ATiredExplorer
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- January 12, 2007
- Messages
- 231
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- Houston, TX
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 98 xlt
I got a lot of the ideas off here by searching so thanks to a lot of people.
The hook I bought was a simple one made by "Reese" and it was $10.70 at Advance Auto Parts.
I had to remove the radiator/transmission cooler line protector or whatever it's called and cut off a piece to fit the hook. I just used a simple saw to cut the piece off. I'm putting it back on there to protect the bottom of the radiator and a few lines.
Removed the bumper afterwards. It was a pain for me though because I thought you actually had to take out the bolts and I couldn't figure out how
Then later I found out that the bumper itself slides right out 
(haha)
Anyway I broke a washer by simply loosening the bolt in order to take the bumper off. Weak.
Well that was Day 1. I couldn't get to finding a larger drill bit for the bolt.
Next morning I found one and got to drilling. Hot metal shavings suck. Especially on your neck.
Used an adjustable wrench to hold the nuts in the frame and then tightened the bolts.
Anyway it took me about an hour or so. Tried to see if I could install it without taking off the bumper but no. It's a bit crooked, facing to the inside by just a bit but it's ok. I'm pretty excited about it. Can't wait to get pulled out by my cousin if I get stuck already.
I'm going to put one in the rear also soon. Might just bolt it to the side of the frame instead of under. Seems like the frame would bend easily if it were under since it's not boxed.
The hook I bought was a simple one made by "Reese" and it was $10.70 at Advance Auto Parts.
I had to remove the radiator/transmission cooler line protector or whatever it's called and cut off a piece to fit the hook. I just used a simple saw to cut the piece off. I'm putting it back on there to protect the bottom of the radiator and a few lines.
Removed the bumper afterwards. It was a pain for me though because I thought you actually had to take out the bolts and I couldn't figure out how
Then later I found out that the bumper itself slides right out (haha)Anyway I broke a washer by simply loosening the bolt in order to take the bumper off. Weak.
Well that was Day 1. I couldn't get to finding a larger drill bit for the bolt.
Next morning I found one and got to drilling. Hot metal shavings suck. Especially on your neck.
Used an adjustable wrench to hold the nuts in the frame and then tightened the bolts.
Anyway it took me about an hour or so. Tried to see if I could install it without taking off the bumper but no. It's a bit crooked, facing to the inside by just a bit but it's ok. I'm pretty excited about it. Can't wait to get pulled out by my cousin if I get stuck already
.I'm going to put one in the rear also soon. Might just bolt it to the side of the frame instead of under. Seems like the frame would bend easily if it were under since it's not boxed.
