My front hitch with Level II tow hooks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
And yes, I will have plenty of recovery points
I looked at them again. I think they just seemed small to me because I've been looking at nothing by 31-33s from the side for the past 3 weeks. Are they stock size on your stock 16x7s? They kind of look like those highway traction A/Ts. How aggressive are they?
06+, the hole in the valence is large enough to clear the Fx4 "knuckle" hooks with no problems. Hitch? Well the hole is alot huger than a Gen5 and that's alot larger than a Gen4.... No problems there on a front hitch.
I'm really liking your outside the box idea on the hooks. Personally, I would've cut the valence to clear 'em that way it's a bolt-on stock deal. Then I'd smooth and re-clear that area of the cuts. But it's an edge and you've chosen a good solution to the problem. Just don't think about body-lifting it now!! lol.
I'm really liking your outside the box idea on the hooks. Personally, I would've cut the valence to clear 'em that way it's a bolt-on stock deal. Then I'd smooth and re-clear that area of the cuts. But it's an edge and you've chosen a good solution to the problem. Just don't think about body-lifting it now!! lol.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
I'm really liking your outside the box idea on the hooks. Personally, I would've cut the valence to clear 'em that way it's a bolt-on stock deal. Then I'd smooth and re-clear that area of the cuts. But it's an edge and you've chosen a good solution to the problem. Just don't think about body-lifting it now!! lol.
Don't worry, I'm never gonna BL this thing. SAS down the road
DUDE!!
That is almost exactly the same thing I'm wanting to do... minus welding to the frame.
I'm wanting a front receiver in case I ever need to get my utility trailer in somewhere that I can't back it into ( I suck at backing up with the trailer
) and it would be nice to have a place to hook up a d-ring or hook if I ever get stuck.
I've got my receiver tube, but I haven't found any 2" square or 2"x3" box tubing... and I don't have a welder
That is almost exactly the same thing I'm wanting to do... minus welding to the frame.
I'm wanting a front receiver in case I ever need to get my utility trailer in somewhere that I can't back it into ( I suck at backing up with the trailer
) and it would be nice to have a place to hook up a d-ring or hook if I ever get stuck.I've got my receiver tube, but I haven't found any 2" square or 2"x3" box tubing... and I don't have a welder
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
DUDE!!
That is almost exactly the same thing I'm wanting to do... minus welding to the frame.
I'm wanting a front receiver in case I ever need to get my utility trailer in somewhere that I can't back it into ( I suck at backing up with the trailer
) and it would be nice to have a place to hook up a d-ring or hook if I ever get stuck.
I've got my receiver tube, but I haven't found any 2" square or 2"x3" box tubing... and I don't have a welder
That is almost exactly the same thing I'm wanting to do... minus welding to the frame.
I'm wanting a front receiver in case I ever need to get my utility trailer in somewhere that I can't back it into ( I suck at backing up with the trailer
) and it would be nice to have a place to hook up a d-ring or hook if I ever get stuck.I've got my receiver tube, but I haven't found any 2" square or 2"x3" box tubing... and I don't have a welder

The welding was necessary to make sure it won't ever fail
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
I couldn't bring myself to cut my valence, everything worked out great though
https://www.ranger-forums.com/groups...ranger-forums/

If done smartly, there's no trimming needed. I was stupid and didn't think when I did my hitch.
If done smartly, there's no trimming needed. I was stupid and didn't think when I did my hitch.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
Opinions needed:
I'm making the final cuts on the Level 2 hooks and I have 2 options.
1. Mount them so the are fully functional (angled slightly down, stick out a little further.)
2. Mount them a little more recessed but flat like they would be bolted normally.
The reason I'm curious is that the front hitch and receiver hook are perfect recovery points. Would there be any point in making the Level 2 hooks functional? Or should they be mounted for cosmetic purposes?
After talking with my dad I may just mount them for looks instead of function since the front hitch is stronger in every respect compared to tow hooks.
Tell me what you guys think
I'm making the final cuts on the Level 2 hooks and I have 2 options.
1. Mount them so the are fully functional (angled slightly down, stick out a little further.)
2. Mount them a little more recessed but flat like they would be bolted normally.
The reason I'm curious is that the front hitch and receiver hook are perfect recovery points. Would there be any point in making the Level 2 hooks functional? Or should they be mounted for cosmetic purposes?
After talking with my dad I may just mount them for looks instead of function since the front hitch is stronger in every respect compared to tow hooks.
Tell me what you guys think
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
I didn't mention the D ring shackle because I hadn't bought one yet. But I do plan on buying or making a D ring receiver.
Wirelessly posted (Droid X)
That's what Shane is doing with the setup he's got. I modified some L2 hooks for his BL and he doesn't use them for function, more for looks, though he could if he wanted to. Safer bet is the receiver shackle and d-ring he uses.
That's what Shane is doing with the setup he's got. I modified some L2 hooks for his BL and he doesn't use them for function, more for looks, though he could if he wanted to. Safer bet is the receiver shackle and d-ring he uses.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
Finally finished. Got the hooks sitting exactly where I want them. They're welded on good enough that they could hold a good amount of weight, but they are just for show. Enjoy


































