67-72 front tow hook options

[Dale99]

I know this has been covered quite a bit, and I have searched many many times coming up with a few options I have tried, and still SOL. I would prefer to use the stock hook holes.

I need tow hooks on this truck so I can take it to the 4x4 park I plan to go to. As well, got it stuck this weekend and had no good place to hook up to.

Option 1. Find the very expensive stock hooks.

option 2. I found a user who took the hooks off the 88-98 trucks, slightly ob-longed the holes. Problem I'm having here is it hits the bottom of the bumper. Or if I turn them backwards, major interference with the leaf spring mount.

option 3. I found a few users who put the 73-79?? J hooks on. Again, this hits the leaf spring mount. Mounting forwards is well... not beneficial.

Anyone done anything else, or even have ideas? I have some mild fab skills, but not super awesome ones.

[Stocker]

I used aftermarket hooks that are cheap and available at most any parts store. You'll need to drill mounting holes. though. I put them on around 30 years ago and have used them a lot without any damage, usually pulling logs out for firewood. I've put enough load on them that my K20 couldn't move the load in 4Low. They look like these:


I mounted them just ahead of the spring mount and behind the bumper. Since they're upside down I used the optional springs to keep the chain hook from falling out of the tow hook. Also fabbed 3/16" or 1/4" thick spacers to fit between the tow hook and the frame (needed so the front of the tow hooks will clear the front bumper).

They don't look as cool as stock-type hooks and you need to drill holes, but they're cheap enough and they sure do the job.

[Dale99]

How far apart are the mounting holes on them? I am really wanting to use the stock mount holes.

[Mr. 250r]

Can you not just find some original stock ones? Junkyard, craigslist, ebay, car-part etc? I no longer like them as i find they are extremely weak if you yank on them lol but they probably weren't built for that so i just got a set of brand new F-550 and 5500 dodge ones which are quite large, here is the dodge one next to the original K30 one, these would require some fab although the ford ones are more like original i don't know what all holes will line up if any on the ford ones

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Dale99

How far apart are the mounting holes on them? I am really wanting to use the stock mount holes.

I'll measure tomorrow.... but those will not fit the stock holes.

[Dale99]

250r, I can find them, but they are around 350-400 bux a set. The hooks are not like the one you have pictured. And holy crap thats a large hook :O

Stocker, thanks. I'm debating on putting a set on the rear as well which is part of the reason I asked.

[Stocker]

That pic I posted above shows a hook with three holes (I just grabbed it off the net) but my hooks have two holes, 1 7/16" apart. The bolts are fine thread, probably grade 8, and appear to be 7/16". Besides the two hooks on the front, I also have one centered under the rear bumper.

[special-K]

To use the stock mounting holes,and mount on the side rather than the bottom,you need the GM hooks made for whichever year truck you have,which you haven't mentioned. Is your truck staying all original or do you just not feel like drilling holes? Before I ever knew what a factory hook was I bolted on (after drilling holes) whatever I found because my objective was,as you have mentioned,to have something to hook to for pulling and being pulled. A 4wd w/o hooks is worthless. They are a necessity.

[Dale99]

Special K, look at option 1. It says expensive stock ones.

I dont have a drill that will drill that big of a hole. All I have are 3/8 chuck drills that would work for this application.

[dieseldawg142]

yes, it's an '85, but i did the same thing on my '71 jimmy. dont like the factory j hooks & not alot of room on the frame horns. you might not like it as it involves drilling. i mounted a 5x3 5/16" thick piece of angle between the frame rails & mounted super duty hooks (boss has 9 s.d's,easy access!). there was enuff room left on it to also mount a box receiver on it as well. all told, i got maybe $20 in it

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Dale99

I dont have a drill that will drill that big of a hole. All I have are 3/8 chuck drills that would work for this application.

You can buy drill bits larger than 3/8" that have the shank machined down to 3/8" to fit your drill motor.

[Dale99]

Diesel, I have thought about doing similar. Except using the removable "d" rings.

However, the place I plan to drive it says the hooks need to be bolted on. I am wondering if that would qualify?

[Ol Blue K20]

What year is your truck?

[Dale99]

Its a 72. So If my research is correct, I need 69-72 hooks? The 67/68's use a different bolt pattern? This assuming I go with stock ones.

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by Dale99

Its a 72. So If my research is correct, I need 69-72 hooks? The 67/68's use a different bolt pattern? This assuming I go with stock ones.

Yes, you need the 69-72 hooks. I have a set of 60-68 but I'm going to put them in the rear of mine.

[dieseldawg142]

Originally Posted by Dale99

Diesel, I have thought about doing similar. Except using the removable "d" rings.

However, the place I plan to drive it says the hooks need to be bolted on. I am wondering if that would qualify?

only been to an off-road park twice, & welded tow hooks & bracketry were a no-no. i actually had to pick up a couple d-shackles when i put the s.duty hooks on, my yank strap also has closed loops on the ends