Front recovery point mods?

[JD914]

I've done a bunch of research, and I know the weak front tow loops have been discussed repeatedly, but has anybody come up with a good solution for front recovery points (without going with a winch bumper or front hitch)?
Sonoran Steel sells a set of shackle hangers for the 3rd gen, but there doesn't seem to be anything readily available for our 4th gen. The only suggestion I've seen is somebody recommending cutting off the tow loops and rewelding them to a beefier plate.

 

[crashman]

I have done some research also one post said to tie both loops together with something like a tree huger rope and hook to the rope.
The one thing i was worried about was the frame bending (how possable that is I don't know)

 

[JD914]

I have done some research also one post said to tie both loops together with something like a tree huger rope and hook to the rope.
The one thing i was worried about was the frame bending (how possable that is I don't know)

I read that as well, and if nothing else, hooking to both loops would help I guess. And I wouldn't worry about bending the frame. You'd yank those cheap loops off way before any frame damage is done!

 

[berettashot117]

do aesthetic mods count?

it's dosent add strength, but I like how they look
(please ignore my pre dremel trim job lol)

 

[galactic_04]

I read that as well, and if nothing else, hooking to both loops would help I guess. And I wouldn't worry about bending the frame. You'd yank those cheap loops off way before any frame damage is done!

Never hook the two together. They will pull toward each other and you can really damage the frame doing this. Pull from one or the other.
Here's a whole thread on it: http://jeepgarage.org/archive/index.php/t-20041.html

 

[CAN-03runner]

I have been pulled and winched from the front loops one at a time several times. And so have the FJ cruisers I offroad with, which essentially have the same front loops.
I don't see how welding new loops on, would make it any stronger if we're worried about the existing loops coming off.
What could be interesting is an "L" or boomerang shape steel bracket that basically bolts on the side of the frame into the same holes as the re-enforcement brackets bolt to with aftermarket bumpers. And a bracket underneath the radiator support /crossmember where the existing loops weld to that wraps around the sides. This way the bolts can take the load when pulled front. And when pulled to the side the side brackets spread the load.
This is just not a quick and cheap as simple bolt on tow hooks like those on the old 4runners and pickups.

 

[DC runner]

This 1 or 2 hook when towing discussion is missing the all important X variable.

Any engineers on here... it is all about load. If you are pulling from the front, or a short off angle, then it would be better to use both hooks. This would help to distribute the load.

If anyone climbs in here, they would get this. When you set an anchor, if you pull from the front; you get all your strenght.

Where it is bad to use both is at an extreme off axis. A side pull, for example.


And that link you posted had the exact same discussion. You had people *****ing and moaning about what the jeep manual suggests (use both) and what they thought.

The reality is BOTH and NEITHER is the correct answer. It is HIGHLY dependent on the specific variables in the equation. You can't say X and assume X will always work.

I wheel quite a bit and if I am pulling, or being pulled, from a mud bog and it is a straight or less that 10 degrees or so pull; I use both front hooks if they have them. This keeps the truck straight. When I use just 1 (usually if only 1) the trucks like to go sideways a wee bit.


IF... I am pulling, or being pulled at an extreme angle; from a trail and the tow truck is at an off axis angle.. I use 1 hook.

I think sometimes you have to step back and logically look at what is going on.

 

[scottm]

Two hooks is better, IF you have a long sling and you use it properly. Attach the sling ends to the two recovery loops, do not run it through the two recovery loops so it can pull them together. The sling should be long enough to form a "V" with a fairly narrow angle. No matter what angle you pull at, you will be putting equal force on each recovery point.

Every recovery is different, but they're all potentially dangerous.

Pirate4x4.Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive

 

[03_4x4Runner]

It kind off scares me seeing how thin the metal is holding the loops on in this link. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/105430-i-think-somethings-wrong-my-tow-hooks.html These loops are mainly to hold the vehicle securly on the ship on the way here from japan. It is a shame 4runner do not have good tow hooks like Jeeps and hummers.

 

[JD914]

Good points, everybody. It's too bad that a fabricator hasn't come up with a bracket to bolt up to one of the locations that CAN mentioned. My truck is going to be measured for some sliders later this month - maybe I'll mention this to them as a possible new product offering for them. Why not, since they have my truck anyway...