Factory Tow Hooks mounting holes 1969-1972 style

[71blksuper4x4]

Hey guys, my dad and I have decided to tear down my 1971 swb 4x4 once again and we are needing the dimensions for the factory tow hook mounting holes on the frame horns. The previous owner oxy torched holes out for mounting the 1973 + style tow hooks on it. Since we are tearing it all the way down, we are going to do it right and re weld up the holes and drill them correctly. If anyone can do some measurements for me and possibly take a few pictures labeled, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks Trevor

[71blksuper4x4]

ttt

[71blksuper4x4]

Didn't know if this would help anyone out to label the measurements for me. I figured if anyone could measure from the center of the front stock hole in the frame for me for starting points, it would be easy. Thanks guys, I just hate to weld up the holes, paint the frame, and then redrill the holes. Trevor

[Keep on Trucking]

If you have the hooks you can use them as a template?

[71blksuper4x4]

Yeah I do have the hooks and I know I can use them as a template, but if I don't get the location right, they will hit the front bumper. We already have the body off the frame, so that is a no go on getting measurements. I just thought maybe someone could run outside for 5 min. and take a couple of measurements for me. Trevor

[Keep on Trucking]

I will see if I can measure mine tonight.

[72swbcamo]

Did you get the measurments you need yet? If not I can make a cardboard template of the bolt holes and send it in the mail. PM me if you are interested.

[71blksuper4x4]

KeepOnTrucking- I greatly appreciate it if you take the time to get some measurements, if you don't I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my thread.

72swbcamo- I am going to see if Keep On Trucking gets measurements today. If he can't and you don't mind doing that I would sure appreciate it. I will send you a couple of dollars for your time and shipping. I will pm you my address

[Keep on Trucking]

Hello, just got back. I went to look at my frame, but do not see three holes where I thought you were tring to fix. Below is a pic of mine. Picture is of driver side where bumper mounts to the frame. You are tring to fix the front end of the frame right? because now that im typing this I seem to remember three holes in the rear.

[71blksuper4x4]

Thanks Keep on Trucking, you are correct that I am looking to weld up and re-drill out the front factory holes for the correct tow hooks. It appears that your truck did not come from the factory with tow hooks. If it did, there would be two slanted holes behind that hold that is in the middle of your frame rail. It is the placement of these two holes that I wanted to know the placement of. I appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

[Keep on Trucking]

OK I learned something new. Im supprized they would make a different frame or do they just drill new holes at the factory?

[Mint68]

I think they would just drill the additional holes.

[Yukon Jack]

You might go ahead and post this same question in the 4x4 subforum and maybe even the first gen K5 forum and the Suburban forum - someone surely can help you out. I know there are a number of people on the board with installed tow hooks.

[70 CST 4X4]

Ttt

[trx450duner]

Just checked mine and I dont have the tow hook holes either sorry. But I too would be interested in this info.

[71blksuper4x4]

Thanks guys for bringing this back to the top. I am still needing some sort of template to get this corrected before getting my frame powder coated or painted. Trevor

[special-K]

I thought they all had holes,too.Then,I saw a 2wd w/o them and figured 2wds only had them if they got the hook option.All the 4wds I`ve had came with holes.Most didn`t have the option.
Would you rather drill the holes or splice new horns with them?I imaging the welds could be tough to drill.If no one gets the numbers I`ll check it out this evening.

[haysonj]

Originally Posted by special-K

I thought they all had holes,too.Then,I saw a 2wd w/o them and figured 2wds only had them if they got the hook option.All the 4wds I`ve had came with holes.Most didn`t have the option.
Would you rather drill the holes or splice new horns with them?I imaging the welds could be tough to drill.If no one gets the numbers I`ll check it out this evening.

My 4x4 frame doesn't have the holes maybe they only drilled if you ordered hooks

[71blksuper4x4]

That would be great Tim. Hey, did you happen to ever shoot a pic of those blue belts? Thanks Trevor

[special-K]

Trevor,I forgot until it was too dark.I can do both in the morning.
About no holes in 4wd...I don`t have a clue because I`ve had alot of 4wds and have always had holes,at least the ones I checked.I`m talking about trucks that never came with hooks.I`ve seen 2wds w/holes that never had hooks.What would be really rare and odd would be a truck w/hooks w/o holes.I`ll laugh because I`m sure no one else will and I don`t want to feel bad.

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

Thanks guys for bringing this back to the top. I am still needing some sort of template to get this corrected before getting my frame powder coated or painted. Trevor

Hey Trevor, I researched this a couple years ago and it is my understanding that the hook mounting bolt holes became a standard deal in 72 and were found on all K series frames. I would think that you should be able to locate a 72 4wd in your area to get this template traced out (I always liked doing this type stuff myself, especially if/when drilling), it could be a truck, blazer or burb. If you do not know anyone local with a 72 K, then maybe try your area wrecking yards in search of a 72 K frame. Good luck on your hunt,

[Rod]

no measurements but here a pic

['71 Lil'Beag]

Here are mine.I drilled them. The holes are 4.75 from the front or 2.5 from the other hole.The bottom hole is .125 off the top hole. It may not be factory but they fit good.

[special-K]

I should just make a template and mail it,if you want.I`ll get the measurements in the meantime.

[71blksuper4x4]

Hey Tim, yeah if you would want to make a template out of cardboard for me that maybe has the round frame rail edge from the inside and just follows the contours of the frame rail with the holes poked in. I will gladly pay you for your time doing that and shipping it. Thanks a bunch Trevor