- Joined
- November 23, 1999
- Messages
- 3,904
- Reaction score
- 9
- City, State
- Mingo Junction, OH
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1994 Explorer Sport
You've got two things working against you when you weld to the frame. The odds are that neither one would happen, but why chance it. One, the frame is heat treated. When you weld the frame you'll weaken that part of the frame, thus creating a weak spot. Not a good thing to try to pull the truck out with a weakened frame. Two, when heating up the frame you increase the odds that you'll warp the frame itself. This will also weaken the frame itself. Neither one of those are bringing up the fact that the weld better be perfert for the most strength.
The bolts that are used in the tow hook kits are all grade eight and rated at 10,000 pounds. If you break the bolt I'd love to see what you were pulling. I've seen the hook itself snap in half during side-pulls, but never the bolt. Look at it like this, when was the last time you saw a winch welded to the frame? I hope never. The odds are that you won't run into trouble welding to the frame, if(when) you do run into trouble, make sure I'm standing very very far away.
The bolts that are used in the tow hook kits are all grade eight and rated at 10,000 pounds. If you break the bolt I'd love to see what you were pulling. I've seen the hook itself snap in half during side-pulls, but never the bolt. Look at it like this, when was the last time you saw a winch welded to the frame? I hope never. The odds are that you won't run into trouble welding to the frame, if(when) you do run into trouble, make sure I'm standing very very far away.