F-250,LD

I have to tell you. The bolt on method scares me. It sure seams like if you give a good yank (your truck or another stuck), the bolts have a good chance of shearing off. Then you have the heavy hook and shackle flying.

Personally, I think you are safer with a hitch mounted shackle. http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-W...pn=S%2fB29312B

GTXKen

With good hardware that won't happen, strap or chain would break first

GTXKen

Yeah I agree, that would be best. I have a welder, not sure why I didn't do that

matt_m

Back from the local "spring shop." 10 minutes and $18 later, 2 perfectly sized U-bolts. Took almost 5 minutes to bolt them on. I'll shoot some paint on them when it warms up a little. All mine will ever get used for is pulling a stuck zero turn mower or compact tractor. If anything this attachment method is heavier than what Ford uses to bolt them on the front. The weak point would be the hitch and that's made to tow a pretty heavy trailer.

That sheet metal part on mine sticks up a little higher than the top of the hitch tube--I think it would interfere with plates on mine. There must be some variation there.

BucketMan

What dimensions are your U bolts?

matt_m

1/2" material, 2-1/2" wide (inside), 3-1/2"+ long outside. Guy made a comment to himself about 10 or 12" rods. I'm sure they loose a little in the bend but the length is perfect--no threads sticking out of the nut, no nut threads visible.

Grade 5. He told me he can't get grade 8 rods until 5/8".

BucketMan

Is the inside diameter 2.5" for the hitch? Seems like that measurement doesn't match up that well with the "holes" on the tow hooks. 3" seems to be better, but I guess that would be too sloppy on the hitch? What size washers did you get? Looks like I would need some 2" washers.

gDMJoe

From my install post ...

• no fabrication necessary.
• in-stock items at a local spring shop. *Co$t was $12 for the U-bolts, washers, and nuts.
• no fuss, no muss, less than 5minutes installation time.

Specifics:

BucketMan

Just had those made, look exactly the same, $16

Giving everything a fresh coat of paint and clear, should have them on in a couple days.

Thanks for the help.

rohada

I used the F150 OEM dogbone for the top strap and two Class 10.9 bolts to straddle the hitch cross member. Bolts are threaded in from the bottom (through the tow hook) up to the dogbone, alongside the front and rear of the 2.5" x 2.5" hitch cross member

What I used:
Tow hooks: (2) Ford Chrome tow hooks 9L3Z-17A954-B (eBay)
Dogbone: (2) Ford W712330-S441
Bolts: (4) Grainger Class 10.9, M12 x 1.75, 90mm #6AE33 (5 to a package, these happen to be coarse and they are a bit tight, but work nonetheless)
Split Lock Washers: (4) Lowes 12mm


Eye level with rear bumper


Rear quarter panel view


This is a tight fit with the bolts straddling the hitch cross member, but it can be done. In addition to pulling or being pulled out of a jam, the tow hooks serve as steps (black plastic tray below license plate is easily scratched when stepped upon, much like the plastic pads on the running boards) and bungee cord tie downs. $111 total. I'm also investing in tow straps as a nice thing to have, just in case. I just like the look, if for nothing else.