This article describes how to install a set of recovery hooks to the stock bumper on a 2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ. The set of hooks that I purchased were designed to use the factory bolt pattern on the top of the front bumper.

• Socket Wrench
• Star T-55
• Hex 3/8"
• Assembly lube (optional)

• Front Recovery Hooks
• Company - Curt Towing Accessories
• Price - $36.99 pr.
• Part Number - 7786
• Source - 4Wheel Drive Hardware, Spring 2007 catalog, page 120

Inspection

The hooks arrived in a box that contained two hooks and a small plastic bag that contained 4 bolts and 4 washers.

Verify Installation

Before beginning the installation, I set the hooks along the existing bolts to verify that the bolt pattern matched.

The patterns matched perfectly so I continued with the installation.

Remove Old Bolts

The next step was to remove the old bolts. The original bolts can be removed with a T-55 star bit. This actually required a little more than my 3/8" drive could handle so I used a bar on the end and went very slowly to prevent breaking the bolt heads.

Install New Bolts with Hooks

Once the old bolts were out, I made sure the new bolts had the same thread size.

Then I tracked down a 3/8" Hex bit for the new bolts. I thought this was interesting that the new bolts used a 3/8" Hex instead of the standard T-55 star bit. This must be the reason the washers are required.

To reduce the chance of breaking a bolt during installation I covered the new bolt threads with assembly lube.

Then I installed all four bolts - two for each hook.

Final Result

Here is the end result -

I'm fairly happy with these hooks; They seem strong and look pretty good. However, I don't care for the way the washers are used with the undersized bolts. The next image is a close-up of what I'm talking about. The washers hang over the side of the frame of the hook. I feel like if a T-55 bolt had been used that had a properly-sized head, then the washers wouldn't have been needed. These will work, but they could be better.