  There ought to be a law against 4x4's without tow hooks. Unfortunately nobody is saving me a seat in congress, so my '94 XJ was totally bare of anything resembling a safe anchor point for a tow strap or chain. The good news is Chrysler realizes that the Cherokee is a little more off-road ready than the average SUV and they offer a bolt on tow hook package for your hookless XJ. You'll need to order two different parts from the dealer, PN 82200101 for the tow hooks (they're only available in chrome) and PN 82200719 for the brackets/reinforcements to bolt the hooks to. The bracket kit also serves as a reinforcement for a winch if you choose to install one. For those of you that have been burned before, this should go without saying. When you receive your parts be sure to compare it's actual contents with the contents listing on the instructions! I received all the brackets in the kit, but more than half of the nuts/bolts were missing, some of which aren't easily picked up at your local hardware store. After you plunk down your $90 for the parts, you'll need to make a quick check of your toolbox as there are a couple uncommon tools required for the job. If you don't have T50 and T55 Torx bits, go get them. You'll also need a rat tail file to enlarge some of the factory misaligned holes. Time to go to work! The first step in the installation is to remove the four bumper attachment bolts. With the bumper out of the way, remove the factory bumper mount brackets and nutclips, they will not be reused. Using the bolts from the old bumper brackets, loosely install the new, reinforced bumper brackets/tow hook mounts. Since the 2 nutclips were removed, 2 of the bolts will thread into the "lateral support" bracket. This is the small "L" shaped bracket included in the kit. Be careful, all of these parts are right or left hand side specific. Install the large bolt at the back of each bracket, again, leaving the bolts loose. The instructions state that on 4.0 engines, the alternator will have to be removed to install the rearmost passenger side bolt, I found it slipped in with plenty of clearance. The two brackets remaining are attached with the tow hooks and run back to the body. I found a little bending of some interfering sheetmetal necessary in order for these brackets to lay flat. With the tow hooks and brackets all loosely in place, it's time to trim the lower fascia. The instructions give precise locations to cut the fascia so there is clearance for the tow hooks. I used a hacksaw and razor knife to cut the plastic. After reinstalling the fascia, tighten all the bolts except the tow hooks themselves. Tighten the tow hooks after reinstalling the bumper. This tow hook package is easily installed in an afternoon and will provide a safe and easy attachment point in the event that you or someone else needs it. After this installation you'll feel a little more comfortable in your XJ doing what most SUV's don't; actually venturing off road. 
Dirt Road Magazine is sponsored by Turner 4WD Parts Co. |