Grand Cherokee ZJ Front Tow Hooks

Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Tow hooks

Choices

You basically have 4 choices when it comes to front tow hooks or retreival points.

Find factory tow hooks with brackets from a junkyard
Purchase hooks and brackets from Rustys Offroad
Purchase a combination lower radiator mount with shackles from Kevin's offroad
Purchase a replacement front bumber with tow points such as the ARB Bull bar

Comparing the choices

The first 3 options fit within most budgets. I cannot tell a difference between Rusty's tow hook kit and the factory's so the choice really falls between tow hooks and shackles. I wanted retain a factory look for my Jeep so I was leaning towards purchasing hooks from Rusty's. I ended up getting factory hook brackets from a local junkyard for $50 and buying hooks from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers for $8. Kevins ZJ tow point is probably the better choice for ZJ owners who plan to wheel hard offroad. Shackles allow for securing the vehicle better and can be disconnected even with tension on the snatch rope if it's required. It will be exceptionally hard to have someone winch the front end of your ZJ down to prevent a rollover if all you have is hooks. The extra clearance afforeded by the radiator mount would be appreciated as well. On the flip side you'll have to trim the front bumber plastic fascia to get the shackles attached. You will lose the lower attach point for the plastic fascia with Kevins design. Not a big deal but still. You will also lose the angular support for the front fenders with Kevin's design.

Installing Tow Hooks step-by-step
I had photos but my camera lost them. Instead I hope this diagram helps.
Bumber fascia

Numbers refer to upper diagram

Open your hood.
Remove 3 screws from the top of the grill. Tilt it forward and lift it up and out. This will allow access to the bumber fascia retainers(2).
Remove the plastic retainers in the front wheel wells which connect to the bumber fascia. 3 per side.
Remove the 3 plastic retainers(2) under the front of the fascia which face upward.
Remove the 3 Plastic retainers(2) from the top middle of the fascia (which were revealed by removeing the grill).
Pull the plastic fascia(1) forward.
Numbers now refer to lower diagram
Insert the backing plate(1) for the tow hook brackets into the frame rails.
Remove the horns on the passenger side by removing one bolt. It will provide much easier access to tighten the tow hook bracket bolts.I just let the horns dangle while I tightened the bolts.
Hold the Bracket(4) up to the frame rail and screw several threads of the bolts(5) into the backing plate through the frame rail. Install the bracket(4) with the bolts(7) which will hold the tow hooks(8) in place.
The brackets bolt to the outside of each frame rail. The brackets rests on top of the lower radiatir support and bolts through it.
The bolts(3) which go into the lower radiator support wouldn't fit in below the A/C condensor. I removed the 2 lower raditor support bracket bolts and one fender crossbrace bolt to allow the bracket to drop down to provide enough clearance to get the bolts in. DO one side at a time to prevent everything falling on your head. After you get the tow hook bracket bolts in reinstall the lower radiator support and fender crossbrace bolts and tighten them upi before moving to the next side..
At this point all the tow hook bracket bolts(5) should be finger tight.
Drop the bolts(7) which will actually hold the tow hooks into the brackets if you have not already done so. Once everything is tightened up you will not be able to get them in. (you might be able to put the nuts on top and thread the bolts upward, but this goes against good practice)
Tighten all tow hook bracket bolts(5).
If you removed the horn reinstall it.
Install the tow hooks(8) onto the bracket(4) and tighten.
Numbers refer to upper diagram again
Place the front fascia(1) back on. There are posts(6) on both side of the ZJ which should go into grooves in the bumper fascia. The top lip of the fascia should go above the black plastic piece across the front of the vehicle below the lights.
Install 3 plastic retainers(2) in the top of the fascia
I installed bolts with nylon locking nuts in the 3 bottom fascia holes.
Install the plastic retainers in the fender wells.
Install the grill. It will drop in when tilted slightly forward. Then push the top back and reinstall the 3 screws.

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