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Tow hooks


rrdstarr
02-12-2002, 08:58 PM
Front and rear! I know this has been covered before but not very thoroughly! I sold off my Nissan tow hook when it wouldn't fit with the Fabritron skid on my ARB. SO, I picked up some Steel Horse 3 hole tow hooks and put a tow point back on. For those of you who didn't get a hook with the X, you'll need to buy 2, M12x1.25x50mm bolts. I'll post a pic tomorrow! To dark out!

rrdstarr
02-12-2002, 09:07 PM
Here is a pic of the rear install. I fabricated a reinforcing plate for the frame out of 6" X 1 1/4" X 1/4" CRS. I used grade 5 bolts and hardware, 1/2" X 2 1/2".




http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/179350reartowp.jpg

rednec
02-12-2002, 10:11 PM
Do you have a pic of how it looks in respect to the back bumper. I currently use my hitch as my rear recovery point.

rrdstarr
02-12-2002, 10:14 PM
I'll shot more pics tomorrow! It's freezing ass cold tonight! Get some of the front one also!

warmonger
02-13-2002, 04:34 AM
Rednec,

A smart move would be to do what I did in the rear until I replaced my hitch. Mount the rear hook so that it routes the strap under the hitch bar to keep the strap off the bumper so that it doesn't get cut. Worked great for me for years until I put the CalMini bumper on.

Originally posted by rednec
Do you have a pic of how it looks in respect to the back bumper. I currently use my hitch as my rear recovery point.

4wheelinX
02-13-2002, 10:56 AM
rrdstar,

Is the reinforcing plate that you fabricated welded to the frame?
If not, then it really isn't doing anything to reinforce your frame.
It is just a rectangular washer. Just curious. I was thinking about installing a hook in the same location you did.:confused:

rrdstarr
02-13-2002, 01:35 PM
Okay let me rephrase that! It is a big-assed flat washer! Short of buying the Skid-Row frame reinforcement it is better than just a single washer!!!

4wheelinX
02-13-2002, 04:03 PM
that it is. Skid Row sells a frame reinforcement. Hmmm...I didn't know that. I'll have to check it out. Thanks

Derek

rrdstarr
02-13-2002, 06:33 PM
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/236343Fronthook.jpg

rrdstarr
02-13-2002, 06:35 PM
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/358749rearhook.jpg

Craigs_Tonka
02-14-2002, 01:42 PM
if you ever have to get recovered from the rear and the towing vehicle is at level height or higher, you will be crunching your bumper or cutting your strap on the bumper as the tow hook is higher than the bumper.

Maybe its just the way it looks, but the front looks that way too.

I went to Home Depot and purchased some steel braid reinforced rubber hose (about 2" diameter and 2 pieces about 18" long) to slip over chain and or straps to protect the bumpers from the chain and protect the strap from getting cut.

Something you may want to think about.

rrdstarr
02-14-2002, 04:14 PM
We are on the same idea Craig! I got some heavy-duty hose that I split and just slide it over the edge of the bumper to keep it from cutting the tow strap!

But you are right the hook needs to be an inch lower. I am working on a tapered spacer at school to go under the hook that would angle it down to aleviate the problem

Craigs_Tonka
02-14-2002, 08:35 PM
keep me posted on that little project so we can see what it looks like when your done. Then I just might have to bribe you to make a couple more. ;) :D

rrdstarr
02-14-2002, 08:49 PM
No....not high school! My teacher is pretty cool in letting me make whatever I want. So I can make stuff for the X and still get my required projects done too. He has me bulding a fixture for the CNC mill at school!!! He hasn't let first quarter students do anything like I have done! The other four guys that started when I did are still turning threads on lathes! I am running a vertical and horizontal mill and shaper and drilling machine...blah blah... :p

So if you guys get any good ideas let me know! Just give me a good detailed drawing and I can make it! :)

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