Well, I got tired of waiting for the guy who was going to cut my holes in my bumper so I did it. Not really much to it and the material is softer than I expected. First I masked the area and marked where the holes go (thanks heckler). Then I use a hole saw and cut a hole in each corner and using that as my corners.

I used a hacksaw blade to cut the holes (24 teeth per inch). I had to keep cleaning the blade from the bumper material gumming up in it. once I got as far as I could with the saw blade I used carbide burr in my drill to true things up. Like I said the material is soft and easy to cut.

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I installed the right hook already and its pretty straight forward. when you have the hooks you can see what holes in the frame line up to it.

I'm kind of new at this photo thing.....

Here are the other pics I took. One is of the location of the rear bolt location on the right side. Note: Start with the rear bolt that goes through the frame. It'salot easier to wiggle the bolt into place the front two are pretty easy. There is one bolt in the middle of the hook that has the bolt come from the bottom but I could not even photo the spot. I had install bolt bt feel.

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Tomorrow I'll complete the left side and touch up the edges with factor touch up paint.

awsome!! ill be doing this soon as well.

Thanks for the pics!

Great! Thanks for sharing!! That's 2 of you on your way to complete tow hooks. I guess I should add this to my summer todo list and get off my a$$ since I can't claim "no one has done it yet" anymore...

Will H: Just for clarification, you did cut the holes for the tow hooks with everything still on your Pat right? You didn't remove anything?

Looks fairly simple, a lot better now that we have pics of someone who stepped up and did it. Thanks! I might try it this summer. I might use a Dremel rather than a hacksaw blade though.

Looks good.
Question though... I see that you have no fog lights, so your model is base FDI?
Would it have cost you that much more to just get the FDII with the hooks?

Looks good.
Question though... I see that you have no fog lights, so your model is base FDI?
Would it have cost you that much more to just get the FDII with the hooks?

I see your point but in my case the only FDII's available were limited models. I just wanted a sport with the 4x4 and cvt. I didnt need all the luxuries, and couldnt wait to order one. So i bought an FDI, that they had, for a great price and im going to add the parts i needed from the FDII myself.

Looks good.
Question though... I see that you have no fog lights, so your model is base FDI?
Would it have cost you that much more to just get the FDII with the hooks?


I see your point as well, but I (as well as a lot of others) wanted a manual and those only come in FDI.

Very nice work.

Am I correct in assuming that this modification to the front bumper cover does not void the lifetime/regular warranty in any way?

Thanks!:smiley_thumbs_up:

Or us lowly 4x2s out there that want something in front in case we get stuck or to tie down our boats :)

Very nice work.

Am I correct in assuming that this modification to the front bumper cover does not void the lifetime/regular warranty in any way?

Thanks!:smiley_thumbs_up:

My thought (and argument to the dealer) would be no, since you aren't changing anything on the actual bumper, just the fascia. However, if you crack the fascia you'll be out some $$$ to get another one.

nice Will! I'm glad to see the dimensions go to use (http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5591).

And I guess I was proven wrong that the bumper had to come off to install the bolts. Great news for everyone!

I see your point as well, but I (as well as a lot of others) wanted a manual and those only come in FDI.

I see. Makes perfect sense now.
And Schoat333... I understand how you couldn't wait :smiley_thumbs_up:

Will H: Just for clarification, you did cut the holes for the tow hooks with everything still on your Pat right? You didn't remove anything?

Yes, I left the bumper on and although it may make getting to some of the bolts tougher it did make the bumper easier to cut I think. You may want to make the top cross cut first because is seems that the cover is more flimsy at the top than the bottom and it is not as difficult to me any way.

As far as the FDII I just did not know at the time and thought the 4X4 option came with the hooks and plates and so on:doh:. I'm going out to complete the job and I'll post some more pics later tonight.

Great Mod! So if you you put the RR lift kit on you would have a patriot more capable than an FD2?

Personal preferance... but I'd spray some flat black paint in the holes (taping the hooks cuz they look good glossy) to make all the internals "disappear"

after the hook is installed, and the edges of the new hole painted with touch up ( I wouldn't put edging on it), the internals 'disappear' on thier own. You don't notice it on an FDII as much as this picture without the hook installed.

Well someone beat me to it. Great job looks good. Its good to know you can install the hooks without removing the bumper. You cut the holes the same way I was thinking to do it but I am going to use a dremel tool to cut the holes. As far as the FDII option, the FDI gets slightly better gas mileage than the FDII and most of the stuff like hill decent control offroad programed anti lock brakes and such I feel is not necessary for offroad. I never needed that stuff. Just throw it in 4wheel drive and go. I just ordered the skid plates so after that I will do the tow hooks.

you've got it in the right order metalhead. Skidplates are way more important than hooks for offroad.

I've used the skids at least a dozen times so far. The hooks never.

Well I have completed the job and have a few more pics. In order to gain access to tighten the left hooks rear most cross bolt I removed battery and battery tray. the nut needs to go in right next to the radiator hose and I found this to be the toughest bolt to tighten. This is the first two pics.

Next picture is the location of where the bolt goes for the center of the hook. it looks tough but is really pretty easy. the bolt is going up through the bottom of the frame rail. The fourth pic is me pointing with an extension to where on the side rail the rear most bolt goes through. The last pic is of both hooks in and complete.


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The touch up paint from the dealer worked well but being my jeep is dark green leaving it black was no biggie. All in all the hooks look sweet.

I guess my questions can be answered in other various threads about tow-hooks but...

What's the price on them, and are they the same ones that the off-road Patriots have (ordered through the dealership)?

What parts number for all the parts for install the front tow hook in patriot? bolt, hook in every part

Here are the part numbers, they are $140 each:wow:
Rt hook:5115268AC
Lt hook:5115269AC

I hope this helps.

Thanks for the great write-up. I plan to do mine next month. Still amazed you did not have to remove the fascia to get the hooks on.

Thanks for the great write-up. I plan to do mine next month. Still amazed you did not have to remove the fascia to get the hooks on.

It might have made some of the fasteners easier to get to but I felt it was easier to cut the holes while it was still on the vehicle. If you want to PM me and give me a phone number I'll be glad to call and answer any questions I can or forgot to list. I'm sure that I am not listing things that made the job easy in some ways.

Good job will! And congratulations on being the first (that I saw) to take the plunge and cut hole in his fascia to install tow hooks.

There has been many of us talking about it and just waiting to follow in someone's footsteps.

Will H: Do the Tow Hooks come with all required hardware (nuts, bolts, lockwashers), or can you specify what you used?

Many thanks

Will H: Do the Tow Hooks come with all required hardware (nuts, bolts, lockwashers), or can you specify what you used?

Many thanks

No, the hooks came without any of the hardware but it can be ordered as I found out later on from Barry B. who posts on here too. Mopar parts has a web site that lists the parts and shows the part that goes in the bumper that the bolts thread into. It's called a "upper tow hook bracket

The bracket is a peice of metal that houses two nuts in it for the front two bolts in the bunper. I just used a 12mm dia. bolt instead of the 10mm factory since I did not have the brackets and did not know you could purchase them even.

There are a total of four bolts holding each hook in place with the rear most bolt being the main bolt taking the most load if your really stuck. If you purchase the hooks and start digging into the area where they go they are pretty straight forward.

Will -

Great job! I have been hoping to put the tow hooks on my 08 Limited 5 speed as well and your pioneering work will be an excellent reference.

A clarification please - You have stated that the hooks cost you $140US each. I asked my Toronto dealer's parts department for a quote which roughly came to $180 Canadian each. The person I was talking to on the phone seemed a little uncertain about this so I visited another dealership whose parts manager looked up the hooks and brackets and gave me a print-out with diagrams and prices for them at $88.65 Canadian each! (I am quite certain these were presented as retail prices.)

If you paid $140US each, then $180Can. would probably be in line with expected higher Canadian prices. Please verify that you paid $140US each - not for both.

All of these figures are absolutely ludicrous of course but perhaps Chrysler is now aware of the desire of Patriot owners to have tow hooks and is seizing the opportunity to make a killing! Do the hook part numbers ending in AB (which I inquired about) refer to 2007 Patriots, the ones ending in AC to 2008 models? Change one digit or code letter for the new year and - poof - the price doubles for the same item!?!

Courtesy my dealer..
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2028&d=1211993990

Here's what I bought, and what I paid (CDN)

The picture above # 15 are the tow hooks. They have been noted by others as p/n 5115268AB and 269AB . These are superseded by 5115268AC and 5115269AC. I paid $160.65 EACH.

The brackets for them are items # 25 and 26.
# 25 P/N 5116357AC (you need 2) I paid $13.90 ea
# 26 P/N 5116361AB (you need 2) I paid $10.25 ea.


Crossing fingers - I should have them in a week or two. :pepper:
Just need some help with bolt sizes and lengths

Will -

Great job! I have been hoping to put the tow hooks on my 08 Limited 5 speed as well and your pioneering work will be an excellent reference.

A clarification please - You have stated that the hooks cost you $140US each. I asked my Toronto dealer's parts department for a quote which roughly came to $180 Canadian each. The person I was talking to on the phone seemed a little uncertain about this so I visited another dealership whose parts manager looked up the hooks and brackets and gave me a print-out with diagrams and prices for them at $88.65 Canadian each! (I am quite certain these were presented as retail prices.)

If you paid $140US each, then $180Can. would probably be in line with expected higher Canadian prices. Please verify that you paid $140US each - not for both.

All of these figures are absolutely ludicrous of course but perhaps Chrysler is now aware of the desire of Patriot owners to have tow hooks and is seizing the opportunity to make a killing! Do the hook part numbers ending in AB (which I inquired about) refer to 2007 Patriots, the ones ending in AC to 2008 models? Change one digit or code letter for the new year and - poof - the price doubles for the same item!?!


Yes, the hooks cost were:
P/N: 5115268-AC Tow Hook $140US
P/N: 5115269-AC Tow Hook $142US
and if you purchase those upper brackets the factory bolt(s) number is.
P/N: 6105064-AA Bolt Hex $1.50US for six of them. This is how many you will need if the brackets are used. Three are needed per side.

I did not use the brackets Items 25 and 26 for the bumper but using them will make installation of front two bolts much easier. These brackets are just a clip like piece that holds the nuts in the bumper and eliminates using a wrench to hold the nuts in the bumper while tightening.

I'm not sure about a P/N for the rear most bolt but I will look and see what I used.

You know, this may be a wacky thought, but you don't have to do both sides on the front. The back only has one hook, you "could" just do the front passenger hook and save $140-$160 and still have the recovery option. My 87 Montero only had one front hook and one back one.

Will & psaules:

Thanks for your follow-up information on the US and Canadian prices for our Patriot tow hooks.

As mentioned earlier, I had obtained a written quote from a local dealership (on May 15) of $88.65 Cdn. for each one. (Yeh, I should have ordered and paid for them then.) Intrigued after reading your posts, I returned to the dealership yesterday and asked their helpful parts manager to double-check the parts numbers and prices. That little change from B to C in the parts codes certainly was significant! In fact his computer was showing a new list price around $190.00 Cdn!

On the job, he has seen many instances where there have been sudden price increases for items but even he seemed surprised at the leap of the tow hook prices. I suggested that it was due to a Chrysler conspiracy to exploit our rational desire for them! While taking that comment in tactful stride, he plausibly figured it was likely due to a change of supplier.

Today I called Customer Assistance and the person I spoke with said the increase was probably due to a temporary parts shortage in addition to a change of supplier. (The conspiracy theory was not greeted with as much humour as the dealership guy displayed.) After I stressed the need for tow hooks on all Jeep Patriots (as well as proper skid plates), she offered a little hope that there might be a substantial price decrease when quantities returned to normal. (Sure!)

Perish the thought of lurking around wreckers' yards! Can anyone on the site post pictures and specs of a set of uninstalled hooks? Perhaps a good metal worker/welder friend might be willing to do some creative artistry...

If you were going to fab your own, I'd just have your buddy fab up a 2" reciever hitch to attach at the points. Then you could install brackets, winches, d rings, whatever you wanted...

If someone can do their own brackets, they can use those.

$14.99 at Canadian Tires

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/gallery/data/590/0410369_450_CC_62c41.jpg

yeah; but those are meant as a 'looks-only' accessory - i doubt they could actually do what they look like they're designed for. It looks like that one attaches to the BUMPER with a bolt or two... not so sturdy imo.

If someone can do their own brackets, they can use those.

$14.99 at Canadian Tires

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/gallery/data/590/0410369_450_CC_62c41.jpg


These are very similar to the ones I had on my YJ and they worked well, the bolted directly into the frame, but getting them to work on on the MK may be a bit more difficult

Thanks for your interest and suggestions. I would like to stay as close as possible to the shape and dimensions of the factory ones although a few deviate concepts have come to mind since my last post. I am familiar with the aftermarket hooks you show as I bought them for my Explorer years ago. It would be impractical to mount them directly on the Patriot bumper which is too fragile to take any towing strain. However they might be used as the working ends of strong bars bolted to the bumper and frame at the connection points designated for the regular hooks. The simplest solution for secure canoe transport is probably the sort of hood straps offered by Merrimack or others. (I don't think Mountain Equipment Co-op here in Canada carries anything similar.)

WILL H: I just picked up my bolts. Looks like the long bolts used on the left and right are different lengths, one with a captive washer one without. Did you find that you needed a longer bolt on one sider versus the other?

They look great...thanks for the post

psaulesl, Yes I beleive the I used a longer bolt on the right (passenger) side due to left (drivers) side bolt popping out of the frame by the lower radiator hose. There is not much clearence here to work with between the frame and the hose and getting in there took removing the battery and battery tray. If you want to PM me with a phone# I would gladly answer anything I can for you if you would like.

Well, I got tired of waiting for the guy who was going to cut my holes in my bumper so I did it. Not really much to it and the material is softer than I expected. First I masked the area and marked where the holes go (thanks polished heckler). Then I use a hole saw and cut a hole in each corner and using that as my corners.

I use a hacksaw blade to cut the holes (24 teeth per inch). I had to keep cleaning the blade from the bumper material gumming up in it. once I got as far as I could with the saw blade I used carbide burr in my drill to true things up. Like I said the material is soft and easy to cut. 1971

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I installed the right hook already and its pretty straight forward. when you have the hooks you can see what holes in the frame line up to it.
What do I need to do to see the pictures? They do not show in the post, and the jpg doesn't work like a active link.

Hints??

they work fine for me but maybe me relinking them will help you.
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1972
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1973
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1974
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1975

AWesome - I was going to ask you to repost.
Anyways, looks like my post on db-Crash night was lost, so I'll repost my link to picasaweb showing the tow hooks
Front TowHook photos with measuring tape" - http://picasaweb.google.com/psaulesl/JeepPatriotPhotoRepository

Hmm. Is it jsut me, or is Page 4 inaccessible?

Hmm. Is it jsut me, or is Page 4 inaccessible?

Seems to work fine now. Your installation looks great. I did not know just how massively built those recovery points are. Gives confidence.

All folks thinking about cheaping out with those $15 bolt on jobs BEWARE!!!! If those things come loose in a recovery, the hook and the strap or cable attached to it become a deadly missile. It really could kill someone. If you want recovery points, spring for the real deal or have something substantial made. If you just want tie-downs for gear or sporting equipment, they are probably fine.

you did an incredible job and it was bold but i love bold you did great i'm inspired to cut through my bumper now lol well not yet but warmin up to the idea it looks great man!

Anyone else completed this install yet?
I have my hooks, and the instructions... Just no time (moving!). Curious to see if anyone else took the plunge.

If you are not lifted, get plates! If you have plates, get hooks! If you have both plates and hooks, get lifted! If you have all three, think about a winch. Only then can you be truly on your own!
2528

I just complete this install a few weeks ago and will post pics soon!

So, after nearly getting stuck in the mud because of my ESPOFF display lying, I decided it was high time to get off my butt and start this tow hook project.... Same afternoon.

Measure Twice! Maybe 3 or 4 times...
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3258&stc=1&d=1226340392

I sure Hope Polished Heckler was accurate!
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3257&stc=1&d=1226340392

The raw hole before filing and dremel work.... Look Marge. Speed holes!
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3255&stc=1&d=1226340392

PHEW. it's a wiggle to get it in the frame but it does go in.
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3256&stc=1&d=1226340607

nice work!

I'm glad it (looks like it) worked out for you.

remember, hooks are useless without a strap and another truck to pull you out....

Looks great. How smooth were you able to get the edges of the cutouts?

Looks great. How smooth were you able to get the edges of the cutouts?

Smooth enough that I can't tell that it didn't come like that from the factory at 2 feet. I might not even bother painting the cut edge.

The most critical I can be is that the placement of my corner radii is a bit off, as you can see if you look hard at the photos.

The dremel with a sanding drum at any speed sand/melts a smooth edge. just don't get carried away or use any pressure.

I'm going to mask and fire a shot of black paint or underbody protector (whatever I have lying around into the holes to make the internals hide better before installing the hooks.


Warning when using a file to remove the last few milimeters of material: I scratched my bumper above the hole on the driver side by being too vigourous and slipping out of the hole. There isn't much room for a stroke with the file, so go diagonal/sideways. I also suggest taping a floormat to the top of the bumper/hood to protect it from the file if you slip out :doh:

Suggestion to anyone trying this: Consider reducing the size of the cutout. I don't know why Jeep felt they needed so much clearance on the backside of the hook (toward the centre of the vehicle.

Suggestion to anyone trying this: Consider reducing the size of the cutout. I don't know why Jeep felt they needed so much clearance on the backside of the hook (toward the centre of the vehicle.

Can you give some revised dimensions? I am planning on doing mine next spring. Thanks.

Suggestion to anyone trying this: Consider reducing the size of the cutout. I don't know why Jeep felt they needed so much clearance on the backside of the hook (toward the centre of the vehicle.

i'm sure its so that when your tow strap is being pulled on an angle that it's not hitting the plastic bumper.

I'd leave the holes as is.

Good point. If you ended up running two straps to merge and pull from the centre, you'd need the extra clearance.

Well I have completed the job and have a few more pics. In order to gain access to tighten the left hooks rear most cross bolt I removed battery and battery tray. the nut needs to go in right next to the radiator hose and I found this to be the toughest bolt to tighten. This is the first two pics.

Next picture is the location of where the bolt goes for the center of the hook. it looks tough but is really pretty easy. the bolt is going up through the bottom of the frame rail. The fourth pic is me pointing with an extension to where on the side rail the rear most bolt goes through. The last pic is of both hooks in and complete.



Hey Will
I put my Pat on ramps to take advantage of the mild weather, and install the tow hooks since the holes are already there.
I could not reach the locations where the nuts go...

Rear: I'm assuming you reached these through the top of the engine compartment via the hood.

centre: I could not see how these could posssibly be reached except from underneath. In my case, the side closeouts and my skid plate are in the way.

Front: I can reach the bolt locations through the fascia, however getting the nuts into the bumper requires side access.

Did you remove the fender closeouts to access? Did you remove the plastic belly pan to access the mid/centre bolts and nuts?

I could really use some advice on this one... I have all the mopar bolts and nut/brackets, but it appears to me that removing and reinstalling the bumper fascia might be required to do this job.... And perhaps my skid plate too.

Will H and anyone else who has done this job: Your comments please. :confused:

Thanks to Will for genously sharing his time to call me tonight. From what he remembered, Will didn't remember necessarily taking off the belly pan to do this job, just partially the wheel-well plastic.

A few points from our conversation that I recall:

1) The factory brackets will make the job easier. There is one with a captive pair of nuts that clips inside the bumper for the front two bolts on each hook. Access the inside of the bumper steel via the wheel wells (partially unfasten and push back the wheel wells). Will used nuts and wrenches.

2) Wiggling and twisting in the tow hook makes it go in easier

3) putting in the front two bolts loosely will align the tow hook, and allow enough wiggle to then get the rear bolts in

4) We think the drivers side rear bolt is the longer one

5) The brackets with the captive nut for the rear bolts will make the job much easier as they sit in a channel from the inside

6) Will was able to reach the rear and middle bolt positions from the bottom. It`s a long reach over the belly pan from the rear to get to the middle bolt position

7) Holding bolts with a socket: a good trick is to press the bolt head through a sheet of notepaper into the socket for a tighter fit

8) Tighten the front bolts last.

Other notes: An angled mirror on a stick (shop tool) makes it easier to find the holes. It`s also a bit tough to locate all the holes, so measure and guesstimate where they are approximately located.



I`ll get to this next semi-warm day, or the spring ;-)

Good luck all, and don't forget to post your personal insights when doing this project.

Thanks again to Will H! :smiley_thumbs_up: Above and beyond the call.

New info: I dropped by a a local body shop. They looked at my bumper, hooks and parts, checked their system for installation notes, and said they would remove the fascia and install the hooks - total: about 1-1.5 hours. If they have to drop the skid plate, it could raise the cost. Their labour rate is much lower than dealers, so might be worthwhile for me.


I noticed that Zombie4569 posted a thread about using his new hooks to pull someone else out of a ditch, so I PM'ed him to get his perpective. He did his own, and gave me some info via PM.

I'm pasting some tidbits from Zombie4569 via PM in case it helps others:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well, I do have to say that making the cuts was the easy part ... I had no idea of the trouble I was about to have. Taking the fascia off was not going to be an option for me because I didn't want to worry about fitting it later, so I decided to take the plastic skid plate off and go from there. Since I knew where all of the bolts already went ... I could finagle everything together. I had to unbolt the power steering bracket from under the radiator to get the socket in for one of the bolts. "
"Let me just say, hand start everything and then tighten it all down".


He also commented on my body shop estimate:
"If they are only charging you 1 to 1.5 hours, it might just be worth it to have them do it."


Hope this helps folks.

Yea as far as warranty goes, if the problems occur as a result of your actions, then yes it's void, but if they're unrelated, then you still have warranty. For example, someone could be an idiot and take their air filter off... (obviously ruining the engine), but if your back windows then fell off magically, then those windows would still be covered under warranty. Your front bumper doesn't affect many things, so you're pretty much free to do what you want with it.

psaulesl, looks like you did a good job of cutting the holes in the plastic bumper :smiley_thumbs_up:. I hope our discussion helped you some and you can complete the job without too much trouble. Those two bolts in the rear of the hook are tough but if you get the front two in the bumper started the other two can be done. Just let me know if I can answer a question.

psaulesl, the service manual shows that the fascia is easy to remove. You have done the hardest part. I bet you could do the rest in an hour to an hour and a half. I plan to do mine in the spring - cutting the holes first, then removing the fascia. Have to admit I am impressed with WillH's install.

Hey Folks, I just wanted to announce COMPLETION of the Front TowHooks project :banana: . . . But not by me.

Unfortunately the weather was just too cold, and I missed the opportunity to do it myself. I paid about $100 CDN for a local body shop to install and black out the area with undercoat. They did not have to drop the skid plate: just remove & replace the fascia and battery.

So, while I am $100 poorer, at least my hooks are done, and I can pull other out of the snowbanks, and get myself extracted this winter :-0

Here are the Photos. Good Luck to the do-it-yourselfers who do this (themselves)! :notworthy:

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3457&stc=1&d=1229974940

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3458&stc=1&d=1229974940

Real cool job, wish I had the skills and was as daring as you are.

Looks great! Thanks for the pics.

Looks good psaulesl, glad to see another FDI getting the FDII tow hook upgrade. Now all you need is the trail rated badge on the drivers side ;).

Looks nice!!

Thanks all! Between Will's photos, and the additional wisdom captured from discussions with Will and Zombie, I certain that come springtime, the DIY'ers will have no problems with this install. If I can cut bumper holes and not screw it up, anyone can.

I sure Hope Polished Heckler was accurate!
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3257&stc=1&d=1226340392


pheuf! thank god for 4 years of engineering school, eh?

looks great!

do you plan on the rear hook, or just use the hitch? The rear's dead simple to install.

...do you plan on the rear hook, or just use the hitch? The rear's dead simple to install.

I just don't need the rear hook, since I have the hitch.

retrospect:
If I had to do it over again, I'd have bought the trail rated pat, but it wasn't available used in my area when I was buying.

If I was just starting to modify my FDI again, I would have opted for the Mopar hitch, just because it involves a rear bumper cutout, and doesnt impact departure angle as much as the other options... But I am happy with all my mods, and my 2007 Patriot FD1.5 ;)

psaulesl,

Did you buy the hooks and bring them up to the shop to be put on or did you buy them from the shop that put them on? Just trying to find the cheaper way to do this. Thanks!

cheaper way is to install them yourself.

you'll have to buy them from a Jeep dealer anyway.

I found it odd that purchasing three skid plates for the Patriot was cheaper than two small tow hooks!

In any case, perhaps a project for the summer. Excellent, and very helpful posts folks!

Deech, I bought my hooks from the dealer, but had the install done by a body shop... I did quote my dealer, but they were way expensive... and would have probably subcontracted to the same body shop anyway.

I have a question for you, Psaulesl.
Is it possible to install those hooks in a euro bumper?

deres,

The Euro bumper would certainly require cutouts.
Go to a dealer to order the parts (or get a quote) and get them to pull drawings for your VIN. Compare the part numbers to those illustrated in this thread:
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6358&page=3

Perhaps the frame components and openings are common, and the tow hooks can be installed in the euro bumper. There could be legal ramifications, as I understand, there are restrictions on what a bumper can look like in Europe...

There is also a decent thread regarding how to easily remove and replace the front bumper fascia in the Exterior seciton of the Knowledge base http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6291, plus on Nearly Normal Jimmy's site. http://www.nearlynormal.biz/jeep/patriot_info.html Pull the fascia and have a look. :-)

For completeness, I am also re-linkign the measurements for the Tow Hook Holes: http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5591

Well, I am also thinking of installing those on Euro bumper, so I wanted to ask same question, when I find out Deres already did that.
In my country there are no restrictions on how bumper can look like - I can even legally put those large, big, solid & hard bull-bars, so I just wonder on properly positioning holes on the bumper.

In my country there are no restrictions on how bumper can look like - I can even legally put those large, big, solid & hard bull-bars, so I just wonder on properly positioning holes on the bumper.


I'd get the bull bar over the tow hooks....
so i could start mowing down kangaroo's in my backyard

Someone's gonna have to be brave and spend an hour removing and replacing the bumper fascia to have a look and compare to the photos in the Knowledge base.

Chrysler service guy at my dealers told me that only bumpers are different between Euro & US versions, so he believes that there should be no problems in fitting tow hooks on Euro Pats. Anyway, I just installed skid plates, so tow hooks will have to wait couple of months to save some for the purpose.

bump for tow hook goodness.

Can someone post this thread to the Knowledge base? I think there are enough interested FDI and Euro Patriot drivers to justify it.

anyone know a canadian web site to order these part? cuz i look on moparpartamerica and they write they only ship in usa

anyone know a canadian web site to order these part? cuz i look on moparpartamerica and they write they only ship in usa

In Canada, I was unable to find any dealers for these parts. I used my dealer, and negotiated the price down some.

Suggest that you get your parts list together (everything you want to buy: hooks, hardware, skidplates, accessories) and quote multiple dealerships, making it clear that whoever quotes the best total price for the package, gets the order.

Good Luck!

http://www.justforjeeps.com/fronttowhooks.html

Not too bad a price at all $278 :smiley_thumbs_up: Has everything except the large through bolt at the rear most end of the hook and also the most important bolt. Although a grade 8 bolt for it can be purchased at any hardware or auto parts store.

Looks like these things are starting to go down in price a little bit.

a pretty good find!

Just added some hooks to the front of mine. I took off the bumper which made it a whole bunch easier. It only took me about 20 minutes to take it off!

Here's some pictures cus we all love pictures!
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=161&pictureid=1594
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=161&pictureid=1596
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=161&pictureid=1598

Thanks Will H for being the first brave one to cut a hole in the bumper and thanks Heckler for the dimensions!

Well done BSCB. Looks good.

Thanks UA

Sweet BSCB! Nice work. Glad to see the measurements were useful to a couple people.

what does BSCB stand for?

Sweet BSCB! Nice work. Glad to see the measurements were useful to a couple people.

what does BSCB stand for?

Thanks again Heckler!

It's just a abbreviation of a saying that we have at work.

Thanks again Heckler!

It's just a abbreviation of a saying that we have at work.

Looks great and good work! I think I get the BS part of your name.

Nice job! Glad to see that we are getting a few more to put some front hooks on. :smiley_thumbs_up:

you've got it in the right order metalhead. Skidplates are way more important than hooks for offroad.

I've used the skids at least a dozen times so far. The hooks never.

You just think that because you haven't used hooks yet. If you were to get stuck with no hooks where would you be? STUCK! And no skid plates would save you. A solid tow hook is the most important thing for offroading. As well as never going alone so then you have someone to use your tow hooks.

We're getting into that time of year where I'm going miss my front tow hooks. I suspect I'll eventually add these to my Patriot. This thread will help a lot.

I wish Chrysler had an "Up Country" option package for the 5 speed 4x4's that gave you the hooks, skid plates and suspension boost, or even just the hooks and boost. 16" wheels with more rubber would be good too. Mines not going off road, but a little more tire and tow hooks for winter time recoveries would be nice as a factory installed package.

When I went to the Jeep Jamboree skid plates and tow points or hooks were equally as important and mandatory. You could not go out unless you had them both.

I would have to say the rock sliders I installed were the best investment at that time as was the rest of the equiptment. Our trail guides said if you've never been stuck then you are not challenging yourself enough. I challenged myself twice. ;)

OK, I've used the hooks once and seen them used another time.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq245/polished_heckler/britcreek026.jpg

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but I've used the skid plates a lot more often!

Now THAT'S high centered! :notworthy: I see that was the early days before tires and RRO lift. Cool picture :smiley_thumbs_up:

a set of hooks - good price!

http://www.justforjeeps.com/fronttowhooks.html

Installed the front tow hooks this past weekend on my riot.Did not take the front bumper cover off,cut the holes using hecklers dimensions,a utility knife,and little time.The cover cuts pretty easy you just have too go back over a couple of times.Took pics but the ones of the installation will not down load used a different camera.Just need a hitch for the back and I'm ready for a little 4x4 and winter is coming come on snow.

Nice work, rubiconpatriot. My only concerns with your cutouts are the lack of a radius: impact will likely concentrate force at the corners, and I might expect cracks to be more likely to propagate from the sharp rectangular corners... Hopefully not....
That's why I used a drill for mine: Built in radius in each corner.


Looks good; and more importantly: you have extraction points now!

thank you psaulesl, but any impact to the bumper cover will crack the cover is thin especially in cold temps.Winter is coming.

Nice Rubicon!

I have to concur with psaulesl though - putting a radius (rounded corners) will result in a stronger cut out, less likely to crack. Too late for rubiconpatriot, but for the next person putting in hooks - keep this in mind. A sharp corner in plastic is a weak point (also called a stress riser).

I spent a little time and rounded the corners around the cutout for the tow hooks added some trim.What do you guys think?

nice work!

That trim looks nice, nice work on the install.

I love how you guys take on these projects. Knowing I wanted the hooks, skid plates, etc I ordered mine with the FD2 package.

The only time I used the hooks, so far, was to pull my tractor back from the field when it died on me this summer. Still good to be able to do.

I also have a portable winch I can use, but tow hooks are needed for that too.

Luckily the onoly time I was ever stuck was due to the darn ESP not letting my spin the wheels, but I got 8 guys on snowmobiles to give me a push and all was fine. Now I have learned how to get the ESP fully off. I'll see how it does this winter.

I spent a little time and rounded the corners around the cutout for the tow hooks added some trim.What do you guys think?

Well done. I like the different look created using the trim. Is that just basic black door edge trim?

yes it's just black door trim,I had to use a hair dryer to make it soft for that small of an area but after it cooled off it's nice and tight and the glue seems to be holding on. it does make it look a lot nicer.

bump for Earthworm

Heckler, what is that supposed to mean ? Bump for Earthworm. The guy did a nice job on the tow hook modification. Yes you can slide a winch in the back receiver,but it helps to have a set=up in the front too. Not familar with bump still learning. Thanks Heckler

I am new here , just looking at your post. You did an excellent job with the install,and the photos, very nice. Better late than never.

I just brought up a thread (bumped it) I thought you might find interesting in case you didn't see it. :) nothing personal.

Heckler, Thank you , much appreciated

hey guys great job on installing your own tow hooks I've been wanting to do this for a while but its still cold and i don't want to crack the plastic bumper. so ill just wait for warmer temps. i was just wondering if anyone could describe to be or better yet have a good picture that displays the rear bolt hole and where you accessed it from. any help would be greatly appreciated.

hey guys great job on installing your own tow hooks I've been wanting to do this for a while but its still cold and i don't want to crack the plastic bumper. so ill just wait for warmer temps. i was just wondering if anyone could describe to be or better yet have a good picture that displays the rear bolt hole and where you accessed it from. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Look for emails and photos from this thread from Will_H (Post #42 has clarification, post #21 has photos)

Thanks for the excellent write up and pics. I was wondering just what was involved with installing the stock front tow hooks.

I don't understand the high cost for the stock towhooks, they aren't that substantial. As for the option of those $14 tow hooks, just what are you supposed to bolt them to? The stock tow hooks appear to bolt directly to the frame well behind the bumper.

And when tugging or pulling a stuck vehicle do you really want to be pulling on a cheap tow hook?

Great looking install. Did you do the bolt installations through the engine compartment or from under the Pat?

Len

Where did you find the tow hooks? Are they Mopar? A link or phone number would be great. thanks

G to the OOGLE

http://www.justforjeeps.com/fronttowhooks.html

Heckler, how do the bolts on your hooks look? Mine are pretty rusty. You'd think they'd use better bolts for an exterior application.

I spent a little time and rounded the corners around the cutout for the tow hooks added some trim.What do you guys think?

Is your patriot an 09 model ?

I've got the 08 CRD limited, and the front bumper is massive - which is cutting down my entry angle..

I've been looking at alternatives as the clearance just isnt there..

Has anyone else here replaced their front bumper ? mine is just beaten as it always catches on small entry and exits..

While I'm putting in hooks, I might as well shop for a new one.. :D

Looks fairly simple, a lot better now that we have pics of someone who stepped up and did it. Thanks!







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has anyone found, and or made a more economical tow hook, thats 30$ less then the RRO lift... i wouldn't mind cutting one whole for a tow hook but $320+ is just to steep for my 4x4 budget.

thanks for any help.

anyone know if a rear tow-hook would fit in front?

http://www.justforjeeps.com/reartowhook.html

I just got the tow hook kit parts from the dealer. They are quite robust and designed to bolt to different structural areas of the vehicle, presumably to safely distribute the pulling load so no part of the vehicle structure bends or catastrophically fails. After seeing these, I would not recommend trying to fit the simple 2-bolt little tow hooks onto a Patriot - I'd have to say trust the Mopar engineers on this one and pony up for the proper front hooks.

Looks fairly simple, a lot better now that we have pics of someone who stepped up and did it. Thanks!

Just did it today, not simple. Took us 4 solid hours using a hoist. Wasted much time trying to install hooks with the bumper cover on, then realized you have to take front fascia and bumper cover off. Have to take out battery and battery tray (never before seen a simple plastic tray that used 5 large fasteners to hold it down). The fastener required for the cylindrical rear portion of the left and right hooks is different length from the other three and even different from each other - had to run to the store to try to find these in the middle of the installation - you cannot use 4 of the same length screws per hook. The holes in the frame used to install the rear two bolts are hard to find and look just like the other dozen holes near them. Have to tie-wrap the cylindrical rear rubber part onto the c-shaped end of the hook or it falls out when you try to slip the hook into the frame channel. The captive nut used with the rearmost fastener snaps into a square frame hole, on the outside of the frame channel the hook slips into. The left hook square captive nut squeezes against the rad hose when installing so use silicone spray lube to help it past. Loosen more of the wheelwell plastic inner fender than you think you need to or else you'll end up cutting your hands on sharp edges in tight surroundings. The ambient temperature probe attached to the front bumper fascia must be moved aside by pulling out it's holder from the bumper - don't bother electrically disconnecting it. The turn signal connectors are very stiff and you'll get cut hands in the tight space - turning the bulb receptacle a quarter-turn then pulling the bulb out or splitting the male/female connector to the receptacle are both awkward to do so pick your poison. Have to use u-channel trim over the cut bumper hole edges otherwise it looks quite amateur regardless of care taken cutting and trimming the holes. You better have a thorough tool collection - I've never seen so many different fasteners, connectors, and plastic push pins in one job.

The instructions given on this board were referred to first before work started, and thank you all for posting some info, but it's certainly not thorough and leaves one imagining a simple job. It's not, and we are not neophyte mechanics - I suggest paying the dealer or garage for an hour or two to do it if that's all they quote you for labour. I am too PO'd right now to post pics.

I am glad I have front hooks now.

Im jealous you did it, sorry it took 4 hours but i have been going back and forward on tow-hooks or custom front hitch haha.

I take it that Mopar is the only manufacturer for front hooks? No aftermarkets?

When you see them in the flesh, these hooks have rather precise and complicated bends and screw locations. We couldn't find any aftermarket ones and I see why now. And it would be a time disaster to try to fabricate your own. We spent $500 CDN on the parts - in for a penny, in for a pound.

Just did it today, not simple. Took us 4 solid hours using a hoist. Wasted much time trying to install hooks with the bumper cover on, then realized you have to take front fascia and bumper cover off. Have to take out battery and battery tray (never before seen a simple plastic tray that used 5 large fasteners to hold it down). The fastener required for the cylindrical rear portion of the left and right hooks is different length from the other three and even different from each other - had to run to the store to try to find these in the middle of the installation - you cannot use 4 of the same length screws per hook. The holes in the frame used to install the rear two bolts are hard to find and look just like the other dozen holes near them. Have to tie-wrap the cylindrical rear rubber part onto the c-shaped end of the hook or it falls out when you try to slip the hook into the frame channel. The captive nut used with the rearmost fastener snaps into a square frame hole, on the outside of the frame channel the hook slips into. The left hook square captive nut squeezes against the rad hose when installing so use silicone spray lube to help it past. Loosen more of the wheelwell plastic inner fender than you think you need to or else you'll end up cutting your hands on sharp edges in tight surroundings. The ambient temperature probe attached to the front bumper fascia must be moved aside by pulling out it's holder from the bumper - don't bother electrically disconnecting it. The turn signal connectors are very stiff and you'll get cut hands in the tight space - turning the bulb receptacle a quarter-turn then pulling the bulb out or splitting the male/female connector to the receptacle are both awkward to do so pick your poison. Have to use u-channel trim over the cut bumper hole edges otherwise it looks quite amateur regardless of care taken cutting and trimming the holes. You better have a thorough tool collection - I've never seen so many different fasteners, connectors, and plastic push pins in one job.

The instructions given on this board were referred to first before work started, and thank you all for posting some info, but it's certainly not thorough and leaves one imagining a simple job. It's not, and we are not neophyte mechanics - I suggest paying the dealer or garage for an hour or two to do it if that's all they quote you for labour. I am too PO'd right now to post pics.

I am glad I have front hooks now.

Glad to see you have the hooks on but they can be done with the bumper fascia still on the vehicle. I think I should know.:D

Glad to see you have the hooks on but they can be done with the bumper fascia still on the vehicle. I think I should know.:D

Then you have x-ray eyes and the hands of a newt.

X-ray eyes??? Hand of a Newt???

Not really, just some mechanical ability. I never said it was an easy job just that it can be done and the measurments given by another member as to where to cut the access holes worked very well. A basic look at what has to be done can tell you this is not a simple bolt in one hour job.

If you read this whole thread (and did some searching) several other members here removed the fascia and said it was easier to do the job. Taking out the battery and battery tray was also mentioned early on. Being the first one to complete the task I would hope that better ways and improvements would be found.

Imagine the fun you could have had with the installation without this help that was at your desposal (part #'s Pics others input). Insted of stating that you were led to believe this was an easy job and the instructions were poor; add something to help the next guy that tackles this. Well I guess you did do that in a way.

I'd say four hours was pretty darn good to complete this job.