tow hook help

[redneckbl89]

anybody got any better pics on how the tow hooks intall(like the one in the tech library). the main question i have is, do the bolts go from the bumper mounts into the frame or does it just mount to the bumper mounts?

[94 4.0 5-spd 4wd ranger]

i did the same install following the instructions from the tech library. the bolts only go through the bumper mounts. i don't have any pics and its late but i could probly get a few after school tomorrow if you realy want.

[redneckbl89]

how well do they hold up? i was wondering because it said that you need to drill the frame. i really dont need the pics, but thanks anyways. now i just gotta get the bolts and get them mounted

[94 4.0 5-spd 4wd ranger]

havent actually needed to be towed out of anything yet but im hoping they'll hold up well. I had to modify the crappy plastic valance on mine cause i dont have the fog light version, will you have to do the same? nd just be carefull when drilling that the angles are pretty close before doing so. i used the hook itself as a template tightening the the first bolt down and just drilling through the next hole in the hook that way itll line up for sure.

[redneckbl89]

thanks for the help. i just took my valance off.

[Destroyer000]

here are mine http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/2055000-2055999/2055772_208_full.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/holyford86/towhook1.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/holyford86/towhook2.jpg

they bolt up to the exisiting bumper bolts.. i bought some grade 8 bolts a lil longer .

their going to be coming off here pretty soon ive got a custom built bumper in the works for the front of the beast..

[michowski]

Just make sure that whenever you use the front tow hooks that your not pulling or being pulled from just one hook. If you do that its easy to twist the frame out of align. What you wanna do is figure away to put the rope through both hooks so that way its pulling more from the middle then just one frame rail. Make it try and work like a back tow hitch.

[97_4x4]

That is my write up and I never had any problems pulling or jerking for that matter on them. I always used a strap so there was NEVER a jolt like using a chain though.

YOu don't actually drill the "frame" but at the time I didn't know what else to call it. The MAIN purpose for that article is to give a way to get hooks on there in a reasonable place, that would be strong enough for the occasional wheeler to use in case of emergency.

They are Deffinately not the BEST solution but they are deffinately better than NO hooks at all. You won't have an issue if you use common sense when using them.

Chris

p.s. whenever possible do try to pull from both hooks at the same time. Using a heavy chain going from one hook to the other, with the strap in the center of the chain will work mild recoverys , or get a heavy tree saver or similar and use it inthe same manner.

[hitech_hick]

That is my write up and I never had any problems pulling or jerking for that matter on them. I always used a strap so there was NEVER a jolt like using a chain though.

YOu don't actually drill the "frame" but at the time I didn't know what else to call it. The MAIN purpose for that article is to give a way to get hooks on there in a reasonable place, that would be strong enough for the occasional wheeler to use in case of emergency.

They are Deffinately not the BEST solution but they are deffinately better than NO hooks at all. You won't have an issue if you use common sense when using them.

Chris

p.s. whenever possible do try to pull from both hooks at the same time. Using a heavy chain going from one hook to the other, with the strap in the center of the chain will work mild recoverys , or get a heavy tree saver or similar and use it inthe same manner.

You are correct that the tow hook write up is not the best solution, most recommend that you mount tow hooks on at least 3/8ths plate. As for running a chain between the tow hooks and connecting a strap to the middle, this would be ill-advised. If the chain were to slip off, it becomes a projectile. Use only a tow strap without hooks for recovery.



hick

[93_RangerSC]

i used the information in the tech library and it seemed perdy easy to put mine on just layed down under the bumper unbolted each side at a time and slipped the tow hooks on...had to use longer bolts tho cuz the factory ones werent nearly long enough.
i can add pictures if needed