I have an old bent tow hook bar from my truck. The original piece before repairing, body shop guy let me keep it. So during my search for a new intake, I started to get some ideas about this old tow hook, mainly because of the Vararam intake scoops mount right there where the bar is in the way. The original tow bar.

One more before the butchering. Notice the holes from the casting, I guess to lighten the weight. This is where mine bent in the flat bar section between the hooks.

And now for the butchering. I cut them off square just past the hook and filled the holes with weld on my buddies mig welder. What a laugh that was, might have been the beers, but I appearantly am not much of a welder.

Remember now boys and girls I have a brand new tow hook on my truck now... I'm just playing around here. But if they turn out as well as I think they might, I might just have to roll with it and order that Vararam intake.

I dropped them off at the powder coaters about 45 min. ago. Having them sandblasted and powder coated to match my paint, bright silver.

Good thing I'm a better grinder than I am a welder, huh?

I cant wait to see how they turn out, I will update as soon as I get them back.

Any thoughts?

I want to see it when your finished.
You going to make it to the Hills GTG?

I have that weekend off but I think the kids go back to school the week after and the wife has orlando plans... I might have to send the grandparents with her while I head to the hills. I'll take hemis in the hills over mice in the over-priced hotel anyday.

thats a good idea, I thought of something like that but honestly didnt want to mess with taking them off, looked like a real pain to get them off with the bolt heads behind the bumper and all.
I like your idea though, pics when done,

quote:

I thought of something like that but honestly didnt want to mess with taking them off, looked like a real pain to get them off with the bolt heads behind the bumper and all.

I have heard other guys say that too. They must have changed the design on the bumper/tow hook mounts from 05 to 06. Honestly mine was 6 bolts and a loud CLANG when it hit the floor. Could not have been easier, just watch your toes...

Got my towhooks from the powder coaters... Turned out great, but maybe should have done more grinding on them. The powdercoating shows all the flaws in the surface, but you dont notice until you really start looking.

Cant figure out how to post more than one pic per post.

one more

And of course the truck.

notice the snazzy new stainless hardware...

I kinda like it.

quote:

Originally posted by Keith 2:
Cant figure out how to post more than one pic per post.

you have to post your pics on a website like Photobucket then link those photos here.

now for your hooks.

Looks GOOD to me, I like and with your idea of the CAI down there inbetween, that is a good idea and way to go,
but.

yep there is always a butt

IF your not going to use these hooks to have your self or to pull some one else out of a DEEP ass mud hole or other type of off-road trip fubar. then you will be okay.
i personaly don't like this kind of set up you have now since the hook is so far away from the attachment point.

but for the occaianal pull, NOT tug-em-strap type jerk, you should be okay.

besides, it looks Kool As Hell.



but then I am used to this kind of wheelin'

just my $.03.
not stuck this time had the 35" tires on her that time





wheel is still bolted to hub, and hub is still bolted to tie rods..

That is some serious off-roading man. I couldn't help but notice you were in a jeep, not a 5000# ram hemi. Whats up with that?

You are right. I am sure that cutting them down would weaken them just because of the way they are shaped, with the actual hook being so far off center of the mounting bolts. I looked at after market tow hooks but could not find anything to fit the 1500. I originally wanted to trim the remaining bar down to a more flowing piece. You know, the square cut behind the hook, grind them down to smooth out any remanants of the fact that they were ever attached at all. But after some scribbling with a soap stone, I decided not to weaken the hook anymore than I already did. Also, I wasn't convinced I could cut/grind off all that steel and still make them look even and smooth flowing.

While I was welding over at my buddies house he says, "Why dont you just weld that hook right to the frame? That be a tough sumbitch right there!" I had to explain to him I was just goofing around and we are NOT welding crap to my truck. But if I ever find myself in mud like that, I might have to reconsider.

Truth is, I never used my tow hook. My truck is a road driver I dont generally go looking for mud, never ran away from it... Just dont go looking for it. I know its not as stout as the factory tow hooks but it does look cool. Thanks for the honesty.

Looks good

I like them!! I wish I had a set of the...