Adding tow hooks to a base XL

[subquark]

Just checked my XL 100A and it has the holes.

Thanks for letting me know. This sounds like a perfect spring project for me.

Since you checked it out, are you thinking of adding tow hooks?

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[delaware]

Since you checked it out, are you thinking of adding tow hooks?

I am. Not sure quite yet what direction I'm going but I'd definitely like a recovery point in front.

 

[subquark]

I am. Not sure quite yet what direction I'm going but I'd definitely like a recovery point in front.

Same here, I just saw these as a possible option:

https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-tow-hook-shackle-conversion-kit-rs144c.html

 

[delaware]

Same here, I just saw these as a possible option:

https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-tow-hook-shackle-conversion-kit-rs144c.html

Still gonna need the cutouts. I could cut the plastic but I'd rather just buy the parts and do it right. Not a huge priority but I'll keep you posted. I may even consider paying a reputable body shop just to make sure it's legit.

 

[Rhino]

Same here, I just saw these as a possible option:

https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-tow-hook-shackle-conversion-kit-rs144c.html

so ive seen those a lot and tbh not sure id trust em... the metal is very thin on the part that bolts to the truck and its also rc they make pretty sup par stuff on standard...

 

[9zero1790]

hmm i thought all the 5g rangers had the hooks. maybe its just in my mind that they do lol. if you are handy with a dremel or grinder you can skip buying the new plastics. just out the slot for the hooks.

 

[subquark]

so ive seen those a lot and tbh not sure id trust em... the metal is very thin on the part that bolts to the truck and its also rc they make pretty sup par stuff on standard...

I wonder about that too. On my old FJ40, the hooks are pretty solid and I never thought twice about a running yank on a rope or even chain. Those good old days before all this "dynamic" stuff. =D

I should have 240 volt to my garage in the spring, so I may fabricate my own (I fabricated the mechanical PTO winch mount on that old FJ and it could have pulled that ting up a cliff).

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts on that.

 

[subquark]

hmm i thought all the 5g rangers had the hooks. maybe its just in my mind that they do lol. if you are handy with a dremel or grinder you can skip buying the new plastics. just out the slot for the hooks.

I figured it was worth a try with a dremel, and I'm not too picky about how pretty it looks (I have yet to wash my truck with a mitt or use a microfiber on it, I have soap cannoned it and rinsed, but never actually scrubbed it).

And, if I was to really butcher it, I could try some light fiberglass and bondo work to make it look nice.

Thanks for the encouragement! =)

 

[subquark]

I am. Not sure quite yet what direction I'm going but I'd definitely like a recovery point in front.

I'm never going to do any hardcore 4-wheeling in mine (just 2WD and no locker), I did plenty of that in my old FJ, including breaking leaf springs and getting stuck in a swamp for 3 days! Maybe some forest roads and I could see getting stuck in mud with no traction.

For me, a front recovery point would be to help yank others out of a snowy ditch and, hopefully, never to yank myself out! =D

 

[subquark]

Still gonna need the cutouts. I could cut the plastic but I'd rather just buy the parts and do it right. Not a huge priority but I'll keep you posted. I may even consider paying a reputable body shop just to make sure it's legit.

As I've become older ... and not because I'm wiser but because I get more achy ... the body shop idea sounds like a really good way to go.

I liked to have a heart attack attaching my side steps in the summer. Too fat and out of shape for all that wriggling around on a piece of cardboard under the truck! =D

 

[Msfitoy]

I'm useless with this forum's search and I'm sure this has been covered many times but ...

I have '22 4X2 XL 101A with a tow package. Nothing else (except carpet). So what do I need to add front tow hooks? Not for off-road recovery but possible snow and ditch (preferably helping others, in cars, that have slid off the road).

It looks like I need the hooks, a different front valence, and some rubber inserts?

I saw this thread but I'm not sure that'll work for me and if that's all I need.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...-fact-ford-deleted-the-front-tow-hooks.14683/

I would also like to pull from the rear, is the receiver sufficient? It doesn't seem like that would have enough strength.

Thanks!

The best work around to search here is to Google, "ranger5g how to xxx"....

 

[Msfitoy]

Same here, I just saw these as a possible option:

https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-tow-hook-shackle-conversion-kit-rs144c.html

I use that...THE best option IMO...

 

[subquark]

The best work around to search here is to Google, "ranger5g how to xxx"....

You're right, almost any Ford Ranger thing I search for has hits for this forum! Even the simplest things like getting an additional fuel funnel!

Great tip, I'll stop using the in-forum search and just do Google directly! LOL, the only problem with that @Msfitoy is that I'll get results faster and spend more money on stuff I didn't know I needed! =D

 

[subquark]

I use that...THE best option IMO...

Nice and how was the install (apart from those of us needing to cut the valence).

Looks like it should go smoothly (except the getting on the ground part, I may not get up!). =D

 

[Msfitoy]

Nice and how was the install (apart from those of us needing to cut the valence).

Looks like it should go smoothly (except the getting on the ground part, I may not get up!). =D

It was super easy...just unbolt the original tow hook and replace with the new bracket and attach your choice of shackle...I bought mine on Ebay...

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