2nd gen front recovery points

[MT_PLS]

I tried the search function and Google, but did not have any luck.
I would like to find some front recovery points to add to my 1989 Ranger. I prefer d-ring mounts, but tow hooks will suffice if that is all there is.
Thanks!

 

[SenorNoob]

Watching this cause I wanna see what everyone comes up with.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So.. I’m gonna say this thread should be either in 4x4 Suspensions & Frames or the Custom bumpers/sliders and cages section. Let me know where you might prefer and I’ll get it moved.

That said, there were really no “factory” front recovery options for your vintage. Back then if somebody wanted a front recovery point they bolted generic tow hooks on the front. Less than ideal because any solid recovery and you start tweaking the frame rails out of shape around the hook. The bigger step used to be a front receiver hitch. They don’t make those specifically for the RBVs anymore but I’ve heard you can get an adjustable generic one and make it work. Or you go to a custom front bumper. I wouldn’t recommend using the stock bumper as a recovery point.

 

[MT_PLS]

So.. I’m gonna say this thread should be either in 4x4 Suspensions & Frames or the Custom bumpers/sliders and cages section. Let me know where you might prefer and I’ll get it moved.

That said, there were really no “factory” front recovery options for your vintage. Back then if somebody wanted a front recovery point they bolted generic tow hooks on the front. Less than ideal because any solid recovery and you start tweaking the frame rails out of shape around the hook. The bigger step used to be a front receiver hitch. They don’t make those specifically for the RBVs anymore but I’ve heard you can get an adjustable generic one and make it work. Or you go to a custom front bumper. I wouldn’t recommend using the stock bumper as a recovery point.

Custom bumpers would be fine.
I am hoping that someone still active on the forum has a good example of a custom recovery point or bumper that I could emulate.

 

[sgtsandman]

@MT_PLS Check Affordable Offroad on the bumper. I think they may have one for your vintage of Ranger.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Custom bumpers would be fine.
I am hoping that someone still active on the forum has a good example of a custom recovery point or bumper that I could emulate.

Well…

How much of a hurry are you in? lol. I say that because I’d really like to get to building a custom front bumper on my Choptop but that is going to have to wait until I get a few other projects cleared out…

 

[MT_PLS]

Well…

How much of a hurry are you in? lol. I say that because I’d really like to get to building a custom front bumper on my Choptop but that is going to have to wait until I get a few other projects cleared out…

I am not in a huge hurry.

@MT_PLS Check Affordable Offroad on the bumper. I think they may have one for your vintage of Ranger.

I did look at Affordable Offroad, and all they had listed was 83-88 and then 93 and up.

 

[Poppa_R]

I generally drive a 2013 f150 which d-rings on the front, when I going thru junk yard I picked another set and have mounted them to my ranger. Sorry don't have any pictures at present to show everyone

 

[SenorNoob]

I used one of the adjustable hitches on the front of my truck. Reese Part # 37042. It ended up bolting on exactly like the rear did. Had I known, I would've just bought a rear receiver from the junkyard and saved some serious cash. It sticks down WAY too far IMO.

I should have bought this:
DIY Rear Bumper Kit Fit For Jeep Cherokee XJ (84-01)
It's from Affordable Offroad, is about the same price, would sit significantly higher, and has tow points built in.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

@Poppa_R made a bracket to hold factory loops off a factory truck. They poke thru the fog light holes of a factory air dam. IIRC they are off a newer F-150.

 

[MT_PLS]

@Poppa_R made a bracket to hold factory loops off a factory truck. They poke thru the fog light holes of a factory air dam. IIRC they are off a newer F-150.

Now that is what I'm talking about!
@Poppa_R would you happen to have any details you could share?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Now that is what I'm talking about!
@Poppa_R would you happen to have any details you could share?

Unfortunately he passed away around noon today, he was my father in law.

We are up at their place now, I did crawl under it and get a picture for you though.

 

[Curious Hound]

Wow. Is that a piece of 1/2" plate spanning from frame to frame? That makes an awesome mounting surface.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Wow. Is that a piece of 1/2" plate spanning from frame to frame? That makes an awesome mounting surface.

Yeah, it's a half inch plate.

 

[MT_PLS]

Unfortunately he passed away around noon today, he was my father in law.

We are up at their place now, I did crawl under it and get a picture for you though.

View attachment 125661

@85_Ranger4x4, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.