FAQ - Tow hooks in the front? (HOWTO stuff at the end)
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
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From: South Jersey
FAQ - Tow hooks in the front? (HOWTO stuff at the end)
So my truck has some giant tow hooks on the trailer hitch. If and when I ever got stuck I'd be simple to hook up some chains to it to pull me out. However, the front has nothing. I wouldn't feel comfortable hooking something up to that cross bar that sits right behind the bumper that the sway bar attaches to. So how do people hook up hooks to the front and if so where? Preferably it'd be done in a way so that no permanent exterior modifications have to be made (i.e. cutting the bumper).
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
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From: Mexia, TX
Bolt a set to the frame up front. You'd probably have to drill two holes per hook, but you'd barely know they're there until you need 'em.
If you're worried about a chain scratching up the front bumper, you could just get a tow strap and keep it behind your seat so whoever pulls you out can use that.
If you're worried about a chain scratching up the front bumper, you could just get a tow strap and keep it behind your seat so whoever pulls you out can use that.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
KBs, option works but I find the more than I try and not use my pickup as a pickup the worse it gets. IMHO if you are going where you need a chain and or tow hooks then prepare for some scratches and stuff. Hell its not like you can't buy 300 dollars with of paint and everything and knock it out in a day, if it gets too bad.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
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From: Mexia, TX
I think they sell hooks that stick out pretty far, if you found some like that you might be able to avoid scratching the bumper so much.
Honestly I'd be more concerned with it getting bent than scratching it...my previous front bumper looked like it hit a pole lol (and I didn't do it!)
Honestly I'd be more concerned with it getting bent than scratching it...my previous front bumper looked like it hit a pole lol (and I didn't do it!)
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
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From: South Jersey
exactly it would bend the bumper. without doing bumper modifications you'd need something to go below the bumper and it seems to me like the trailer hitch is the only real option. i'm not a serious off-roader. i was just wondering if i were to get stuck and i can't pull it out in reverse how do i pull it out going forward without damaging anything?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 274
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From: Pittsburgh
For winching or towing with a rollback, there is nothing better then "Grade 70 Mini J-Hook". 95% of all cars have tow / tie down slots. Ford trucks have several including a few right in the front, and I've never damaged a bumper.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 26
From: NJ
Cut or drill holes in the bumper and use hooks bolted to the frame, get a front receiver (there are some made for '88-'97 trucks, shouldn't take much to fit an earlier truck), or buy/make a good front bumper.
I hate being that guy with no front extraction points though I confess I am that guy too. I do have a solid axle, so if I'm not stuck bad I'll wrap a strap around it right next to the center section and use that if it's just a light tug. For bad stucks using my rear receiver is the only option. Front extraction points are in my truck's future.
DO NOT use chains for extraction. That's how people get hurt or killed. Only use straps. Straps can still hurt people if used improperly and gawkers get too close in the line of fire. Can't be 100% safe from everything in life but no reason to take pointless risks like using chains for yanking with another truck. Chains are for steady dead load only when you know the forces you're working with, that your chain gives you a safe margin of error, and no shock loading is involved. NEVER yank a truck out with a chain.
I hate being that guy with no front extraction points though I confess I am that guy too. I do have a solid axle, so if I'm not stuck bad I'll wrap a strap around it right next to the center section and use that if it's just a light tug. For bad stucks using my rear receiver is the only option. Front extraction points are in my truck's future.
DO NOT use chains for extraction. That's how people get hurt or killed. Only use straps. Straps can still hurt people if used improperly and gawkers get too close in the line of fire. Can't be 100% safe from everything in life but no reason to take pointless risks like using chains for yanking with another truck. Chains are for steady dead load only when you know the forces you're working with, that your chain gives you a safe margin of error, and no shock loading is involved. NEVER yank a truck out with a chain.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 647
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From: Brumley, MO
The best thing is a giant tow rope like my grandpa has from way back in the day. Also I have heard that the chains were safer than straps, because the straps bungee back if snapped wheras a chain falls to the ground.
