Fabrication & Tool Tech Need assistance with or got ideas for custom metal fabrication? Want to show off your fabrication abilities or custom modifications? This is the sub-forum for you.

My front hitch with Level II tow hooks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 11-20-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Scrambles the DeathDealer
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jackson, MO
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
My front hitch with Level II tow hooks

So I'm going on Thanksgiving break, so I'll have a access to a welder. I have an idea for my front hitch and want to see what you guys think

I think the way my pic shows will let them sit far enough forward and high enough that I won't have to cut the bumper

Let me know what you guys think, or what other ideas you have

*I am adamant about not cutting my bumper, so I'm going to try everything to avoid it

Here's a mock up in my basement

Name:  Photo-0195.jpg
Views: 665
Size:  62.0 KB
 
  #2  
Old 11-20-2010
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: merced, ca
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
looks good but i dont know strong they will be with them only attached on the backs like that, can you make some sort of bracket for the top bolt hole?
 
  #3  
Old 11-20-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Scrambles the DeathDealer
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jackson, MO
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
The entire thing will be fully welded, including bracing from the top triangle on the hooks to the top of the hitch.

In all honesty, the hitch will be doing most of the recovery work
 
  #4  
Old 11-20-2010
rangerboy101's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Winchester, Va
Posts: 8,187
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I don't see why you wouldn't just make things easier on yourself and trim your valance. It's much easier than doing this.
 
  #5  
Old 11-20-2010
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Plattsburgh, New York
Posts: 3,390
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Looks great, keep us posted
 
  #6  
Old 11-20-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Scrambles the DeathDealer
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jackson, MO
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Depending on how the hitch is mounted, I may not even have access to the rear bolt hole to attach the hooks in the stock location.

Having access to a welder and cutting torch, I figure something more custom would work better in the end
 
  #7  
Old 11-20-2010
99offroadrngr's Avatar
TOYOTA
iTrader: (37)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 11,713
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
last thing id do is cut up an edge valence thats painted. that just starts the chipping of paint on it over time. i think it looks good and will be very well done with by a good welder. shoudln't be an issue.
measure twice weld once!
 
  #8  
Old 11-21-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Scrambles the DeathDealer
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jackson, MO
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I like my valence too much to cut it.

My sister's fiance is a certified welder and builds derby cars, I trust everything will hold up fine.
 
  #9  
Old 11-21-2010
99offroadrngr's Avatar
TOYOTA
iTrader: (37)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 11,713
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
yeah i wouldn't cut an edge valence but a regular textured i wouldn't care...thats why mines cut lol
 
  #10  
Old 11-23-2010
morris's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: South Detroit.
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
can this mod be done w/o cutting the valance? preferably w/o BL
 
  #11  
Old 11-23-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Scrambles the DeathDealer
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jackson, MO
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Wirelessly posted

You can't mount level II hooks on without cutting the valence. You could heat up and bend the valence but I haven't seen pics of that
 

Last edited by 01RangerEdge; 11-23-2010 at 02:39 PM.
  #12  
Old 11-23-2010
ShadowRanger08's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by rangerboy101
I don't see why you wouldn't just make things easier on yourself and trim your valance. It's much easier than doing this.
cos that is uuuuugly!

i think thats a great idea to do this, never seen it done before, and as long as its welded all the way around, or has the tab folded over and welded on top i dont see why it wouldn't be even stronger. speaking from experience, once you put the hitch on the front, good luck getting at any bolts in there haha, even putting the bumper back on will be a PITA.
 
  #13  
Old 11-23-2010
Scrambler82's Avatar
Old Guy User…
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 7,909
Received 74 Likes on 64 Posts
Can’t say anything about the Valance but I like the idea of the hooks and receiver… nice !
 
  #14  
Old 11-23-2010
03edge's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: OH
Posts: 1,038
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
looks like a good idea actually, let us know how it works
 
  #15  
Old 11-23-2010
Toreador4x4's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Livonia, MI
Posts: 3,958
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts


i trimmed my valance about 1" down for the hitch, it can be a little higher and not have to be trimmed
 
  #16  
Old 11-23-2010
seed60's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Mooresville, NC
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ballin idea! Can't wait to see it.
 
  #17  
Old 11-24-2010
morris's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: South Detroit.
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
thanks justin.
 
  #18  
Old 11-27-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Scrambles the DeathDealer
Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jackson, MO
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
After getting the bumper off and taking measurements and test fitting, I have to say this is the first time I've regretted having an automatic.

Trans cooler lines were the ultimate hangup. But I did get the hitch in and I like where it sits.

Effing trans cooler

Name:  photo11.jpg
Views: 646
Size:  172.1 KB

In place (stick welded)

Name:  photo3.jpg
Views: 680
Size:  55.6 KB
Name:  photo9.jpg
Views: 662
Size:  121.9 KB
Name:  photo6.jpg
Views: 647
Size:  74.1 KB
Name:  photo5.jpg
Views: 635
Size:  70.4 KB
Name:  photo8.jpg
Views: 649
Size:  72.2 KB
Name:  photo10.jpg
Views: 644
Size:  102.5 KB
Name:  photo13.jpg
Views: 649
Size:  78.6 KB
Name:  photo12.jpg
Views: 1457
Size:  149.5 KB

The hitch is slightly recessed, but the D ring receiver I'm making will come out far enough to clear the bumper

Now you're probably wondering where the Level II hooks are that I was so proud of. Well having to relocate the hitch means a new location for the hooks.

Turns out one of the hooks was slightly tweaked so I'm going to fix them later.

Here's a teaser of what I'm doing

Name:  photo4.jpg
Views: 653
Size:  154.5 KB
 
  #19  
Old 11-27-2010
FULLSCALE's Avatar
Level III Supporter
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Clinton, Ontario
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Looks good so far! I plan on doing something similar... hopefully in the spring.
 
  #20  
Old 11-27-2010
ranger4.0's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: cambridge, ontario
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
i need to do a front hitch NOW!!! i got no front tow points
 
  #21  
Old 12-03-2010
morris's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: South Detroit.
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
looks good so far. glad to see there is no need to cut it.
 
  #22  
Old 12-03-2010
TrePaul86's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Gresham, OR
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Interesting... Good work though! I hate stick welding, though I'm certified in a ton of processes of it, I HATE it lol....
 
  #23  
Old 12-04-2010
evilclown312's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Logan ohio
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by 99offroadrngr
yeah i wouldn't cut an edge valence but a regular textured i wouldn't care...thats why mines cut lol
Not to mention, from what ive seen from edge valances they become flimsy when cut and flop around.
 
  #24  
Old 12-04-2010
vansnxtweek's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It looks super clean recessed like that! Can't wait to see what ya do with the hooks.
 
  #25  
Old 12-04-2010
Masteratarms93's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Goose Creek SC
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
looks good.

you need some all terrains by the way. but i guess since your have front tow hooks and a front hit receiver you will have plenty of tow points when you get stuck.
 


Quick Reply: My front hitch with Level II tow hooks



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:15 PM.