Tow hook bolt length/size

[RSeger]

I bought tow hooks with mounting brackets for my 04. 5. What diameter bolts should I use to mount them? What length do I need? How much does the front bumper weigh? Does it need to be removed? I will be doing this with my sons tomorrow.



Any hints, help is appreciated!



Ron

 

[Hoefler]

I installed them on my 05. I bought the kit from the dealer, it had every thing needed, hooks, bolts and an additional brace that went on the other side of the frame to give the bumper bracket more strength. The bumper has to come off, I did the install by myself in about a hour.

 

[Pawpaw]

I can't help you with the length because installing them on my Ranch Hand front bumper is a different animal. As far as diameter, I used the largest bolts that would fit easily through the holes in the hooks.



The biggest tip is to make sure you buy Grade 8 hardware. You don't want one of those hooks to go flying because you used Home Depot bolts. Any Ace Hardware can hook you up.



Bob

 

[Troll]

I just installed tow hooks (the factory ones) last week on my 06. I did it with a little help from my wife in about an hour. I was able to get them in without removing the bumper. The set I did on my 03 I did take off the bumper. I would advise not removing the bumper. If you do one side at a time and mark the alignment of the brackets before you take them off, it is a breeze. The bumper will move very little and is easily put back in proper alignment with one hand while you tighten one bolt to keep it in place, then tighten the rest on that side and then move to the other side. I removed the two small bolts holding the intercooler and by lifting it about an inch, you should be able to move it forward enough to slip the brackets in place and install the bolts. My wife just held the wrench so I could tighten a couple of the bolts from the back side. My kit came with all necesssary hardware.



I agree with Pawpaw about the Grade 8 hardware if yours didn't come with any.

 

[CRuth]

Got mine on without taking the bumper off. Twice. Had to reinstall em after putting the new lightbar on.

 

[RSeger]

Thanks for comments. We took off bumper, it seemed easier to put reinforcement plates in place. The main hassle was moving the intercooler (remove screws at the top left and right, then no problem). Thanks again for help.



Ron

 

[Warwagon]

intercooler & Ac.

I just installed tow hooks (the factory ones) last week on my 06. I did it with a little help from my wife in about an hour. I was able to get them in without removing the bumper. The set I did on my 03 I did take off the bumper. I would advise not removing the bumper. If you do one side at a time and mark the alignment of the brackets before you take them off, it is a breeze. The bumper will move very little and is easily put back in proper alignment with one hand while you tighten one bolt to keep it in place, then tighten the rest on that side and then move to the other side. I removed the two small bolts holding the intercooler and by lifting it about an inch, you should be able to move it forward enough to slip the brackets in place and install the bolts. My wife just held the wrench so I could tighten a couple of the bolts from the back side. My kit came with all necesssary hardware.



I agree with Pawpaw about the Grade 8 hardware if yours didn't come with any.

So The ac did not cause any problems?

 

[Shadrach]

Bolts on my 03 are 10 mm x 40 mm with flanged nuts IIRC. They were torx but I screwed up a couple so I replaced them with Allen head style and reused the nuts. Dodge wanted too much for them. I noticed that our 04 at work has hex head bolts. I guess since they have nuts you could use 3/8 x 1 3/4 ? Since I was installing a light bar I took the bumper off. I also had the hooks powder coated as they were looking a bit sad. Shadrach