Install of oem tow hooks on a 14 Express

[SitKneelBend]

Set of hooks for sale in the classifieds for those looking...

https://www.ramforum.com/index.php?posts/2250255

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

 

[14Deebo]

Set of hooks for sale in the classifieds for those looking...

https://www.ramforum.com/index.php?posts/2250255

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

Good looking out. Great price too.

 

[NY Andrew]

Well guys. I finally did it!!! Took 4 hours because I didn't have a deep 18mm socket so had to run to Lowe's and then working on the last hook the damn Harbor Freight 1/2" torque wrench exploded!! So got stuck using 3/8" torque wrench with breaker bar and shallow 3/4" socket which absolutely sucked.

Shoutout to @crazykid1994 for the tow hook brackets (sanded off most the rust then did 3 rust base coats & 2 black top coats), eBay for the bolts & tow hooks (new without box and slight scratches I'm hoping don't rust), and the one member on the forums for the BEAUTIFUL trim recommendation to clean it all up (woulda looked like trash without the trim)! Only complaints I guess are the trim where the two ends meet, didn't think about it before installing the hooks permanently or would have had to trim piece end another way and it’s not EXACTLY even on each side, but can't complain actually came out wonderful.

 

[JB1]

Looks great, i think the trim really finishes it off, we use that on cable trays to run wiring at work.

 

[14Deebo]

@NY Andrew , looks great man! What trim did you use around the edges? That's a really clever idea!

 

[JB1]

@NY Andrew , looks great man! What trim did you use around the edges? That's a really clever idea!

I posted the links here

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/4th-gen-2018-sport-tow-hooks.157138/page-4#post-2220215

 

[14Deebo]

I posted the links here

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/4th-gen-2018-sport-tow-hooks.157138/page-4#post-2220215

Thanks man! Also, hope you don't mind, but I am totally biting your style and running a 30" curved bar between my hooks. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[JB1]

Thanks man! Also, hope you don't mind, but I am totally biting your style and running a 30" curved bar between my hooks. Thanks for the inspiration!

Lol, go for it

 

[14Deebo]

Bad quality (low light) pic, but I got my custom brackets and tow hooks coated in bed liner this week. Ready to be installed. Hopefully get a chance to get to it this weekend.

 

[Mopar1987]

Got my relocation brackets from @Deepjeep85! Went right on. Looks great. Didn’t punt them or anything, was too excited! These are brand new units. Quality stuff

 

[Mopar1987]

Before and after. So much better! At touch higher and wider

 

[GIJoe2010]

I want to show the brackets I made, based off @JB1 design. I had to re-engineer them to work with my Zone 1.5” body lift. These are made of 2x3” angle iron, about 1/4” thick.

Sorry for the pics, the sun was hitting just right and a few look like I took them with a potato.

With the tow hooks mounted with the body lift, they sit lower in the opening and just barely touch the bumper (it’s an Express). If I could find 1/8” angle iron in this size there would be no contact on the bumper. Also, the tow hook angle is nearly parallel to the road surface, not quite flat but IMHO still going to do the job if needed.






I’m pointing at the C bracket for the body lift.

Yummy rusty bolts and nuts.


As you can see, I’m retaining all the stock hardware, but yeah I could probably get longer carriage bolts for extra peace of mind.

 

[GIJoe2010]

The body lift with tow hooks is not for the faint of heart. It took me a few days to get all the measurements perfect, especially using just a grinder and drill. Again, @JB1 was a huge help in his initial design of the tow hook relocation brackets, I just improved and enhanced the design to work with a 1.5” body lift.

I will put it out though, if you go with a 3” body lift you will lose your tow hooks if you try and mount them in the OEM location, I wouldn’t look forward to figuring out that project.






Side profile showing the angle of the hooks. This looks real exaggerated as I couldn’t get a perfect shot, the rough angle is 5-10*, I don’t believe enough to be an issue while in use.


From underneath angle.

 

[fadetoblack188]

Who is selling the brackets!!! I need hahaha. I ordered the amazon hooks which are direct replacement of factory. Just need the brackets to center them and to face the correct outwards position

 

[fadetoblack188]

Alright guys I ordered a set of brackets through @Deepjeep85 . These brackets are legit!! The fit and quality was perfect. I am very happy. Shipping was super fast. Quick coat of paint and there them on no issues.

These brackets center the hooks in the bumper and allow for the hooks to be face out the proper way!

definitely reach out to him for a set

I will post front pic of both once I get Insert cut

 

[FLYxxBOY]

I just got my set in from @Deepjeep85 as well and can confirm, rock solid! My hooks are off to powder coat so ill put a pic up once they are in, now just have to cut that damn plastic piece...

 

[Deep_Cherry_Ram]

Does anybody have know where I can get the OEM brackets? I have everything thing else and just need the brackets. The seller I got the hooks from (ebay) ignored my inquiry about the brackets. Or does anybody have the dimensions of the brackets and what gauge the metal is?

 

[FLYxxBOY]

Anyone have the torque specs for the frame bolts and the bolt that connects to the bottom of the hook? Or did you just put a couple ugga duggas on it? Looked around online and not coming up with anything

 

[Deep_Cherry_Ram]

Anyone have the torque specs for the frame bolts and the bolt that connects to the bottom of the hook? Or did you just put a couple ugga duggas on it? Looked around online and not coming up with anything

The torque specs are in the pdf download linked on that page.

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/parts/mopar-accessories_hook_kit_tow_front-82210967.html

 

[FLYxxBOY]

Oh damn didn't even see that, thanks! Did you ever find your brackets? I have the ones from the set I got off Amazon. They are the enixwell ones. I got the custom brackets so no use for them, but they aren't both the same, they messed up and sent out mirrored versions. It could still work you would just need to cut the ear off the passenger side one. I could send em to ya if you wanted no charge