Front tow hook removal
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Near DC
Front tow hook removal
I want to remove the front tow hooks so I can install leedsengineering receiver hitches to mount my rod rack and whatever else.
I dropped the bumper but the bolts are up high enough to require using a long extension on the socket. These bolts are really in there and my ratchet keeps slipping off from my twist. Anyone have a better idea?
I don't have air tools but will go to a shop if I have to.
My idea is that these hooks (eyes) should be on the rear anyway...
For obvious reasons...
I dropped the bumper but the bolts are up high enough to require using a long extension on the socket. These bolts are really in there and my ratchet keeps slipping off from my twist. Anyone have a better idea?
I don't have air tools but will go to a shop if I have to.
My idea is that these hooks (eyes) should be on the rear anyway...
For obvious reasons...
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 772
Likes: 3
From: Mount Airy, MD
Hey, you're right up the street from me, small world. 
I removed my tow hooks but they came off pretty easy and I didn't have to remove the bumper either. Just use a long 1/2" drive breaker bar and put some elbow grease into it.
I removed my tow hooks but they came off pretty easy and I didn't have to remove the bumper either. Just use a long 1/2" drive breaker bar and put some elbow grease into it.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 162
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From: Whistler, BC, Canada
Make sure you're using a Metric socket. The imperial might be close, but if it isn't exact, it can strip the head. Do you have access to an impact gun? Wonderful tools for a number of reasons and uses.
Also, the took hooks (more like a loop anyhow) are there for getting yourself towed out as much as helping someone else get unstuck. The rear (usually) has a towing receiver which you can use as an anchor point to unstick someone with. I just bought a tow loop and tow hook to slide into the receiver, and a 8 ton shackle to ease connecting the 9 ton tow strap.
Also, the took hooks (more like a loop anyhow) are there for getting yourself towed out as much as helping someone else get unstuck. The rear (usually) has a towing receiver which you can use as an anchor point to unstick someone with. I just bought a tow loop and tow hook to slide into the receiver, and a 8 ton shackle to ease connecting the 9 ton tow strap.
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Posting Guru
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From: Near DC
Yep, got the right socket. Nope, as stated above, no air tools. I know what the eyes are for, just don't need them and have a better use for that area. I have a hook that goes into the rear receiver if I need to yank someone out.
Ken,
I'll probably have the shop up the street break 'em loose with their air gun.
Yeah, we're pretty close, I was just in Pasadena yesterday visiting my sister off rt 100.
It was very hard to see Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World and keep going past it.
Ken,
I'll probably have the shop up the street break 'em loose with their air gun.
Yeah, we're pretty close, I was just in Pasadena yesterday visiting my sister off rt 100.
It was very hard to see Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World and keep going past it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Dallas
Just be sure when you get those bolts off to put new ones in their place since they help hold on the front leaf spring hangers.
Just a warning, as im not sure if your front bar replaces them or whatnot.. rather safe than sorry
Just a warning, as im not sure if your front bar replaces them or whatnot.. rather safe than sorry
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by kenneBF250V10
Hey, you're right up the street from me, small world. I removed my tow hooks but they came off pretty easy and I didn't have to remove the bumper either. Just use a long 1/2" drive breaker bar and put some elbow grease into it.
I removed my tow hooks but they came off pretty easy and I didn't have to remove the bumper either. Just use a long 1/2" drive breaker bar and put some elbow grease into it.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Near DC
Originally Posted by 02superstroker
Just be sure when you get those bolts off to put new ones in their place since they help hold on the front leaf spring hangers.
Just a warning, as im not sure if your front bar replaces them or whatnot.. rather safe than sorry
Just a warning, as im not sure if your front bar replaces them or whatnot.. rather safe than sorry
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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Do you have a link to the leedsengineering hitch you are installing? I did a search for it, and came up with nothing. Thanks.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 527
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From: Dark side of the moon
Also point out, I see you have a 4x4 so not to you, the 3 (6) bolts do not connect to anything but the frame on a 2x4.
As an FYI, my hooks came off easy as pie. I did drop the bumper and also put some lock tight on them when they went back in.
As an FYI, my hooks came off easy as pie. I did drop the bumper and also put some lock tight on them when they went back in.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Whistler, BC, Canada
Now I see why you want to remove the hooks. I had not seen that setup beofre. Makes total sense.
As to the impact wrench, they are available as electric versions so air is not required.
As to the impact wrench, they are available as electric versions so air is not required.
