Adding tow hooks to a 2WD

[wakeboarder]

Adding tow hooks to a 2wd. Below is a parts list with quantity. Obviously, you have the choice between black or chrome tow hooks.

Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total
JL1Z-17E811-BA Bumper Cover Spacer Panel $20.97 1 $20.97
JL1Z-17E810-BA Bumper Cover Spacer Panel $20.97 1 $20.97
W716378-S900 Tow Hook Mount Bolt $1.53 4 $6.12
W712330-S441 Tow Hook Retainer Nut $2.75 2 $5.50
9L3Z-17A954-B Chrome tow Hook 2
7L1Z-17A954-AA black tow hook 2

I actually ordered some F150 take off tow hooks from Ebay and they bolted up fine. They also lined up with the spacer panels.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/113874702859

He was great to work with and he would probably take pictures similar to @kodigray2015 in this thread if you asked him.

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/lower-valance.44668/page-3

The process is pretty easy.

1. Remove tow hook panels. This requires popping several tabs loose from the back side. You can look at your new spacer panels to determine where the tabs are.
2. Install retainer nut in the front of the frame rail.
3. Start rear bolt in retainer nut.
4. Install tow hook over rear bolt. It has a key hole cutout.
5. Install front bolt.
6. Install spacer panels.

I seem to remember that there was a small harness that had to be moved out of the way during the install.

 

[wakeboarder]

 

[Rossue]

Adding tow hooks to a 2wd. Below is a parts list with quantity. Obviously, you have the choice between black or chrome tow hooks.

Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total
JL1Z-17E811-BA Bumper Cover Spacer Panel $20.97 1 $20.97
JL1Z-17E810-BA Bumper Cover Spacer Panel $20.97 1 $20.97
W716378-S900 Tow Hook Mount Bolt $1.53 4 $6.12
W712330-S441 Tow Hook Retainer Nut $2.75 2 $5.50
9L3Z-17A954-B Chrome tow Hook 2
7L1Z-17A954-AA black tow hook 2

I actually ordered some F150 take off tow hooks from Ebay and they bolted up fine. They also lined up with the spacer panels.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/113874702859

He was great to work with and he would probably take pictures similar to @kodigray2015 in this thread if you asked him.

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/lower-valance.44668/page-3

The process is pretty easy.

1. Remove tow hook panels. This requires popping several tabs loose from the back side. You can look at your new spacer panels to determine where the tabs are.
2. Install retainer nut in the front of the frame rail.
3. Start rear bolt in retainer nut.
4. Install tow hook over rear bolt. It has a key hole cutout.
5. Install front bolt.
6. Install spacer panels.

I seem to remember that there was a small harness that had to be moved out of the way during the install.

Am having difficulty removing the tow hook panels. Seems they will push in once tabs are released? Any more tips on removing them?

 

[wakeboarder]

Am having difficulty removing the tow hook panels. Seems they will push in once tabs are released? Any more tips on removing them?

It has been a while. I seem to remember it being a little difficult. I think you are correct. Unlatch the tabs, then push it inward. I think pulled a couple harness clips so I would have easier access to the tabs. Here are a couple pictures of the cover that may help.

 

[Rossue]

Much appreciated; pics really help. Will have another go at it- didn't want to break off tabs.

 

[Rossue]

Got it done; the trick is to start at the top, push up with heavy flatblade on the tab then tap cover on outside with rubber mallet. The first one I started at the bottom and it was hell. Decided to start at top on the other and it came right off- didn't have to depress the side tabs at all.

 

[Rossue]

Hadn't seen this thread before starting and didn't get the Bumper Cover Spacer Panels until today. They go in from the outside then clip to top fins first. Fini!