Tow Hooks

[roe]

Will the tow hooks from a 01 explorer sport fit a 03 explorer?
I have been looking for a f150 at the "bone yard", but only found a a pair on the sport.

Thanks,

Roe


03 X EB

 

[Landrum24/7]

Although I could be wrong, any of the middle-newer model rangers,explorers,f-150's or expedition tow hooks will fit on a 3rd gen explorer as long as they mount on the top of the hooks and not the bottom ( like the f-250 hooks etc.) I have heard a few people say only the f-150 hooks will fit but less than three weeks ago I went to a junkyard and took hooks off a newer model EB expedition and they mounted straight on. The main thing to remember with the tow hooks is that unless you want to spend 3 hours tearing your bumper off then putting it back on, don't bother with the brackets that go inside the frame, just use nuts to hold the bolts on, they are sturdier and you can just get them up inside the holes in the frame, hold them in place, and then bolt the hooks straight on. It takes about 10 minutes and saves you the headache

 

[roe]

Thanks for your reply. going to pick them up today.....

Roe

 

[jrford]

I got my hooks without the plate so i went the nut and bolt route, but i added washers to both sides and a lock washer, all Grade8, which look goldish in color.
Bumper is tricky but if you find the removal instructions it comes off in less than 10min, then the bumper support another 5min. Advantage of the plates its for easy installation (one guy job). That frame is really thick so it dosn't really add strength just convenience, if you get them i'd use them imo. . . you don't have to if you don't want.
But by all means use Grade 8 Bolts and they may run you $8 or so, if you get the plates you don't need the bolts.