install tow hook on '05 Explorer XLT

[Buckslam007]

I just bought 2 erickson 10,000lb tow hooks and would like some help on installing them on the front end of my explorer, pictures/illustrations would be helpful

Thanks

 

[schmidlkofer]

im on the same boat...

 

[Aero540T]

I'd be interested in getting some tow hooks for my '03 XLT as well and would appreciate some guidance

 

[seadawg]

Go to the junk yard pull some off a older 150, Expedition, Navagator. They bolt right on and look like this. They look like this and I posted the part # a while back if you can find it

 

[Aero540T]

Did you have to cut the plastic out behind that area on the bumper to do this? My bumper has those depressions for the hooks but there is still plastic behind it.

 

[seadawg]

No they are removable, take a phillips screw driver and push the center of the clip in, they pop right out, two of them see my last pic two holes. The area is made for the hooks I got. Nice OEM fit and tough as hell. Dont! get the new style like comes on newer Expeditions My 06 Exped has cheap two piece jobs that I will soon replace with the ones shown.

 

[Aero540T]

Great tips thanks so much for the help, sorry to the original thread starter for hi-jakcing the thread but I hope the questions were answered

 

[aggiejumper]

Is there a plate that goes inside the box frame that the bolts thread into? If so, how you do you get it inside the frame?

 

[mr-hornet]

I just installed a set on my 03 xls and there was a bracket I'm Not sure about the 05 but on my 03 xls there was just enough room in the very front of the frame between the bumper to just slide the bracket down in at an angle and then used a screwdriver to move it the last little bit. and install the hooks took just a few minutes. Make sure when you let go of the bracket the posts are pointing up or you will have some work trying to remove the bumper or whatever else is up there to get at them.

If you get them at the junk yard make sure you get the bracket also makes it a breeze

 

[seadawg]

I pitched the plate and OEM bolts and upgraded to Grade 5. 1/2 inch bolt. I used serrated nut in the frame which bites down and enables u tighten from one side. the nut will slip up in the frame thur oblong hole (see previous image) just hold it in place with your finger. I did this because I have seen hooks pulled off. Each 1/2 inch Grade 5 = 7,366 lb of shear strength that totals 14,732 lb shear. You could also use Grade 8 but some folks say they are to brittle. Them hooks ain't just for looks.

 

[aggiejumper]

Thanks, I like the serrated nut idea. After the hooks get back from the chromer, I'll put them on my 05 ltd.

 

[seadawg]

Chrome. nice. send us a pic

 

[aggiejumper]

Where do you find the serrated nuts?

 

[seadawg]

Most hardware stores, the real kind not a big box . There are 2 types the best have the serration cut into the face of the nut the other has what I call a star washer kinda pressed in to it. Here is a pic of one I had around, it is smaller than u want for this application but u can see what I'm talking about.
If u can't find them pm me and I'll try to hook u up

 

[High_Order1]

This might sound dumb, but is there a place to bolt those on the back? (I rarely back into trouble, I'm usually nose deep before I realize the error of my ways....) lol

-Shawn

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

This might sound dumb, but is there a place to bolt those on the back? (I rarely back into trouble, I'm usually nose deep before I realize the error of my ways....) lol

-Shawn

Get a tow loop that fits into your hitch reciever. I've seen those at various places.