DIY Jeep Wrangler JK grab bar RAM ball mount for less than $12

Dan Grec

Expedition Leader
I've wanted to add a GPS RAM Ball mount to my Jeep JK Wrangler for a long time, and I finally figured out a way to do it DIY on the cheap. Total build/install time is 20 minutes or less.

jk-grab-bar-ball-mount-320x480.jpg


Things to buy

Tools needed:
  • A small ratchet, extension bar and 8mm socket.
  • A welder, or someone you can pay to do a 3 minute welding job.
  • Something to cut a bolt - hacksaw will do, grinder is faster.
  • A 3/4" drill bit and drill.
  • A 6mm allen wrench.
  • A small amount of rust-prevention paint, and some tape (anything will do)

Step 1:
Slide the cover off the end of the grab bar - don't use any tools which will damage the plastic - just push with your thumb towards the center of the Jeep.

jk-grab-bar-remove-cover-720x480.jpg


Step 2:
Using your ratchet, extension bar and 8mm socket, remove the bolt holding on the grab bar. It can be a little tricky to actually get it out once it's loose, wiggle the bar and fish it out. If you have to, you can unbolt the other side of the grab bar too.
Note the worlds' strangest thread on the bolt.

jk-grab-bar-ball-mount-socket-and-screw-720x480.jpg


Step 3:
Drill a 3/4" hole in the plastic cover. You want it centered top to bottom, and 1 5/16" from the flat side. De-burr the outside of the cover with some fine sandpaper or your fingernail.

jk-grab-bar-ball-mount-cover-hole-720x480.jpg


Step 4:
  • Put one of the M8 screws through the ball, and lock it on there with two M8 nuts. Tighten the one closest to the ball absolutely as tight as you can get it, then do the same to the second one to lock it in place. You want these tight so the ball can't spin on the screw.
  • Thread another M8 nut half way onto the end of the screw, then thread another M8 screw into the other end of that nut, this helps keep everything sqaure.
  • Measure your total length including the bolt from the Jeep, and mark and cut the second M8 screw so your total length is 5 1/4" (a 1/4" shorter than mine pictured).
  • Weld the first and second screw together on the nut, then weld everything to the top of the bolt from the Jeep. It doesn't have to be perfectly square, but do your best. Make sure the ball doesn't get too hot by dipping it into a bucket of water after each weld. If you don't have a welder, I'm sure you can bribe the local mechanic with a 6-pack to do this for you. It doesn't have to be pretty, but make it strong.

jk-grab-bar-ball-mount-length-720x480.jpg


Step 5: (not pictured)
Tape up your ball and the thread on the Jeep bolt and paint the whole thing with some rust-preventative paint.

Step 6:
Slide the plastic cover back onto the grab bar, then insert the whole contraption into the hole. The washer will fit perfectly through.

jk-grab-bar-ball-build-720x480.jpg


Step 7:
Tighten the thing down with your 6mm Allen wrench - get it really tight so the grab bar is solid. While you're here, take the cover off the other side and tighten it with your ratchet - make that grab bar rock solid.

jk-grab-bar-ball-mount-install-720x480.jpg


Step 8:
Put your RAM arm or whatever you want onto your new RAM Ball, and have a beer - all done!

jk-grab-bar-ram-ball-mount-gps-driver-720x480.jpg


jk-grab-bar-ram-ball-mount-gps-mounted-passenger-720x480.jpg


I hope that's helpful.

I also wrote this up on my website: http://theroadchoseme.com/diy-jeep-wrangler-jk-grab-bar-ram-ball-mount

-Dan
 
Last edited:

Dan Grec

Expedition Leader
I had the same idea and can't believe a company doesn't make a similar product.

I think the thread on that bolt holding in the grab bar is the problem. Nobody has seen anything like it - so to try and get one made might be cost prohibitive/

-Dan
 

nieb15

Struck with Wanderlust
Great idea. The only other way to do it is to buy custom grab bar from Carolina Metal Masters, but that is $150+!!
 

Septu

Explorer
Glad to see you're still rocking those free cargo shorts you found at the camp site. Now where do I go to see pictures of the jeep!?

Neat little mod - really something everyone should do. That is the perfect placement for any tablet/GPS system. And a lot cheaper than the $200 or so I think I paid for my CMM grabbar.
 
Last edited:

Dan Grec

Expedition Leader
Glad to see you're still rocking those free cargo shorts you found at the camp site. Now where do I go to see pictures of the jeep!?

:)

Next week there will be tons of pics and more info on where I'm at so far.

-Dan
 

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