Adding tow hooks to a base XL

[delaware]

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

I'm done breaking cars for fun. Welllll, for the most part anyhow.

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[delaware]

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! =)

Oh man, it's only like 150 bucks for the valence. Not worth your time to do all that work.

 

[subquark]

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...

I'll have to get the proper grade of bolts, I don't think I'll have any in my XL.

As for shackles, I'm partial to stainless steel but those are more likely to be stolen.

Thanks for letting me know, seems to be only me in the way of getting this done! =)

 

[subquark]

Oh man, it's only like 150 bucks for the valence. Not worth your time to do all that work.

I know you're right. I'd fart around with the old one for half a day easily, and still no guarantee on the quality.

The proper valence is likely to have heavier molding around the opening for strength that I won't have if I dremel it.

But you know, I love to tinker, even if it ends up aggravating the heck out of me!

 

[delaware]

I know you're right. I'd fart around with the old one for half a day easily, and still no guarantee on the quality.

The proper valence is likely to have heavier molding around the opening for strength that I won't have if I dremel it.

But you know, I love to tinker, even if it ends up aggravating the heck out of me!

I just ordered the valence, bolts, left and right air dam (rubber) for $196 on parts.ford.com to pick up at the dealer a mile from my house. There is a $20 coupon for new customers and at-dealer pickup is free. All I need now is the actual hooks (don't care what color) and that should be the complete parts kit.

Oh, and I guess the valence needs painting. Maybe I'll get some skulls or naked ladies airbrushed on it at the farmers market.

 

[subquark]

I just ordered the valence, bolts, left and right air dam (rubber) for $196 on parts.ford.com to pick up at the dealer a mile from my house. There is a $20 coupon for new customers and at-dealer pickup is free. All I need now is the actual hooks (don't care what color) and that should be the complete parts kit.

Oh, and I guess the valence needs painting. Maybe I'll get some skulls or naked ladies airbrushed on it at the farmers market.

I like the naked ladies option! My wife would kill me but I sure would giggle like a 7th grader every time I saw it!

 

[VAMike]

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

Just be aware that a certain percentage will vote that it looks like nipple rings on an aging rock star.

 

[Jbrubakerjr]

I know you're right. I'd fart around with the old one for half a day easily, and still no guarantee on the quality.

The proper valence is likely to have heavier molding around the opening for strength that I won't have if I dremel it.

But you know, I love to tinker, even if it ends up aggravating the heck out of me!

You can always modify, and if you don't like the result, know that you have a backup plan.

Personally, I have gotten pretty good with a multipurpose tool as well, and perhaps an option if you need straighter lines.

 

[subquark]

You can always modify, and if you don't like the result, know that you have a backup plan.

Personally, I have gotten pretty good with a multipurpose tool as well, and perhaps an option if you need straighter lines.

I suppose I can cut it in place and make enough space for the bolts, then I don't have to remove the valance at all! Hmm ... I need to get off my lazy butt and just go do it ...

It's hard to believe that these trucks don't have front hooks at all trim levels ...

 

[Jbrubakerjr]

I suppose I can cut it in place and make enough space for the bolts, then I don't have to remove the valance at all! Hmm ... I need to get off my lazy butt and just go do it ...

It's hard to believe that these trucks don't have front hooks at all trim levels ...

One would think they (as well as some other things) would be standard on ALL trim levels. But with the number of vehicles sold for fleet at an XL trim level I guess every deletion is more money in Ford's pocket.

 

[VAMike]

One would think they (as well as some other things) would be standard on ALL trim levels. But with the number of vehicles sold for fleet at an XL trim level I guess every deletion is more money in Ford's pocket.

99% of drivers will never use them. They'd be on a lot fewer trucks if Ford couldn't upcharge them as a fashion accessory.

 

[Msfitoy]

99% of drivers will never use them. They'd be on a lot fewer trucks if Ford couldn't upcharge them as a fashion accessory.

Like turn signals? ?

 

[VAMike]

Like turn signals? ?

no, the turn signals are required by law; think of them as aspirational if nothing else

 

[Msfitoy]

no, the turn signals are required by law; think of them as aspirational if nothing else

I meant the 99% who don't bother to use it... ?

 

[subquark]

One would think they (as well as some other things) would be standard on ALL trim levels. But with the number of vehicles sold for fleet at an XL trim level I guess every deletion is more money in Ford's pocket.

Good point with fleet sales - that's such a HUGE part of Ford's business.

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