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1997 - 2003 Ford F150 General discussion on the Ford 1997 - 2003 F150 truck.

Tow Hooks

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Old Mar 30, 2012 | 11:20 AM
  #1  
Rudybx's Avatar
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Default Tow Hooks

I am putting tow hooks on the front of my 2002 f150 2wd. I cut holes in my valence and and put them on... how ever I reached a problem... there's only one hole in the frame and 2 holes in the hooks I bought. How should I attach the second bolt? Here are pics of my problem... thanks.

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Tow Hooks-forumrunner_20120330_111922.jpg



Tow Hooks-forumrunner_20120330_111944.jpg



Tow Hooks-forumrunner_20120330_112006.jpg



Tow Hooks-forumrunner_20120330_112030.jpg
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Old Mar 30, 2012 | 11:32 AM
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We put tow hooks on a buddy's 2wd. We just welded them on haha
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Old Mar 30, 2012 | 12:17 PM
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From: joplin mo
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You should've just bought a valance that already has cut outs and fog lights lol. And can't you just bolt one bolt. I'm not sure I never did it .
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Old Mar 30, 2012 | 02:49 PM
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The factory 4wd tow hooks bolt to the bottom of the frame. With just the one bolt you tear the hook out if you ever try and use them there. Believe me, I've tried. Doesn't take much either.
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Old Mar 30, 2012 | 03:44 PM
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
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Tow hooks are not the best thing to have if you really need them. They have been known to straighten out. The "U" shaped tow points are much safer. Just something to consider.

Terry
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Old Mar 30, 2012 | 03:51 PM
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fxmf4
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From: joplin mo
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Originally Posted by dmnspd
The factory 4wd tow hooks bolt to the bottom of the frame. With just the one bolt you tear the hook out if you ever try and use them there. Believe me, I've tried. Doesn't take much either.
Yea I was going to do it to my 00 when I had it. But I wanted 4x4 to so I just traded my 2wd for a 4x4. Same year it was a good truck both were. Then I bought a 04 fx4. But I still come over to the 97-03 section cause Ive always liked that style.
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Old Mar 31, 2012 | 01:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Fulltimer
Tow hooks are not the best thing to have if you really need them. They have been known to straighten out. The "U" shaped tow points are much safer. Just something to consider.

Terry
My 03 FX4 has the "U" shaped hooks and are phenomenal. They came factory with two 1/2inch bolts in each going through the frame. Have no problem pulling dodges and chevys out of the mud. Wouln't be one bit afraid to hook up 10K to it.

I recently helped my brother-n- law move about a 12ton tree with it(rolled it over and pulled it down). You have a better chance of breaking a chain or tow strap before those double bolted "U" you hooks come loose.






If you use it alot I would suggest getting the U hooks. Then you could use a 3/8-1/2inch bolt to hold the hook, then weld the back end of it to keep it stable. I wouldnt suggest drilling a hole in the frame. The bolt would hold most of the pressure while the weld holds the back from swiveling. Assuming you can get a good bead on it.
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