Have a '09 Plat Screw 2X4 and added a front hitch with a Warn winch on the hitch slide in carrier. I need to move trailers, old cars and stuff around my yard. The hitch is useful for getting stuff up the hill in the back and the next time I get stuck. The Plat does not have tow rings or hooks. In reviewing the factory manual DVD it look like the factory rings bolt all the way through the frame horn, with the bolts coming up from the bottom and double nut fitting on the top. In looking at my frame I have holes on the top for the tow rings, but the bottom is solid. Is the illustration in the manual correct, that is, they bolt through the frame horn? I just need one mounted for when using the winch with a ****** block. Since I don't have the factory option for mounting what are some other good options? TIA

 

I've added tow hooks to my 4x2, you will have to cut out your bottom air dam/valance for them to fit through, or order the valance for a 4x4 and replace yours. The holes are definitely there in your frame but will be behind the trim.

 

I understand the issue with the air dam. Just to confirm you had pre-drilled holes both top and bottom on the frame horns? I will check again but when I installed the hitch I didn't see any. Maybe they were blocked by the valance. Second question, do you need to replace both the valance and air dam, or just the valance.

 

Just the valance will need to be replaced if you don't want to cut yours. I dremelled mine with one of those zip bits after tracing it with a template, but it's not perfect. On the plus side you have to almost be on the ground to see the cuts. I'm almost positive that all the F150's are pre-drilled on the bottom of the frame rails for the hooks whether they have them installed or not, I don't know why the Platinum wouldn't be. It would still use the same frame I think.

 

Looks like I made an assumption about fitment based on the manual picture that is wrong. Really appreciate any help on how these thing actually mount. I have mounting holes on the bottom of the frame horns. Looking at the manual pics I assumed they mounted on the top of the horns because the "U" shaped loop bracket was inverted and fit down on the sides of the horn. (In the manual their is no actual drawing of the rings mounted as the final location is blocked by the bumper. It just has the lines showing it got up to the frame, no details.)
Question 1, the tow rings mount to the bottom of the frame horns with the "U" shaped brackets flipped over? (the "legs" of the U facing down, not up)
Question 2, the "tow hook nut plate" (aka the nuts for the tow hook bolts) sits inside the frame rail? Question 2.5 where is the access point for sliding it in?
Question 3, the valance that need to be replaced with the 4X4 version is the lowest piece on the front bumper, look like the part number is "17B635 Lower valance". (Looks like it is held on with 15 fasteners)

I would post the drawing from the manual but I don't know how this site is about posting copyright material for something like this. I'm in Section 15-19-1, Bumpers Removal and Installation, Bumper-Front if you have the manual.
Thanks for any help on this!

 

You're bang on with all of them, the tow hooks actually look like they are mounted upside down, with the hook below. I was able to slide the nut plate inside the frame rail from the front which is open and then loosely mount the rear bolt first before the tow hook is slid on which makes it easier to position. The valance is in fact the lowest piece and is held on by about 15 bolts and clips. What sort of price were you quoted on the 4x4 valance? I might eventually replace mine.

 

I actually have a pair of black tow hooks if anyone needs them. Make an offer. I put on chrome ones. They're easy to put on as mentioned of course once you have the pieces for them to fit.

 

Got emails out to Tasca and partscheap for the items. Don't have the exact part numbers so it makes online shopping a little harder. Will post what I get quoted.

 

Tasca has them for $102.50

Part numbers for others thinking about this mod:
chrome tow hooks are part number 9L3Z17A954B,
W713172-S901 are the bolts
W712330-S441 are the nuts.
9L3Z17626B is the lower valance

 

It's pretty straight forward but a couple tips for others thinking about the mod:
Remove the fog lamps first, (three 8mm bolts) and let them hang. This gives you access to the valance bolts under them and you can reach them through the fog lamp hole.
Remove the license plate holder. It has tabs that fit in a slot in the bottom and two arrow shaped tabs on the the top. You have to squeeze the point of the arrow together to get them to pop out.
Unsnap the inside edges of the black bumpers next to license plate. It has the same arrow tabs and your can reach them through the license plate hole. This allows you to pop the bumper edges out and release the arrow tab that hold the lower valance behind the black bumpers. (One on each side)
15 8mm bolts hold the valance on.