Tow hooks for my 2001 Explorer

[Bridgehunter]

So I got these from eBay. Seller says they will fit my 2001 Eddie Bauer Explorer. I read every thread on this. I see people installed on other years and ST, but has anyone put these on my exact vehicle - 2001 EB Exp? I know I need to take off the bumper cover, but can’t see how they would come through without butchering the bumper cover. What am I missing? Who’s got an 01 EB that did this? Any pictures? … Help

 

[Rick]

Check this thread:

2nd Gen Tow Hooks, My Solution

I know others have touched on the topic of tow hooks, but I figured my solution might help others and I think it looks great. (Plus this will let me test out imgur) I purchased my hooks off an Expedition and F150 at the junk yard and used hot rolled steel as spacers to drop them to whatever...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[EB4X]

Butchering my bumper cover was a cosmetic ENHANCEMENT IMO....it was butchered CORRECTLY.. gives it the rough off-road look... and on top of that it's great for quick access in off road emergency....not fiddling around trying to get hooks through with them being barely accessible.
See here.... don't forget the cherry red paint ...makes all the difference !

Tow hook install...add to the list of others

So I did what a lot of other 2nd geners did.....got hooks off F150 / Expedition from J.Y., painted and drilled holes into bottom of frame just before bumper mount, used recommended Grade 8 bolts., didn't do any shimming on mine, did cut off bottom half of XLT bumper, thinking of taking another...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[C420sailor]

That’s with the old style bumper (which I prefer). Looks like the new style will really have to get hacked up