'97 XLT 4x4 125k miles

[sgtsandman]

Back on the tow hooks... I have 2 threaded holes that look like they would be where tow hooks would go probably on an STX. That's got to be the place, right? I'd say it's all set up for them, I just need to get them and screw them in. Unless I'm missing something.

Sounds like it. About the same location to where they are on mine? And is it one right behind the other on both sides? If so, it sounds like you are ready to go. Just make sure the holes are clean and clear and that the threads are in decent shape. It might take some trial and error to find the right bolt size and thread pitch.

 

[James Morse]

Not sure what you mean one right behind the other?
Here is crappy pic but you can see the location towards the left (same position on other side too), that's in that lower opening (not up where the license plate is). Yeah threads look good. I got a sh*tload of all kinds of bolts, will determine the size. I should be able to get OEM or OEM-size tow hooks.
So those what I'd call little tow eyes and the attach points are strong enough to pull and entire truck? It doesn't look like it. But that's me.
I don't see any pics or any mention of tow hooks in the '97 brochure, but looks like it was drilled/threaded for them.

 

[James Morse]

Hey I was mistaken these are not threaded holes it's 3 layers of metal with a hole thru all of them. Looks like threads but it isn't. Sorry.
You could put an eye bolt through it then put a washer and bolt on the back. That would make more sense anyway. Otherwise you're relying on the threads to hold.
You could drill it out bigger if you wanted I suppose.
I wonder am I looking at where tow hooks would/could have gone, or, am I looking at something entirely different like line-up holes etc.
I guess it doesn't matter what the holes were for, the question is whether they are in the right place a) structurally and b) vertical position.
It's really a bit odd that 97 makes no mention of tow hooks and in later models it's prominently mentioned.

 

[James Morse]

OK so I found the TRS writeup on the tow hooks. Looks like I have to get the fog light valence. I can do that sometime.
What bothers me is, on the 99 I can see wiring hanging down that would have been for fogs that aren't there
on the 97 I see no such wiring. but I'd assume when they do the harnesses they would wire for options even if the options aren't there
what gives? I'd rather not be rewiring stuff.
There is one wire group that goes down off the driver side headlight harness but I can't see where it goes. If in fact that's fogs great but it would have to cross to the passenger side like in the valence or something - I don't see it
?
There's no other way I'd be able to attach them per TRS without hacking up the existing valence and it wouldn't look right either

 

[sgtsandman]

Not sure what you mean one right behind the other?
Here is crappy pic but you can see the location towards the left (same position on other side too), that's in that lower opening (not up where the license plate is). Yeah threads look good. I got a sh*tload of all kinds of bolts, will determine the size. I should be able to get OEM or OEM-size tow hooks.
So those what I'd call little tow eyes and the attach points are strong enough to pull and entire truck? It doesn't look like it. But that's me.
I don't see any pics or any mention of tow hooks in the '97 brochure, but looks like it was drilled/threaded for them.
View attachment 84451

I was thinking of an old style of recovery hook that mounts to the frame. I went out to take pictures of how mine is mounted. Your's may mount differently. The frame can be seen in the first picture to the left and under of the loop. Yours should mount with more than just one bolt.

 

[sgtsandman]

OK so I found the TRS writeup on the tow hooks. Looks like I have to get the fog light valence. I can do that sometime.
What bothers me is, on the 99 I can see wiring hanging down that would have been for fogs that aren't there
on the 97 I see no such wiring. but I'd assume when they do the harnesses they would wire for options even if the options aren't there
what gives? I'd rather not be rewiring stuff.
There is one wire group that goes down off the driver side headlight harness but I can't see where it goes. If in fact that's fogs great but it would have to cross to the passenger side like in the valence or something - I don't see it
?
There's no other way I'd be able to attach them per TRS without hacking up the existing valence and it wouldn't look right either

I can't help you on the fog lights. I have no idea.

 

[James Morse]

Pretty sure the wiring for fogs is all there. I had bezel off and the switch for it is there, and there are wires coming out of each headlight harness that go down each side of the rad. Looks like they are clipped into a holder there in body struts, not hanging loose like in the 99. Either it is a temp holder for them or I'm looking at something else, but seems to me the only thing it could be.
I have the manuals now so it tells all about how different valences go together.
Actually I like the cleaner look of no fogs. If I ever go to a custom front bumper then I'd add fogs, that wouldn't be very hard if in fact the wiring is all there as one would expect and as I believe I see.