New to XJ life

geaganj said:
black cat, i know i need front and rear tow points, i'm just not sure of the best/cost effective way to do it. i'm looking for input on an inexpensive (not cheap) way to install front tow hooks. this may be a dumb question, but is there anywhere on a stock frame and/or bumper to install them? as for the hitch, that's the first mod so i can tow a camper (so i don't have to drive the wife's minivan ever again!!!).

any other suggested mods? thanks again to everyone's help. i can't wait to get to meet some of you on rides.

__________
'00 XJ 4dr Sport
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one bad thing with XJ is the Unibody. Your choices are getting a new bumper with the shackles built in or purchase the tow hook brackets that they make for the XJ. OR go to a pick and pull and see what you can find. We just put a set on my son's XJ that we got at the Pick-n-pull. Got a bumper (he had a TJ one on it when he got it and it needed to be replaced) and the tow hooks with brackets for like $40.00. Adding to bumper or on the unibody without the brackets you will end up tearing up the fender or pulling bolts through the unibody. It is bad for the Jeep and dangerous for those around (believe me I look for all the cheap ways to do things and this is one of those things that you can't cut corners on).

The hitch will work fine for the rear tow point (putting one on my XJ at the moment). If you need a cheap hitch I may have a member from another club that has one for sale relatively cheap you will just have to get the nutserts but he can get Jeep OEM ones for cheaper also. PM me if your interested.
 
i like the idea of heading to the junk yard. i may have to take a field trip on sat.

have you ever heard of anyone installing a front hitch as a tow point?
 
geaganj said:
i like the idea of heading to the junk yard. i may have to take a field trip on sat.

have you ever heard of anyone installing a front hitch as a tow point?
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www.detoursusa.com. I to know the feeling. No tow hooks SUCK. I just bought my Detours system today. I have heard nothing but good things about it for front recovery. Check them out. Also a lot cheaper than a new front bumper.
 
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mcnamaag said:
www.detoursusa.com. I to know the feeling. No tow hooks SUCK. I just bought my Detours system today. I have heard nothing but good things about it for front recovery. Check them out. Also a lot cheaper than a new front bumper.
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fixed it.
 
mcnamaag, looks like a great system. not sure about cutting my stock skin, but it's definitely a better option than the $700 bumpers out there, thanks for the tip.

jeepman, thanks for the response. are the chain hooks strong enough to be used a tow points? i would assume they would be, but i'm curious if you've ever used them in that way. i think for now, that's going to be my best option. i don't see a need for a winch in the near future (again, i'll be doing light off-roading), so that's an inexpensive way to get on the trails with tow points. thanks again!
 
I have a 2000 aswell with a 4.5" Rough Country and 32x11.50 BFG Mud terrains and I am very happy with it. They have awsome customer service and if you have any questions just call them up and they usually know it right away. all I can say is go big to start or you will just want to go bigger in a few months or even weeks. good luck! im thinkin about buying a different jeep just so i can do this stage again its fun buying and installing. the addiction is like a drug it never stops!
heres mine

jeep007-1.jpg

 
geaganj said:
mcnamaag, looks like a great system. not sure about cutting my stock skin, but it's definitely a better option than the $700 bumpers out there, thanks for the tip.

jeepman, thanks for the response. are the chain hooks strong enough to be used a tow points? i would assume they would be, but i'm curious if you've ever used them in that way. i think for now, that's going to be my best option. i don't see a need for a winch in the near future (again, i'll be doing light off-roading), so that's an inexpensive way to get on the trails with tow points. thanks again!
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I am assuming that by "chain hooks" you mean the welded hoop on each end? If so then yes I have used both the hoops and the reciever as a tow point. I would only use the hoops for light pulls, not sure they would hold up to a full force pull.
 
jonnyz, first off, nice ride! i've chosen to go with the 3.5" from Rusty's Off Road. They've got a complete kit with full leafs, wheels (Amer Racing) and tires (Dick Cepek) for under $1,200, so it's tough to pass up. Everything else I've priced up complete is over $2K.I'm trying to keep it within a reasonable budget. It'll get me off the ground and make it a respectable XJ again. I figure if I really start to get into it, I'll want an off road only rig, so then can do everything I want to it.

jeepman, thanks for the info. I'm sure that's the way I'll go to start. Of course, that Detours system mcnamaag brought up looks interesting.
 
For front tow points this is the bumper I got http://www.rjroffroad.com/warrior-steel-brush-guard-bumper-jeep-cherokee-with-d-rings-offroad-c-569-p-1-pr-16791.html
It has gone up about $50.00 since I purchased in November but it looks good and is easy to install. The bumper is $345.00 so not a bad option (and not $700.00). Otherwise RJR also has the front tow hooks and brackets for $80.00. I had no problems with RJR but that was the only dealings I have had with them. Just a few more options.
 
Black Cat, Thanks for the lead. That's exactly what I've been looking for! All of the other one's had a winch plate and cost WAY too much for a couple of steel tubs welded together. I'm thinking that will be the first purchase after the lift. Thanks again!
 
geaganj said:
Black Cat, Thanks for the lead. That's exactly what I've been looking for! All of the other one's had a winch plate and cost WAY too much for a couple of steel tubs welded together. I'm thinking that will be the first purchase after the lift. Thanks again!
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No problem. Just as an FYI these are not TUBE; they are just plate but seem sturdy (have not had the XJ off-road yet to really test them). Here is some pics of mine with that bumper if you want to check it out. I have to pull off the bumper in the next few weeks to replace some front end parts; if I remember I will take some pictures of the back side so you can have a better idea of how it's made.

http://home.comcast.net/~redtj/jeepthing.htm

Or if you want to drop by some weekend and check it out let me know. I am off of 80/90 just over the Indiana border (Frankfort is about 30 minutes for me).
 
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Sorry for the typo, I was talking about the brush guard (that is a tube, correct?). Anyway, I like the look, especially with the rectangle lights (I like those better than the round ones on an XJ). I appreciate all your help. I look forward to seeing the other pics.
 
geaganj said:
Sorry for the typo, I was talking about the brush guard (that is a tube, correct?). Anyway, I like the look, especially with the rectangle lights (I like those better than the round ones on an XJ). I appreciate all your help. I look forward to seeing the other pics.
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Yes the guard is pipe (tecnically tube is square or rectangle). The lights I have on are the OEM driving lights that we formally under the stock bumper and a set of fog lights my son got me from like Autozone. I used conduit fastners to hold them on (did not feel like paying the $$ for the light holds that they have for the bumper or at like quadratec).
 
The transformation has begun! I picked up 5 15" Jeep 5 spoke rims off of craigslist for $250 (good deal, right?) with 31x10.5 tires (they're an off brand from Sears, but they're rubber). Anyway, I couldn't wait for the lift, so I put them on just to see. Take a look:

Before
driversside.jpg
driverfront.jpg


After
Photo_043008_001.jpg
Photo_043008_003.jpg


It's a real Jeep again!!! Now, I just have to get the lift kit ordered and put on. I'm still debating between the Rough Country & Rusty's.
 
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It's here, it's here! My lift kit is here!!! I've never been happier to see my UPS guy before (well, at least not since I ordered my guitar in January). The plan is to start Friday night, then finish Saturday morning. Thanks to everyone that directed me to Rough Country. They were a great help! I'll try to put some pics up after the weekend.
 
geaganj said:
It's here, it's here! My lift kit is here!!! I've never been happier to see my UPS guy before (well, at least not since I ordered my guitar in January). The plan is to start Friday night, then finish Saturday morning. Thanks to everyone that directed me to Rough Country. They were a great help! I'll try to put some pics up after the weekend.
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When did you order it. I ordered mine on APR 25 and it was back ordered?

They sent me AAL's in the mean time but would rather only do my lift once.
 
Another option I did not see listed is a front receiver hitch. I have one on my 96 and love it. I lost a 1/2 inch on my center approach angle, but it definately looks good. It works awesome with my friends winch cradle so you can leave the factory bumper alone and stregthen the front end. Great recovery point.
 
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