What do you think of this idea?

[coloradobound]

Well, gotta ask another tow hook question. I know people have used blocks to drop hooks below the front bumper valance or what ever its called. I have a 1994 XLT 4 door 4x4 with the factory foglights, meaning that my frame ends right behind the lights. I want to keep the lights. So how about using a block to move the hooks to the outside of the frame. Bolting and welding them. Would this be solid enough? Or am I just sunk on having towhooks? I figure if I use some good solid hooks and solid steel blocks, weld and bolt them to the frame, this would be strong enough. Am I right?

 

[sink]

Anything is possible. Take trailer hitches for example. I have built a few. I haven't verifed frame placement on my 94 since I read this. but I would construct your idea as 3/8 inch plate in a rectancle large enough to cover as much frame width as you can and at least 6" length. Weld 2 inch square tube, 1/4 inch thk, to the plate at whatever angle is necessary to get outboard and dropped enough. Weld a 2inch by 1/4 thk angle onto the end to mount the hook. Bolt each plate to the frame with 4 or 5 high-strength 1/2 inch bolts as far from each other as you can.

 

[coloradobound]

Well, wasn't thinking of square tubing, I was thinking of a solid steel block. Thought that'd be better for strength.

 

[sink]

From an engineering standpoint, the center of the block is providing a small fraction of the total bending strength. It is mostly adding gross weight and not much else. It is also a heat sink making it harder to get a good weld. Structurally, solid sections are bad choices. That is why most stuff is made of tube section. That is why I beams work. Along this line- you should always drill you house floor joists in the center when running wires through.

 

[Brian1]

I have made a front hitch for my 91 out of heavy plate and other materials. If you want I can show you the picture of it. You could mount the hooks to it or the plates with no problem.