Tow Hooks

The PO had pulled my '62 CJ-5 out of trouble by hooking onto the bumper. As shown in the attached photo, besides putting a crimp in the bumper, it tore the frame where the bumper attaches (both sides). I intend to get the frame welded and put on a new bumper. In order to prevent the same thing in the future, I am thinking I need tow hooks. Notice in the photo, the three holes in the frame member, behind where the bumper mounts. It just looks to me like that might be what those were for. Is that the correct place to mount hooks and where can I get a set that will match that hole spacing? Notice that the frame member is lower in that area than the bumper. It looks like the hooks might have to have a special shape to accomodate that.

 

Thats where mine are mounted.
I picked my last set up at a flaps.

 

That is exactly where mine cracked too, and for the same reason I believe.

Anyhow, I had some 5/8" holes on the side of the frame rail for some sort of reinforcement. I took them off liberating the holes, drilled a length of 3/8" thick angle iron to match, and bolted the angle iron to the frame rail with some grade 8 bolts. I then mounted my tow hooks to that. See it HERE.

When you purchase tow hooks, try to get painted/powder coated ones. The chrome plated ones MAY be weak due to hydrogen embrittlement during the chroming process.

 

Most of the aftermarket ones, and many OEM ones have the same pattern. The ones on our CJ6A are from a Landcruiser chassis I have - they bolted right up. Even though the frame is pretty thick, we backed up on the inside with hardened washers. Use at least grade 5 hardware.

 

Hey those lights look familiar Lynn!

 

:iagree: Especially about putting a piece of flat bar on the bottom side of the frame rail. The older frames wont hold up to much in the way of towing one if it is stuck. If it can be broke, chances are, I have seen it done and you live and learn. It's better to beef it up when you first put them on than to have to try to fix the frame later or having the whole thing rip off and become a missle. Just my .02

 

when I added my tow hooks, i boxed the front of the frame and welded in tubing to prevent the frame from be crushed when tightening down the bolts. I recall drillout the holes on the hooks to 1/2" as well.

 

I used a 3/4" plate with 5/8" bolts holidng it down. The winch is mounted to this as well as thru bolted. I also used 3/4" bolts holding the bumper on on the sides. This just got bigger and stronger as I added more metal.

Dana