best place to pick up this kind of steel... I have a feeling it not something you would find at a home depot

One other question, what would have to be done to be able to mount tow hooks to a bumper like this?

 

Most people use 3/16" steel for their front bumpers. Anything too much thicker would be too heavy. As for mounting tow hooks you could drill holes in the steel and bolt them on, but you should really try to get a little more tie in on them. You could always get the front bumper mounts from JCR offroad, and just take your uchannel and mounts to an exhaust shop to have them welded together. They will generally do it for 20-30 bucks.

I would check some steel supply warehouses and see if they have maybe some scraps that might work. That saves you from having to buy a full 10' piece. Outside of that most steel places will cut it for you for a nominal fee ($7 or so).