Removing stock front tow hooks without breaking anything??
#1
Re: My system all perdy now
I must be having a bad night. Can someone let me in on the trick for removing the front tow hooks?? I'm trying to put this WAAG bar on and I need to remove them. I am sitting here trying to figure out how in the hell you loosen those bolts. They are not budging for anything. And I suspect when they do decide to let go, I will have a broken socket wrench stuck to my bleeding had, both of which will be wedged in the radiator pouring coolant all over the place.
#2
Buy some good penetrating spray, or just WD-40 and SOAK the bolts from above and below. Spray it down at least twice in about 2-3 hours time, then try a good whack with a rubber mallet or hammer.
The bolts should have a nut welded to the back end of the hook, so it should come loose or anything. The screw probably just kinda rusted in place a bit.
This is why auto mechanics love air rachets.
The bolts should have a nut welded to the back end of the hook, so it should come loose or anything. The screw probably just kinda rusted in place a bit.
This is why auto mechanics love air rachets.
#7
#8
Well, the tow hooks are pretty tricky to get to, but mine weren't very tight from the factory, so removing them just took about 5 minutes per hook because I could only move the ratchet several degrees at a time.
But I do recommend having some other tow point in the front, or reconsidering the WAAG bar.
But I do recommend having some other tow point in the front, or reconsidering the WAAG bar.
#9
I learned a little trick with Ford when I put my body lift on. Pretty much any bolt that goes into the frame is dipped from top to bottom in Locktite so its a pain in the @$$ to get out. Welp here is what we learned was really effective after about 3 bolts. If you have access to a moderate heat torch, propane, mapp gas, etc. (we used a BernzOmatic Mapp Gas torch), fire it up and put it to the bolt for about 20 to 30 seconds this liquifies the Locktite and most bolts will come out with hardly any effort.
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#21
UPDATE
I got the left tow hook off. The top and one of the bottom bolts came out very easy after a lot of penetrating oil and banging the hell out of it with a hammer to vibrate it. The right tow hook however... The socket I have keeps slipping off the bottom bolts. I think the socket is stripped. I am going to give it a try with the tools at the firehouse this evening.
I do plan on putting the tow hooks back on. I am all about being over-prepared. I don't do much off-roading but if I need them to secure my vehicle or another vehicle, I want them.
I got the left tow hook off. The top and one of the bottom bolts came out very easy after a lot of penetrating oil and banging the hell out of it with a hammer to vibrate it. The right tow hook however... The socket I have keeps slipping off the bottom bolts. I think the socket is stripped. I am going to give it a try with the tools at the firehouse this evening.
I do plan on putting the tow hooks back on. I am all about being over-prepared. I don't do much off-roading but if I need them to secure my vehicle or another vehicle, I want them.
#22
damn dude, stop being a bitch and use a big assed breaker bar.... i had no probs!
or come down- i'll do it for you...
wuss..... :badgrin:
:D if you're still having probs let me know- i have some kick *** penetraiting oil that'll work.... plus i have my torch- and i know how to use it...
-paul
or come down- i'll do it for you...
wuss..... :badgrin:
:D if you're still having probs let me know- i have some kick *** penetraiting oil that'll work.... plus i have my torch- and i know how to use it...
-paul
#23
:butthead: :finga:
If there was room for a breaker bar, I would have tried it. With the bumper, the transmisison cooler lines, the radiators and other coolers, there hardly room for just a socket wrench.
:axe:
I'm pretty sure the one socket I have that fits it is too stripped and rounded out. We have a nice set at the firehouse that I hope will work. I really hope it isn't the bolts that are rounded out.
If there was room for a breaker bar, I would have tried it. With the bumper, the transmisison cooler lines, the radiators and other coolers, there hardly room for just a socket wrench.
:axe:
I'm pretty sure the one socket I have that fits it is too stripped and rounded out. We have a nice set at the firehouse that I hope will work. I really hope it isn't the bolts that are rounded out.
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For Sale: Front stock tow hooks from XLT - NC
Taylor
OLD - Interior, Exterior, Electrical, & Misc.
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07-10-2012 02:32 PM