rear tow hooks

[mingoglia]

Just picked up a set of 10k lbs tow hooks that I'm going to mount to the frame. I was planning on drilling all the way through the frame. I was going to use the existing hole on each side and drilling the other. Now that I took a quick look it doesn't appear that the hole goes through the other side of the frame. Does that mean that those that have done this just bolt to the one side and not all the way through the entire width of the frame (to the other side right next to the gas tank).

Just wondering as I've been planning this whole time going all the way through. If just the one side of the frame is sufficient strength wise then great...then that leads me to the next question of does that hole under the frame have enough space to get a nut in there?

Asking this question now ruins the evening as I was just heading out to the hardware store to get the bolt... now it looks like I won't make it and they're closed tomorrow.

Mike

[Sedona Jeep School]

In answer to your questions:

Yes, yes, no, yes, no, yes, yes. Just kidding. :D

If no one else has a more intelligent answer, I am happy to look at how the 2004 factory ones are mounted and get back to you. What year is your Jeep, again?

[Stu Olson]

http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/gas/tj_hooks.htm

[mingoglia]

Stu,

I've been staying up to date on your site for awhile which is where I got the idea to mount them there. Before posting this message I also checked your site to see any specifics on how you did the install. I know it's a no brainer, just didn't read anything regarding if your bolts go all the way through or if they just go through the one side of the frame...and if they go through the one side, was it difficult getting the nut in the frame? I assume you didn't just tap it and there's a nut. I read somewhere else of someone just tapping the hole which doesn't sound too secure IMHO.

I didn't get a chance to take a look this evening as I was installing my JKS Quicker Disconnects. That took longer than I expected due to two boners on my part (thanks Mr. Murphy)

1) Like an idiot, I did the install on jackstands thinking I'd be doing myself a favor as I could then manually move the wheel by hand if I needed. This of course through off the adjustment (yeah, I wasn't thinking) and I didn't think of this until right before I let it down. This caused a huge mess since I added grease to them and the proper adjustment required me turning them in 40 turns which made the greese ooze out all over due to the threaded part going back into the body displacing the greese.

2) I installed the bracked on the bottom side of the track bar on the second side. The first side I was reading the directions and it clearly states the correct way to do this, but the second side I guess I rushed.... well, when installing both bolts that hold the top part of the disconnects I stripped them slightly as my torx didn't seem to fit that tight. Well, didn't strip them completely, but it was close. This lead to problem 2b) Due to me kinda stripping the bolt and the fact I used red loctite... well, the bolt got stuck and stripped. I ended up having to Dremel both sides of the round head to turn it square which allowed me to put a 10mm wrench on it to get it out....errrr... damn, Murphy.

Anyway, I won't admit how long it took me to do yet another 20 minute job. :D :D :D Needless to say I didn't get to the tow hooks this evening.

Mike