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I added them to my 05 3500 (same frame) and it wasn't difficult, but it was relatively time consuming.
As you mentioned you have to remove the bumper. It does come off easily, but is cumbersome. Be sure to get the whole kit, as there are braces that put the tow hook load onto the frame, not the bumper mounts.
It's been a few years, but I think I paid about $75 at the dealership for the full install kit. All the used ones I found didn't include the support brackets.
There used to be quite a few showing up on eBay used but they never included the brackets. I also just bought them from the dealer. Relatively cheap and all of the parts were there. Installation was quick and easy if you have some help holding up the bumper... .
I've thought about buying new ones, but the cheapest I can find them is $175! Seems like a lot for what they are. If you know if a better deal let me know I'd be really interested.
My 03 came with them but they got rusty so I removed them and had them powder coated. Since I have an N-Fab light bar I found it a pain to reinstall them by myself. A second person made it a lot easier so that I didn't scratch my sport bumper. Shad
So I bought a pair of tow hooks off of eBay. Today I tried to install them, but when I loosened the two nuts on the two bolts holding the bumper to the frame I ran into a problem. The two bolts are attached to a small plate rectangular plate and when I try to pull it out towards the center of the vehicle it hits the radiator and won't go any farther. How the heck am I suppose to do this? I'm not taking the radiator or air cooler out, that is for sure!
Here's a pict of the two bolt heads that are welded to the rectangular plate. Any recommendations are appreciated.
I don't recall it being an issue, mine face the same way and I know I didn't drain/remove the radiator. It's been 5 years since I did mine so the memory is a little fuzzy.
I am guessing that when the bumper comes off you have more room to wiggle them out.
I will be adding the mopar tow hook kit and a warn front receiver to my 03 as soon as time allows. My wholesale price from the dealer was 150 for the mopar hook kit that included hooks, brackets, and hardware.
It's actually the air cooler that is in the way and even removing the bumper I don't think is going to help. The bolts really need to angle backwards in order to come out without hitting the air cooler. What a pain this is turning out to be. I'm tempted to pay my stealership to do the work!
I have two '05s. One I just bought and another that I'm selling. The one I just bought is tighter around those brackets then my other truck. Not sure why. There's no evidence it's been in an accident and everything is straight under it.
I just installed some on my 4. 5 last night. There are 2 bolts on the top of the intercooler you need to take out. that will allow you to move the intercooler just enough to get them in.
MFSchmit, thanks. While at the dealership recently one of the techs mentioned the same thing, but I haven't tried it yet. Glad you can confirmed it worked.