Originally Posted by interceptor_1972

Doesn't this Write up have what you're looking for?

Originally Posted by jwhitehorn

...I wonder if I can find these instructions online as a PDF or something

Originally Posted by jwhitehorn

...Specifically, it mentions using a "u-joint press" tool. The guy says he picked one up from Harbor Freight for $23, I will look into that...

Originally Posted by interceptor_1972

On the other write up, he'd mentioned that a shop vise would work as well.

Originally Posted by jwhitehorn

...I also read in that JK write-up your originally linked that he needed c-clip pullers...

Originally Posted by interceptor_1972

That's about the main reason I prefer straps to chains; if the hook was to come loose, break or bend, or the tow point gives, that'll be a lot of kinetic energy coming back. And it's never a good idea to jerk any vehicle that's being recovered unless you're using a snatch strap. Doing so with a chain or tow rope will do more damage than good.

Originally Posted by Jerrod710

The GM cars will rip easily...

Originally Posted by Mark Doiron

The weight of the stuck vehicle isn't exactly the issue (of course, the heavier it is the more mired down it may become). It's the pulling force that you're applying. Obviously, the more stuck the vehicle, the greater that force, and the amount of force you can apply depends on your own vehicle's capability. If you're just using that "axle strap" by pulling it and you're on a slick road sliding all over, then it would be perfectly fine. If you're using your 9500 lb winch and he's only mildly stuck, then you're fine. But, if you're using that same winch and he's really stuck, you may damage something. What Jerrod said about the hooks bending may, in fact, be a safety feature--have that strap fail versus do serious damage to the vehicle.

BTW: When I criticized pick-up drivers for using chains, it isn't because I think chains should not be used in recovery. It's just that they should be used to attach to parts of the vehicle such as the frame. Then they should be attached to a winchline or tow/recovery/snatch strap with a proper shackle. The assemblies you've been discussing are obviously designed for that purpose.

But, if you want to use one with a winch, I'd recommend you be careful about where you hook it and how hard a pull you're expecting. Throw in anchoring your vehicle (tow/tree strap to the rear around a tree or to an anchor vehicle), and/or a snatch block (depending on how hooked up), and you could easily have close to ten tons of pulling force. That could be enough to pull out a vehicle by the axle--and leave everything but that axle still in the mud.

Here are a couple good articles on vehicle recovery ...

Tow Recovery Techniques (this is my preferred choice for vehicles not designed for off-road recovery, and should always be tried for any recovery, if practical, before resorting to a snatch or winch recovery--because it's safe, quick and convenient if it works) ...

4wheeldrive.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=4wheeldrive&cdn=autos&tm=29&f=10&tt=14&bt=0 &bts=0&zu=http://www.4x4now.com/sf0100.htm

Snatch Recovery Techniques ...

4wheeldrive.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=4wheeldrive&cdn=autos&tm=6&f=10&tt=14&bt=0& bts=0&zu=http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/snatch.htm

Winching Basics ...

4wheeldrive.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=4wheeldrive&cdn=autos&tm=8&f=10&tt=14&bt=0& bts=0&zu=http://www.jonfund.com/technical/winchingtips.shtml

I like the "axle straps" posted up. I may have to get one of those. Another piece of recovery gear I plan to get is a Pull-Pal. I could have used one a couple years ago when my pastor's Jeep got stuck in a ditch after going off an icy road. I was on ice trying to yank him out. There was nothing around to anchor to, and I was sliding all around. We had to do a lot of shoveling to make the pull easier. A Pull-Pal would have made winching him out quick and easy.