Hey all,

I recently decided to look into recovery gear/setup and I wanted to get some thoughts regarding recovery points. From what I gather, using the hook in the front is okay(not great), but using the stock transport tie downs isn’t advisable so I decided against it.

Right now in the front I have a factory hook on one side and what appears to be the stock “tie down” bolt-on bracket on the other side.

My issue is the rear end looks different. They are welded and thicker yet still resemble the stock tied downs. At first, I just assumed I would need to either add a bumper/hitch or some stronger recovery brackets, but I started to wonder if these have been upgraded by the PO to a degree that makes them reasonable recovery points. Thoughts?

Pics below. FYI – I know nothing about welding….which is why I am looking for opinions😊

pic#1 - hook

pic#2 & 3 - front factory tie down

Remaining photos are the rear points



Thanks in advance

1994 22re 4runner manual 4wd

 

Any and of the points you show are adequate to move the machine if the force applied is not violent,

Common sense needs to prevail.

 

Are you suggesting that even the tie down in front is sufficient for recovery purposes? Most of the research ive done indicates otherwise, but I am definitely a novice, which is why I am soliciting feedback

 

Well, the hook and the tie down are both secured with the same 2 bolts. I imagine Toyota figured that was good enough (not to mention that I've been recovered countless times from the tie down alone, since a PO had removed the hook somewhere along the line).
The pictures of the rear points you showed, I would not be too eager to use those in a recovery. Something bolted or welded flat against the frame would do better. Those tabs look like they could bend over easily in a sideways recovery or possibly break if hit the wrong way.

 

I would definitely not "snatch" with the tie-down point. Tow in a pinch, maybe.
The rears look just like tabs. Totally not trust-worthy.

 

Thanks for your insight moto809 and Rad4Runner. I really don't want to use the of tie downs for anything...yeah, I suppose I could tow if needed, but I really want solid recovery points for all purposes. Not only do I want reliable parts, I'd also rather not put myself or anyone else in danger, if possible You know the old addage - Right too for the right job!

As I stated, I was expecting the rear tie downs to be visually identical to the front and when I realized they weren't, I thought I might have some sort of DIY recovery points from the PO. Of course not knowing anything about welding I was unable to determine if those were indeed solid points so I hoped to get some feedback from the forum.

 

The fronts are definitely factory. As far as the rears, all I can go off is my 93 pickup which does not have those. I'm guessing yours is a 4runner so I can't say for sure, sorry.

 

Depends on the recovery. The fronts are fairly sturdy, but I wouldn't do more than a gentle pull from those rear ones.

These trucks do not come with true recovery points. The safest method is an offroad bumper with tabs for a shackle that go right to the frame.

 

The rear points were added as shipping tie down points to keep it from moving during transit

 

Thanks for the comment. Thats what I figured. Considering they looked different I was naively hoping they might work. Seems they won't. I had read that in some models they were bolt on (similar to the front) and could be removed and replaced with a true recovery point, but alas mine are welded so even if that is true and there are threads under/behind there it wont be so simple. At least for me