Thanks guys. I appreciate the help.

 

Interesting thought, pulling on the frame the energy is transfered down the frame to the suspension to the axles to the point of resistance. Or pull on an axle, energy is transfered thru the suspension to the frame, down the other suspension to the other axle.
Seems Like if you were stuck in mud and both axles were buried, that a frame pull would be better. But if only one axle was buried a direct pull on that axle would put less pressure on the rest of the rig and suspension and direct the energy to where it's needed. Just a thought!! No real life experiences with winching 4x4s.

 

Good in theory but that still puts unnecessary strain on axle parts and suspension. Besides, why dig the axle out to get a strap around it or crawl under there to find the recovery point when you can just hook to the bumper?

Like i said, good in theory but not when your really doing recovery. I mean, ideal would be a perpendicular lift of the xj from the ground but idk anyone who wheels with a wrecker waiting. Lol

 

agreed. bad news bears.

 

1) The axle isn't designed to be loaded that way, neither is the suspension. Bear in mind that the axle tube isn't a "general structural member," I wouldn't even consider the idea unless the axle were already fully trussed - and then I'd still be hesitant.

2) The suspension isn't designed to be loaded that way, either.

You can therefore end up either pulling out your axle, pulling your suspension apart, bending an axle tube - all of which are likely to suck.

Me? I'd rather frame-mount the hooks, and reinforce the frame at/near the mounting point (using a long tie-in plate, most likely, to spread the pulling load over more of the frame.)

I wouldn't even weld in tow hooks - for the same reason. The effects of localised stress/strain would be further magnified by the HAZ of the weldment, which is conducive to the creation of "stress risers" in the material (which works like a broken line saying "Tear Here.")

I'd just bolt them into the frame with a load-spreading plate instead - you'll be safer.

HAZ = Heat Affected Zone. The HAZ of a weldment gets smaller as the process advances, but it's still there, and the only way you can reduce/eliminate it would be to do post-weld heat-treatment - and you can't exactly get the entire chassis into a heat-treat oven...

 

or... you could put tow hooks on your roof. either way works well.

 

That guy deserved to get his axle stuffed for being stupid. The pull angle was horrible and the fool in the powerstroke had a lead foot. Hooking your axle isn't highly practiced for a reason. I do realize the XJ wasn't axle hooked.

 

Dunno - if you put tow hooks on the roof, you could pull your truck and roll it over!

Funny, but hardly useful...

 

Fool in the powerstroke? Seems to me like only jerking was working. Otherwise, as he tried in the video several times. Pulling in a rational manner would have left that pos cherokee in the mud.

Of every comment in this tread you guys fail to relize this clown though his bald *** pos bfg at's could get through that mud.as soon as he dropped into thay stuff his xj was done with. No matter where they hooked a strap, once you hit the quick sand stuff. You better be able to get out with the skinny pedal, or be prepaired to tow your **** home on a flat bed.

And to the op, and the origional question your suspension is not designed to handle the lateral force applied from pulling from the axle. Strap your xj on a trailer by the axle is fine. Pulling your xj out by your axle is just asking for a bad day

 

1) I hadn't watched the video - I don't usually bother.

2) I'm fully aware of what can be done with BFG A/Ts - they're my favourite tyre, and I've had no particular trouble with snow, sand, mud, rain, jobsites, gravel, steelyards, ...

 

His tires looked as bald as Mr. Clean....

 

If I could have gotten my truck back there , I would have gotten it out in one piece.......

 

The tires could have been loaded up with clay, making them look like they were bald.
The tow line couldn't have been connected to the axle, otherwise it wouldn't have twisted. Trying to pull it sideways is what did the Jeep in. The suspension isn't meant for a side force. Just up/down and fore/aft.

 

had the same thoughts until i talked to a buddy of mine that runs a tow truck company he said very bad idea since your axles are bolted on they can move which in turn leaves weak points that can break may not happen to you but they will he said good frame points are the best even a bumper is bad idea unless it is a very well reinforced bumper.

 

No lol. Don't do this. It's a terrible idea.

There are several other ways to get tow hooks on your Jeep in a sturdy fashion.