Tow hook replacements

I looked all over, but I can't find an answer to this. My 2000 AC has massive tow hooks on the front, mounted with two beefy bolts. I would prefer something with an actual loop that can have a D ring shackle mounted to it.

Is there a product out there that can be used to replace the tow hooks with some sort of a loop?

Back is even worse. There are no hooks or loops at all. Is there something I can buy for the back? I don't have a hitch.

I finally have a tow strap, I bought a Hi Jack Lift, and I'll get Hi Jack Off Road kit so I can use the jack to winch myself out of trouble. I just want to be able to actually connect stuff to the truck in a safe manner.

Thank you!

 

For the rear, a lot of bumpers show up with recovery points. For the front, one of these Demon Hooks should work(Sorry, I didn't look at the years closely enough on those). You really don't want to use a farm jack as a winch, it's extremely slow and about the most physically demanding way to do it. A come-along (like this Wyeth Scott puller) are a way better than using a farm jack as a winch.

 

So, there is nothing to use for the back unless I have a custom bumper? That seems weird... I have the holes in the frame for the hitch, there has to be something that can use those.

As for the manual winching - that’s just the last resort. I’m not planning on going anywhere serious. Forest roads, maybe some intermediate trails. I’ll have recovery tracks, shovel, axe, recovery strap... hi lift is last resort.

 

There are lots of "universal-fit" hooks that you could use. You might have to get someone to make a custom bracket but it would be much cheaper than buying an entire bumper. You could also use a 4x6 as a recovery track rather than spending money on a plastic version.

 

IIRC, mine has a hook in the drivers side a loop on the passenger side?

I was googling this this morning because I agree, a D-Ring shackle would be more beneficial and it appears the mounting holes are 1-3/8". I found this on eBay and it pretty much looks like mine. Trying to find the biggest shackle to fit through there might be the best bet.

 

This is an interesting solution that adds a locking tab to the OEM style hook:
https://www.zoro.com/curt-tow-hook-...MItKnR0LG95wIVA2yGCh1e2AnjEAQYBiABEgLAtvD_BwE

You could probably fab something similar with a piece of scrap metal that has some "spring" to it.

 

The loops are for tow truck tie downs and should not be used for recovery, ever. I have two hooks like yours but would like at least one loop, and same for the back.

 

That’s exactly what I have. Hook for recovery and loops for tow truck tie downs.

 

Sorry, the link takes me to a page with 3000+ results. Can you link the actual product?
I imagine a solution where you weld something around the existing hook to make it a loop might be an option.

Or, this might be what I need to convince the wifey I need a custom bumper. “We don’t want to get stuck now do we, let’s get a custom bumper and a winch while we’re at it”.

 

Hmmm. The link worked for me.

Try this:

https://www.zoro.com/curt-tow-hook-whardware-10-000-lb-black-22411/i/G8671107/

Here's a pic.

 

For mine, I used two of :

Had to order the OEM bolts from Toyota, though, because the Harbor Freight ones aren't the right thread (or grade). Hope that's helpful!

 

Were there no OEM tow hooks on your truck?

 

Yes, there was a lot of parts missing. Previous owner neglected this truck... OEM were a little pricey as always.

 

Was the bolt spacing correct for a direct fit?

 

http://4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/DRingAnchor.shtml

 

For sure, the holes lined up perfectly.

 

might head to harbor freight tomorrow to pick a setup.

 

Let us know how it turns out! Might want to shoot the holes with some PB blaster or WD-40, be prepared for a lot of wrench turning since an impact won't fit. Good luck.

 

That is basically what I wanted to make. I'll probably have to do it in two pieces though. The laser at work is good for about 3/8" and my plasma table can do 1/2" steel.

 

If you decide to make a set, keep me posted! I am interested in something similar as well!

 

That link works, but it's not quite what I am after. Thanks though!

 

That is it! Man why is everything for these trucks so expensive! I'll just have to bite the bullet.

 

I already have the hooks and I really want the loops so I can hang d-rings. But this is a great find!

 

His stuff is pricey but it's top quality. The ball joint spacers I bought from him are the best you can buy. He has a lot of cool, obscure parts that you can't find anywhere else.
www.4crawler.com

 

His website seems like it was built on angelfire.com

I bookmarked the D-Ring mount, and I am making a list for wifey to approve. Next is paint matching the topper, but I want sliders and fender flares and axe/shovel mount, fire extinguisher... all in due time I guess.

 

That thing is horrid lol.

I was able to convince our fab shop to build me set with the dimensions on his website so we will see how they turn out. Hopefully he knocks them out next week.

 

Let me know how it turns out, and if they work, if you're interested in selling them!

 

I'll see if they can do some extras but not going to push my luck lol.

I am asking them to do 1" holes for the screw pin size on the shackle to give myself plenty of room to put whatever I want in there.

 

Give them half the profits

I'm sure you'd rack up a few people here.