Factory recovery hooks on old style ARB? (1 Viewer)

[Random Dan]

I have an old style ARB 60 Series winch bumper that came off of a parts truck sitting in the barn waiting to go on my 60. The previous owner installed two of the factory recovery hooks to the plate uprights. I've seern other 60s with the same setup. Was the ARB designed to be used like this? Is it sturdy enough for a recovery point, or would it be worth adding backing plates on the other side of the uprights? Thanks guys!

(I wasn't sure if this post was better suited for the recovery subforum or the 60-specific subforum, so I posted in both.)

 

[MANUCHAO]

I think there are some post out there that show how the bumper gets all twisted up if you used these hooks..

I backing plate (welded) would probably help tons....

 

[KLF]

Here's how I modified the ARB on my FJ62:

Before (I didn't do it!!):

During:

Done:

While I was at it, I added hoops at the end for jacking with a Hi-Lift:

 

[Random Dan]

With some renewed googlefu I uncovered this thread, which confirms my suspicions: https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/345386-stock-front-hooks-old-arb-bullbar.html

@KLF: That's probably the best solution, but it's a little more fabrication than I'm capable of ATM.
I'll most likely either get a couple pieces of 3/16" steel plate to sandwich on either side of the upright or make up some shackle mounts that bolt to the bottom of the frame.

 

[RockDoc]

Good google-fuing.

Those hooks served well for a good while (aside from when one bolt apparently worked loose prior to taking the winch line in a mud hole ).

I've since moved on to a homebrew high clearance bumper with a welded on tow ring.

 

[Biche]

This is where the OEM hooks should go, mine is set like that and I used a few times, but they were easy pull*. Remember that the anchor point at the bottom of the ARB bumper are for putting an ARB accessory for jacking with an Hi-Lift.

At some point I'll do what KLF have done, much stronger and at the same level as the frame.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I had hooks mounted horizontally like your picture shows and I bent the steel there a bit. I do not recommend using OEM hooks on the side holes.

I now use a shackle through one of the main hoops. I plan on welding in proper recovery points in the future.

 

[doug720]

Here is what I did on my ARB/60 install with stock tow hooks.

Solid and easy to do.

Doug

 

[Random Dan]

I just made an interesting discovery yesterday. The two holes in the bottom of the framerail are exactly the same spacing as the 80 series factory recovery loops. The only issue is that due to the width of base plate you will need to either trim the bumper mount tabs, or use a small spacing plate between the frame and recovery loops.