OE front tow hooks... worth it?
10-25-2010, 04:37 PM
#11
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Yeah, i'd try and sell that tow strap with the metal hooks!
Get a good recovery strap. I believe you can get one at tractor supply co. not sure though
Get a good recovery strap. I believe you can get one at tractor supply co. not sure though
10-25-2010, 10:12 PM
#12
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thanks
Thanks for all the input, I will definitely ditch the metal hooks and get a better strap. Didn't really think about is shattering, that would not be cool. 
10-26-2010, 06:27 AM
#14
Yes, they can work pretty well, but in Barnwell last January, I saw a JK with a 4 in lift and 37's get bogged down to the frame in some mud, they hooked up a winch from another JK and a snatch strap to get the right angle.
They hooked the winch directly to the stock front hooks, pulled for awhile stopped, then again, stopped, then again, and POW!!! The factory tow hook bent, then snapped off. So then they took a tree strap and dug down in the mud with a shovel and hooked the tree strap around the frame and were able to pull him out that way.
They hooked the winch directly to the stock front hooks, pulled for awhile stopped, then again, stopped, then again, and POW!!! The factory tow hook bent, then snapped off. So then they took a tree strap and dug down in the mud with a shovel and hooked the tree strap around the frame and were able to pull him out that way.
10-27-2010, 06:19 AM
#15
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so much for this thread
So I f******g rear ended someone yesterday, didn't even have my license plates yet. Either way, my insurance is gonna put a new bumper on it. They would give me $340(cost of an OE bumper with no hooks). I found a nice Smittybuilt for $400, only $60 out of pocket for me + a couple of shackles.
10-27-2010, 10:33 AM
#17
They had a 4" lift with 37s and were still using the factory bumper/tow hooks? I would think that they would have gotten an aftermarket bumper with D-rings. But maybe that's just me. 
Seems like that was a tough situation. Most of the time, the stock hooks work without any problems. In any case, the tow hooks are better than nothing.
I would think that they would have gotten an aftermarket bumper with D-rings. But maybe that's just me. Seems like that was a tough situation. Most of the time, the stock hooks work without any problems. In any case, the tow hooks are better than nothing.I think they blew all of their money on the lift/tires 1st and hadn't gotten to bumpers.
I agree in most cases the front hooks will work well, but I just wanted to describe a scenario where I did see them fail.
10-27-2010, 03:48 PM
#18
JK Enthusiast
I already have have the hooks just want to get a recovery kit since I am new (noob) and I have a jeep partner and want to do some mud. Btw were u recommend to mud here in PR for a couple of rookies
10-27-2010, 07:08 PM
#19
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Definitely get the tow hooks like the others are saying. Keep an eye on the for sale section and also watch your local craigslist. I was able to pick up a rubicon bumper with the hooks and fog light holes for $60 that was replaced when someone went aftermarket.
Also I just used my hooks over the weekend to get pulled out of a tough spot between a rock and a tree. Worked like a charm and much better and much easier than hooking up to the frame.
Get rid of that tow strap with the hooks those things are downright dangerous on the trail. I picked up a 25,000 pound tow strap with the looped ends at the local wally world for somewhere between 15 and 30 dollars, it's been a while so I can't remember the exact figure.
Good luck on your hunt.
Also I just used my hooks over the weekend to get pulled out of a tough spot between a rock and a tree. Worked like a charm and much better and much easier than hooking up to the frame.
Get rid of that tow strap with the hooks those things are downright dangerous on the trail. I picked up a 25,000 pound tow strap with the looped ends at the local wally world for somewhere between 15 and 30 dollars, it's been a while so I can't remember the exact figure.
Good luck on your hunt.
10-28-2010, 04:01 AM
#20
JK Enthusiast
Shoot me a PM...
