Anyone use these tow hooks?

Easiest way to tell is to back it out and check. If you stopped before really forcing it, you can chase the threads on the frame with a tap to correct them and use a die on the bolt to fix its threads.

 

With a block of wood between the valance and aluminum crash bar I think you could pull up at a higher angle w/o damaging it. The crash bar is right over bottom of the lower part of the valance where the tow strap contacts it. Also at this point the tow strap will not be moving much it is just a few inches from the tow hook.

 

I also cross threaded the passenger side front left bolt. I was able to give it some extra grunt and it screwed in. It is torqued to spec. But I have concerns. Mainly, if I want to lift the truck. Then I have to unscrew and fix???? I guess then I will find out if i just need a new bolt or need to retap‍♂️

 

The threads on these bolts are pretty fine so there is a risk of cross threading. Here is my 2 cents on how to best avoid this;
1) Remove the skid plate. This will allow you more better access and to make sure you are putting the brackets on straight and not cocked.
2) Make sure all of the OEM tabs are folded over and out of the way. The front two are easy to do with a pliers. The back one you will need to bend it back with a pliers and then tap it back down flat with some rod stock or a chisel. It should be flat and point to the back of the truck.
3) Hold the bracket up and flat on the surfaces. Thread the bolts up using a socket and long extension only. Use just your hands on the extension to get it finger tight. This will allow you to keep the bolt straight. You should be able to thread the bolt up 90% of the way with just your hands on the socket extension. Make sure your bracket is not binding and that the bolts are going in straight. Using your finger tips on the extension you will get better feel for the bolt going in straight and correctly. If the bracket cocks and makes the bolt crooked it will get cross threaded. Just make sure to take your time and install the bolts with just your fingers 90% of the way. Once you have several turns in and your are most of the way to having the bracket seated you should be clear of cross threading. Then you can use the socket wrench handle and tighten it the rest of the way. I would recommend a 1/8 to 1/4 turn on each going back and forth so that the bracket seats flat and doesn't get crooked. If you are unsure at any time how the bolts should feel when you are threading them in you can put the bracket down and just do the same thing threading the bolt in and out with just the socket and the extension. It is mainly just a matter of taking your time.

 

This may have been covered before but I don't want to read pages lol.

I went to put the afe tow hooks on and noticed that they may not clear the air dam on my tundra. I know that the air dam will open and clear it, but that's not what I am referring to. It appears that the body of the tow hooks will be hitting the plastic air dam so when it closes it will close on top of the tow hooks. This is on a 24 platinum. Anyone else notice that?

 

Anyone install the afe hooks with the icon front sway bar drop kit?

 

Bit the bullet and got the ROXX front bumper from Amazon. Was kinda skeptical since I couldn't find any reviews anywhere but overall I'm pretty happy with it. Installation wasn't too bad but slightly different from provided instructions. Not sure how it'd perform but I personally have no intentions of using it for it's intended purpose, just for looks.

 

Looks good