FYI- just in case anyone didn't realize, the tow hook can be swapped between passenger and driver's side. This also means you can get a second one and have a tow hook for each side. It replaces the tie-down loop.

One of the bolt holes was stripped and rusted, so I tapped it out to 9/16" coarse. Drilled out the tow hook bolt holes to accommodate and I will be installing the second hook tomorrow after I get the bolt.

 

why is there a hook on one side and a ring on the other?

just wondering because every strap I've seen has a loop on each end.

 

dont forget to use grade 8's!

 

my 86 is like that ring and hool , but i got rid of that set up when i put on my baland land front bumper now its shackles/drings

 

Those loop straps you would attach to the ring with a shackle.

They have both because some times you need one and not the other... on every truck I've seen there are usually two rings and one hook. The rings provide an attachment point for straps or ropes should you have to be flat towed.

 

hmm.. I thought it was so you could loop the strap through itself around the 'eye' on the frame, then hook the loop on the other end of the strap on the hook.

 

I like the shackle idea aviator proposed.

Good question though, I have two other theories:

1. Might have served served as a second front tie down when they shipped it over from Japan- the other three corners have loops to tie the truck to the ship deck, it only makes sense the 4th corner should too.
2. Could be a safetly rope attachment incase the loop breaks. Tie a couple of feet of rope to the loop and then tie the other end to the strap. That way if the strap breaks, the rope arrests the strap.

 

What do you guys think of this idea? I turned the hook around so that the smaller hook was in front and I thought about using a shackle there. Would this be strong/safe enough for a pull? I want to get a second one to replace the ring.

 

mu hilux came with 2 STOCK..
japan spec gets everything cool!

 

I wonder how strong the frame is where the hooks mount. I'd be happier if the bolts when all the way through the frame section and had a nut welded to the topside of the frame.

 

My brothers truck has two tie down loops AND a hook on one side...weird!

 

^^same here

 

That's how they all came from the factory.

 

Alright, its installed. Looks good, but that wasn't the point.

Anyone ever tore the hook out of the frame? The section of frame they're bolted to isn't terribly thick or even re-enforced as far as I can tell.

 

One of the guys up the street just ripped one of his hooks off on a rock. The frame didn't give but the grade 8's he had it bolted in with snapped off. That frame is stronger than it looks brother.

 

ive ripped those factory hooks/rings right off.

there pretty strong though. you can pull on them pretty hard, just dont jerk on them

 

Are the loops in the rear (91 runner) on the frame adequate as tow points, will they stand up to it?

 

giggity!
mine doesnt have 2 loops, just one...

 

are you taking my words out of context?

 

me?!?! NEVER!!!