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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
I recently installed a pair of F-150 hooks on my '02 EB. I paid about $25 shipped on Ebay. Mine are shaped similar to the cast ones pictured above but are smoother and the hook is welded to the plate instead. Sorry, not sure what year they came from. The install took all of 15 minutes, I had to loosen the bumper bolts to get the bumper cover forward enough to install the plates inside the frame rails and get the hooks in. They are very beefy, probably added 8-10 pounds to the front end!
If you go this route, make sure and get the mounting plates and bolts as it would be difficult without them...
Be sure to get the plates, mine didnt come with them. , got them for the same price and same ones f150 ebay, went on a '04. I used Grade 8 Bolts/nuts/washers/lockwasher on mine. The dealer wanted $40 for the plates only. If i remember right the whole kit was only $90 or so i was quoted.
Get the solid cast ones. The bent rod welded ones are weak. Thats what came on my
06 expedition and I pulled them off and got a pair of the cast jobs. If you ever really need a hard pull you'll be glad u did. Also dont worry about the OEM bolts see post http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172216
I got the same ones that Seadawg did off ebay for like 25 bucks or so last summer. I believe they were from an Expedition, can't remember what year, but they do look great. I beadblasted them lightly to clean up a bit and threw some more black paint on them
I went to the junk yard this morning. It took me about twenty minutes to find a F150 with a set of hooks. Most of the front end had been cut away so I did'nt even have to get under the truck. $15.00 and was on my way home. Even with some sanding and painting, it took less then an hour to install. I did have to loosen the bumper bolts to fit the receiver nuts in the frame. They look great. Thanks for the post.
Hey Seadawg how long were the bolts you used, I have a set coming and want to get the bolts before hand so I can slap it together quick and was there any drilling involved or were the holes there already?
No drilling - holes are already there. Its really a bolt on. I forgot exactly what size width but if I remember right 1/2 - 2 1/2 grade 8 at HomeDepot, nuts and washer $10 out the door. To be honest they could have been 9/16ths but 2.5" long.
Yooper first off Welcome, but didn't you hang out on JU as yooper96zj? moving over to Ford huh? These are good solid trucks, much better ride than a zj for sure.
Jim.
No that wasnt me your talking about but yeah its my first Ford in awhile, last one was an 89 Escort. Still have it too, might have to dig it out if gas prices get any worse. Thanks again!
Well I got the hooks on, very easy, took pics too if anybodys interested. 2 1/2" bolts were a little long, I used 2" grade 8. It took about a half an hour to do and thats with taking a beer break.lol