Removing TWO Front Tow Hooks?
Removing TWO Front Tow Hooks?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
The idea of tow hooks is to provide a point or points to be able to pull with. Yes, it can be towed with them too.
On the excursion, the tow hooks are not just bolted to the frame as a separate component.
The tow hooks are the nut plate for three of the five bolts that hold the front spring hanger on. The spring hanger is under intense stress and changes in the fastening system should be made carefully.
To be able to remove them, you would at least have to replace them with metric 10.9 grade flange nuts. This will not provide the load spreading on the frame that the tow hooks provide.
Since the Superduties and the Excursion come standard with the front tow hooks, it may have been designed to require a bolt plate. The hooks provide this, but I'm afraid that only the designers would know for sure.
You should have the service department at your dealer contact Ford to answer this one.
On the excursion, the tow hooks are not just bolted to the frame as a separate component.
The tow hooks are the nut plate for three of the five bolts that hold the front spring hanger on. The spring hanger is under intense stress and changes in the fastening system should be made carefully.
To be able to remove them, you would at least have to replace them with metric 10.9 grade flange nuts. This will not provide the load spreading on the frame that the tow hooks provide.
Since the Superduties and the Excursion come standard with the front tow hooks, it may have been designed to require a bolt plate. The hooks provide this, but I'm afraid that only the designers would know for sure.
You should have the service department at your dealer contact Ford to answer this one.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
I removed mine on my 2000 and drove around for months without the bolts being replaced. 
It wasn't until I got in a wreck that the body shop man noticed. I cannot remember what he replaced them with (the grade) but all he did was put in the bolts and nothing else. A plate I'm sure would be great as suggested by housedad and a prudent decision.
I removed mine and put Hella 550 lights in that space. BOY! Dem things were da bomb!
It wasn't until I got in a wreck that the body shop man noticed. I cannot remember what he replaced them with (the grade) but all he did was put in the bolts and nothing else. A plate I'm sure would be great as suggested by housedad and a prudent decision.
I removed mine and put Hella 550 lights in that space. BOY! Dem things were da bomb!
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
I've seen this set-up on ebay that replaces the stock tow hook with a 2 in receiver. Clean most of the time, but can insert a hook, winch, ball, bike rack, step, or whatever when you need/want it. I think it was only $75 a side.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
is it just as easy as taking off the nuts to replace the tow hooks? my tow hooks were replaced with a front towing bar that pulled my X behind an RV. I want my tow hooks back. any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
If I remember right you take the two bolts (18mm)per side on the front off and then the ones in the wheel well(13mm) Removed the bumper and you should be able to get to the hooks - 3 bolts each side, access from the bottom.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
TAke a look at the pics in in the link below for my v/b code swap. There is some shots of the bolts and access. you will see that it is three bolts from below.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/557332733POwXan
Bion
http://rides.webshots.com/album/557332733POwXan
Bion
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cableguy1224
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
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Mar 15, 2009 04:51 PM
