Re: Rear Tow Hook (IN)
The hook and bracket assembly will bolt up to almost any Ranger - every late model Ranger I've seen already has the 3 holes in the right rail behind the shackle hanger. The factory Ford installation also used an angle brace that strengthens the hook and that is what interferes with the factory hitch and most others. So the standard Level II rear hook was automatically deleted on any Level II that was ordered with the factory hitch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwenzing
The factory LII installation has three bolts through the tow hook bracket into the pass side frame rail plus an angle brace. The other end of the brace bolts to the spare tire crossmember (at the red arrow in the photo above).
With the factory trailer hitch option on a LII, the rear hook was deleted because the angle brace wouldn't fit with the hitch in place.
I reinstalled the tow hook with my aftermarket DrawTite hitch by using the hitch itself as a massively strong side brace. You can just see the bolt and spacer in the photo below. Hitch makers warn against drilling or welding anywhere on their hitches, so this is a "proceed at your own risk" type of mod.
It is also possible to run a modified RH hook on the left side but that requires cutting and welding the hook bracket to get the alignment right. Installation is similar to the passenger side with the hook bolted to the frame and the hitch for strength.
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Last edited by rwenzing; 01-20-2011 at 05:31 AM.
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