I thought this would be the best section to ask in because of the modification it would take. I want to install a trailer hitch on my '99 XJ but do not want to loose the clearance so the idea I had is to cut out the rear cross member and mount a Class III hitch upside down. Then, either cut the factory bumper to fit or fab a new one to fit around it. I figured this would be a lot stronger cross member then the factory is.

Does anyone now if the factory style hitches would fit between the frame rails?
Any opinions, issues, etc people see with this?

I think they call that an aftermarket bumper with 2" receiver.

Which bumpers have the factory tow rating?

Lift your Jeep higher with a drop hitch. No ground clearance issues. I have 4" lift and 31"tires and I needed a 10" drop hitch for my trailers. No clearance issues here.

It's not just plain clearance I need, its the best departure angle i can get with a low cog build. This is my daily driver and I tow a 4000+ lbs tent trailer camping and to Moab. Pretty much all the after market bumpers I have seen either dont have a tow rating or are not high enough. I may be a newb to the Cherokees, but not to Jeeps and towing.

There's all kinds of things you can do to those semi-universal class III receiver hitches with a grinder, cutter or torch. If you cut some metal from the side plates of the hitch, rather then your XJs crossmember, you can seat it up against your bumper rather then having it hang down low. I bet you can even cut a piece of you OEM bumper out of the way and get it up higher. Although I have not done that with mine I know it can be done.

Thank you. Thats my helps me. When you say semi universal, are referring the adjustable width ones or the standard aftermarket XJ hitches?

You're welcome.

I'm referring to the Reese class III adjustable. You can pick one up from Walmart. As you can see from the pic below, I let mine hang lower then what you want but they are fully adjustable for height as long as your crossmember and gas tank arnt in the way. That's why you'll need to remove some metal. It's tough to explain in writing exactly where you want to remove some metal out of your way but if you get one and have it in your hands I think it'll be pretty obvious.

Thanks again. And yes, it is kinda hard to explain in words, but it does seem like you understand the general idea.

I've got a hitch receiver tube welded onto my bumper, it ends up being about 4-8 inches higher than a normal bolt on hitch. Even with 4" of lift and 33s i've managed to hit the thing. It really depends on the kind of offroading you do, some people really do need the clearance.

Yeah, i'm just trying to minimize it the hitting. I had a TJ with a 4.5in lift and 35s with a Rockhard bumper that caught a few rocks.

From the JCR Website...

The receiver add-on can be used to tow the full tow rating of your factory rated Jeep XJ. The receiver can also be used for multi-mount winch applications.

Why not just get a Crusader rear bumper? I love mine, and there is NO WAY the tube can drag-- its in the middle of the bumper.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/mercha...ct_Code=XJ-R-S

Do you know if the DIY bumper has that same tow rating?... depending on who did the welding

I'd give them a call Monday-- But they will probably tell you yes, as long as its welded correctly.

4000 lbs camper? How's that tow? I didn't think an xj would like that