[updated:LAST EDITED ON 24-Aug-02 AT 09:02 PM (EST)]WE recently purchased a '96 Explorer and now want to add tow hooks and a winch. We are looking to go with a Warn Winch and Warn's multi mount kit (basket) so as we have the flexability to use front and rear. WE have found that Ford did not design the front end of the Explorer to have any apropriat spot to mount even the tow hooks. It looks like a fabricated plate/braket welded to the frame will be the only way we can add the connector (which will also need to be fabbed for the multi mount system as Warn does not sell them for the Explorer). Most SUV are ready for such add ons and I was disapointed to find it will be so much work and $$.Maybe custom bumper is the answer, but probably big $$ and probly still have the problem of needing somewere proper to mount to take winchng ect. Have any of you had to deal with such a problem and how.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Aug-02 AT 07:31 AM (EST)]Adding tow hooks to the front of a '95+ Explorer is not fun, but posible. There are two different types of hooks you can use, I use the Reese hooks that you can find at most any auto parts store, but you can also use GM tow hooks off of there pickups... you would have to get these from the GM dealer.
Installing both of these hooks is the same, you first have to remove the front bumper. The '95+ front frame rails have "mushroom" ends. There is already and existing hole on the bottom for the frame rail right behind the bumper mounting late, you will have to drill another hole since both types of hooks use two bolts. Once the holes are drilled, you have to stick a wrench down inside the frame rail to hold the nut while tightening. It is tricky, but there are also small holes on the sides of the frame rail that you can stick you fingeres in to help hold the nut. It takes a little while, but once you get the hooks tightened down, they are very secure. I have pulled and been pulled out by the front tow hooks and have never had a problem.
As far as the winch for the front goes, you have three options... the Soccer mom brush guard mount, a multi mount front reciever system (real nice, because it is removable and with a Steel Horse reciever hook, you don't need to mount tow hooks) and lastly, a Ramsey 8000 or 9000 will JUST fit in between your front frame rails behind your bumper. You would have to have a "shelf" made for it and then make 1" spacers for the bumper bolts to move the bumper out an inch. The line would run out through the cut out in your bumper and a fairling can be mounted on to it.
FYI... for the rear the best thing to do is get a aftermarket hitch and use a Steel Horse receiver hook.

 

I just got a Mega Winch with a multi mount. It works great. I made the front hitch reciever for my F 150. The wire is expensive to run a plug to the front and back (about $1.50 a foot). You need to run a + and - wire. You can't just ground it to the frame because you will lose a lot of power. MegaWinches are great. I think they are better than Warns because they don't have a brake to slip. It has a worm gear in it so it can't go back wards. Also if you have the winch in the back and open the tail gate it won't hit and dent your tail gate like a Warn will. I would get a locking pin to hold it in, that is if you leave it in all the time. I just take mine off and put it in the garage. I have a 12,000 lb winch and it is heavy. It takes 2 pleaple to move it. You won't ned one that big.
Lars



1988 F-150 4X4 I6 31x10.5 AT's 12,000lb winch, and all kinds of stuff in my tool box that I'm never going to need.