Frame mounted shackle question

[Jackthewack]

Ok so I removed the bottom plastic from my bumper and I have the ends of the frame sticking out. I am in the process of making my own shield for the radiator so don't worry about that haha. Any way my question is can I just cut some holes into the end caps of the frame to mount my shackles? I think it would look cool and be really easy to access. Thanks in advance

 

[GhostRing]

If I'm not mistaken, that end cap is held in by a little 12mm bolt. No go.
If you want real shackle recovery points, I suggest getting the bolt-on shackle
mounts that attach at the factory tow hook locations.

 

[Jackthewack]

I just looked and they are absolutely bolted on. why would they not be welded on?

 

[Jackthewack]

Can I weld it on and then add the shackles? My buddy is a welder so I can get some great welds on it would there be any reason to not weld them on?

 

[Black798]

I still wouldn't recommend using that as a shackle mount even if it was welded. There are a couple problems I see with doing it that way.
1) those end caps are made to be crush boxes if you're in an accident so they are designed to be the first link to fail and they are only made from 1/16th inch steel.
2)Even if they were welded, they are a butt joint and have a very little contact patch that is being welded. They will be relying entirely on that weld, no matter how good the weld is I wouldn't trust it. The proper way to do it would be to brace further back into the frame so your welds have better load distribution.

 

[IsaiahC]

I still wouldn't recommend using that as a shackle mount even if it was welded. There are a couple problems I see with doing it that way.
1) those end caps are made to be crush boxes if you're in an accident so they are designed to be the first link to fail and they are only made from 1/16th inch steel.
2)Even if they were welded, they are a butt joint and have a very little contact patch that is being welded. They will be relying entirely on that weld, no matter how good the weld is I wouldn't trust it. The proper way to do it would be to brace further back into the frame so your welds have better load distribution.

You're better off buying the bolt-on mounts that go where the tow hook is. That or make your own. Only other thing would be to drill holes then plate the frame around that.

 

[Jackthewack]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll just leave them. I thought it would look cool though