Written by: redneckstone

Discussion Thread: How-to: 02-04 Level II Tow hook modification for Body Lift.

***Disclaimer :
Neither Redneckstone nor FordRangerForum.com accept any responsibility for actions taken during or resulting from attempting this modification. Bear in mind that you perform this modification solely at your own risk. ***

Modification: 02-04 Level II Tow hook modification for Body Lift.


Let the modding Begin!!
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- First. these pictures are from multiple hooks at multiple times never planned on making a how to. I will NOT go threw the basics of welding, grinding and metal working in this how-to. if you do not know them you shouldn't be attempting this mod at all.

******NEVER ATTEMPT this mod unless you are skilled on metal work and welding. *******
- You could cause bodily harm to yourself or someone else if you welded or did any step wrong while using the hooks as designed.

- Credit for the original design goes to my Father Fred Stone for thinking up this design and making it work the first time.

- You will need grinders, cut off wheels, flapper wheels, drill, drill bits, welder. (plasma cutter optional)

- First we start with a standard 02-04 level II tow hook. as shown



- Next secure the hook to a work surface in my case I was working on my hitch at the time so it worked nicely.



- Ok now you will cut off the factory welds, with a cut off wheel or plasma cutter. Either will work FYI for cut off wheels, get a lot of them. Fords welds are horribly strong and take forever to get thru.



- Now you will need to make these pieces. first being the riser plate you will need 2. next is the supports, I match the same thickness of the level II bar. and bend it. you will need 4 of these.



- Now bevel the hook bracket and the riser plate and weld up on both sides. **** Important on the back side surface grind the weld flat. Front doesn't matter.



- Now weld on the hook to the rise I usually do it slightly above the nut. Tip drill a hole, recess, weld on both sides grind back flat (in this picture its just tack welded on.)




- Next you will need to weld on the supports like so.








- Paint.




- And install. you will need to cut your valance for the supports. but not nearly as bad as hacking the valance if this was never done.

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