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I bought an NOS set of Ford tow hooks for our era trucks on eBay.
Then, in searching what I call the “ NumberDummy Archives “ (scant info on this topic), I found a thread where Bill mentions that they were listed as being only for the larger trucks, perhaps F500 or F700 and larger, but that they could be, and were used on the smaller F-series trucks.
Also, he posted the exploded diagram showing that they were to be mounted on the top of the frame rails, right behind the front bumper. Not enough room on my F250 for that, I’d have to cut the valance, maybe the grill to get that kind of room.
Is there any sense in mounting to the bottom of the frame, wouldn’t chains just drop away when the towing vehicle loses tension? I am particular to using Genuine Ford parts whenever possible, but I noticed owners of newer trucks using different, closed type hooks that would preclude that problem. Seems not a very good or useful location, I might have to sell or trade them. Not my first time buying something before finding out if they will actually be useful.
My buddy has used them on his 1966 F250 4x4 attached to the bottom of the frame. He's usually the one doing the pulling, but they are handy and you can use a simple rubber strap like a strip cut from an inner tube to hold a chain from falling off when not under tension. If you cut an inner tube crosswise in two places about an inch or so apart then you have a big rubber band. I use them for quite a number of things and if they eventually break it's simple to make replacements.
They look meaty...not sure my front springs are heavy duty enough for them. Actually, I would think you could maybe make some kind of spring traps, to prevent the tow rope or chains from falling off if installed on the bottom of the framerail. Even something heavy duty rubber, adding a small notch on the (top..bottom) of the hook that would be under tension and keep the towing rope/chain in place.
Lots of the off road guys simply bolt a chain between the frame rails, so when pulled on you are putting the load on both rails to keep it straight. It can usually be bolted in a few inches back so not seen easily. Out of my 7 old trucks, almost all have had some knucklehead hook a chain on the bumper.
There should be strict laws with hard time for these people!! or perhaps shot on sight.
Out of my 7 old trucks, almost all have had some knucklehead hook a chain on the bumper.
There should be strict laws with hard time for these people!! or perhaps shot on sight.
I would not allow that! Never had to be pulled out yet, thankfully.
My buddy has used them on his 1966 F250 4x4 attached to the bottom of the frame. He's usually the one doing the pulling, but they are handy and you can use a simple rubber strap like a strip cut from an inner tube to hold a chain from falling off when not under tension. If you cut an inner tube crosswise in two places about an inch or so apart then you have a big rubber band. I use them for quite a number of things and if they eventually break it's simple to make replacements.
I don't know how I missed this. When I started to reply to this threat, I thought I was the fist one to do so...now I see Chad that you beat me to it, and not only that, I ended up saying somewhat the same thing you wrote... Great minds... Anyway, I have a friend (yes, believe it or not) and he too cuts up mountain bike and road bike inner tubes and I find them on just about everything when I am borrowing a tool or from when he used to have his workshop. Cables, extra loose parts, just about anything that needs to be held or strapped and Bob has a piece of inner tube doing the job. His son is a serious downhiller, and I suspect they blow through a lot of inner tubes. But, truth be told, they work great! What I had been thinking of is what Europeans use mostly in trailering. A heavy gage rubber loop strap with a ball and grab tab, that is often pulled over a fixing point to hold something down. Pretty common over here, but can't really remember seeing such back home.
So now you know, and let that be a lesson to us all.
