Help with mounting tow points.

[Californiafeind]

Now I have done a metric ass load of searching on this subject but to no avail. I was atempting to put front tow points on the frame using the existing elliptical holes, but I could not get a wrench in to the frame to tighten the bolts. What is the secret? Either you all got tiny fingers or I'm missing something. Pleas help.

 

[techieman33]

Dead Link Removed

there's the guide, it's not a first gen, but it's all pretty much the same.

 

[Californiafeind]

The problem is that the front of the frame is basicly caped by the two elliptical tubes that the bumper bolts run trough. I don't know if the 92 Explorer has a different frame end. But I digress, There is no hole in any position to alow me to tighten a bolt. Have any 92 owners experienced this. I have a theory that if I can swichback a wrench into the frame through a crumple zone hole I may be able to tighten the bolt, does this seem about right?

 

[jimbo74]

drill a hole

 

[sn0border88]

you have to know someone with a welder.

 

[mynameisaric]

i used one existing hole and i had to drill a hole. but i got the wrench through those little frame ear slots. i used some tape to stick the nut on the wrench to start tightening, there was no way i could get my fingers in there to put the nut on by hand.

 

[Hartman]

you have to know someone with a welder.

I don't want to be near a truck with welded tow hooks. I mounted mine using the same method as mynameisaric.

 

[unclemeat]

I had plates made that fit the stock frame crumple holes. I used 1/2-inch plate and attached the hookes to the plates.

 

[mynameisaric]

I don't want to be near a truck with welded tow hooks.

ditto. you never know when a welder didn't get enough penetration, and there is thousands of pounds of force applied onto those hooks. i had welded rear tow points for about 5 minutes(more like 2 weeks), but I realized how rediculous the idea was and drilled holes in my frame for bolt on hooks.

 

[sn0border88]

my front hook is welded and had gotten me and others out of some sticky situations many times. Any profecient welder should be able to do the job, but im also saying there is nothing wrong with bolt on hooks. If you can get a nut in there, then go for it. Just tape it onto a wrench, or obstruction wrench if its an odd angle. Also using a self-locking nut isnt a bad idea, with a lock washer on the other side.

 

[mynameisaric]

well YOU know it will hold, but how do I know? i have to take your word. and i'm not going to take someones word when it comes to flying tow hooks.

 

[Californiafeind]

Got'em on. I took mynameisaric advice. The hardest part was drilling the holes with a dull drill bit. I finaly forked up 15 bucks and bought a nice metal drilling bit. My frame felt like butter. There is nothing quite like a new bit.

 

[mynameisaric]

good job. first time you use them, you'll be so glad you took the time to do it.