Tow Hooks mounted to bumper?

[LilBlueTruck]

I have a 2000 4x2 4-banger Ranger that I have lifted and put 32s on. Although the truck is rear-wheel drive, I have taken it off-road many times for light-duty off-roading. I do have some "get-unstuck" gear in case I do get in trouble, but I do not currently have any tow-hooks on the truck. I was thinking about bolting some D-ring hooks directly to the front and rear bumper, but I question how much tugging this will stand up to. It seems that the bumpers are really quite wimpy and will not work as a safe mounting point for any sort of tow-hooks. How are the tow hooks mounted on the 4x4s? I have seen the tow-hooks on the 4x4 trucks that poke through the center of the front bumper, but I don't know if I can hook them up the same way due to the way the 4x2 bumper is mounted. Any thoughts?

 

[93_RangerSC]

NEVER PULL ON THE BUMPER!!trust me it always ends badly
i mounted mine onto the frame in the front through some holes that were already there from the factory

 

[Loanranger]

To the frame.

 

[pillen140]

the tow hooks are mounted to the front of the frame on 4x4s. that is what you should do. just so you know though, there are slotted holes in your frame already, designed for towing, but if you get pulled out when your "really stuck" those ones may tear, or bend.

 

[gotmudd]

if they don't rip/tear or bend invariabley the hooks will will jam in the slots and that is nofun and then you have the PITA of removing hook

 

[RangerJustin]

another option for you is front and rear hitches and then toss on a hook or d-shackle. can get a rear off craigslist for cheap, the front you may have to drop about a 100 on though. but they bolt on and use your frame!