Tow Bar for FSJ

[jeepers]

Hello, Has anyone built a towbar for a FSJ?If so whats involed as far as materials and does the bar need to swivel, or can it be bolted directly to the frame where the bumper attaches.The bumper will be removed for the time being making it easier I think.Thanks again.

[CheapJeep]

I'm assuming that you are setting up the towbar to tow the jeep behind something even larger! You want to make it triangular in shape, with the two points attached to the front frame horns, and the third point being the trailer hitch. the two points that attach to the frame need to move up and down (swivel) so that as the two vehicles travel through a dip, they travel independently. also, you must reinforce behind where the bolts go through the frame with very large washers to keep the bolts from pulling through. the bumper mounts look strong, but are not as strong as you think. the best bet would be to look at a factory piece at a place that deals in towbars, like a motorhome dealership. for long term use, you might want to make permanent mounts that mount to the frame, and then extend through the front bumper (i wish i could draw on e-mail) the permanent mount kits at the dealerships do something similar, or they create a subframe that attaches to the lower frame and extend up in front of the bumper. This is probably much more info than you wanted, but hopefully it helps!
Scott

[jeepers]

Thanks for the info Scott.The Jeep has been stripped and now weighs about 3800 lbs.I will be towing it with a full size half-ton,should be ok? The front bumper will prob be permanetly removed.
I should probably weld a plate to each side of the frame and drill holes to line up with the ones in the frame to add some strength there.Grade 8 Bolts should do the trick I think.

[Stuka]

Well there isnt any weight on the truck pulling it, you just need the power and the braking power (no trailor brakes)

I my rig had a tow braket at one time in its past life. Right now it only has the 2 brakets left (which you can kinda see in my sig pict)

If you have a automatic tranny make sure you put the t-case in neutral, or drop the rear shaft and unlock the front hubs (or drop front shaft if you dont have manual hubs)

[jeepers]

The towing truck is a chebby with a 305.The jeep will only be towed prob at the most 30 miles both ways.I will probably disconnect both drive shafts.

[Michael]

Jeepers.

I bought a drawtight tow bar. You can buy them at most auto stores. $120 bucks or so. I have mine rigged to flat tow. I actually towed it about 560 miles a few weeks ago total round trip. I just disconected my two driveshafts and zip tied them up and it worked great.

I would not recommend bolting to the stock bumber....as they are not strong enough. I used a thick piece of angle iron bolted behind the bumper between the frame rails...drilled holes throught the bumber through the angle iron and bolted my brakets on. It worked great. Good luck to you.