| From | Message |
Robert
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
14:51:22
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 Subject: RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I forgot to mention that in my post... sorry.
The top of the receiver is about 1/16 of an inch below the lower valence. It almost touches... but not quite. You can really tell that the design was precise. It tucks in behind the license plate. There is no cutting of the valence at all.
I'll get out the digicam tonight and post.
The mounting is four bumper bolts (two on each side) and two bolts mounted to the front cross-member below the diff.
Unless you look close, you really don't know it is there (unless you don't have a front license plate). To plug in a ball, you have to lift up slightly on the license plate... but it gives just enough to get it in without removing it.
A very clean install all around.
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Blckdak
Gen III
8/31/2001
15:21:00
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes, please take some pics if you can! I have a Bumper Thumper on there now and i know it bolts in to the frame but i can't remeber where. I would like to get a front hitch but i dont know if i will be able to pull it off if it uses the same bolt holes as the BT.
Thanks
Erin
2000 CC 4x4 Sport
Magnaflow Exhaust, Z-Tube, Runnin AMSOIL
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Jeff
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
16:26:29
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
DO you think you could use a high jack lift on the front receiver? If so this may have solved two issues.
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Robert
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
16:56:08
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Absolutely. If you do, you may want to have a plug-in that sticks out a little... as the receiver is six or eight inches back from the bumper. Other than that, you just have to worry about exceeding the tongue weight/tongue lift weight. The hitch states a 300 pound tongue weight.. and I can't remember what it said about 'lifting' weight. I think it was stated in the instructions. But this thing is very substantial. It is very strong and mounts very solidly (is that a word?) to the front of the truck... so it has to be as good a lift point that you can get.
If you started to lift too much weight, you would notice it before any damage occured. Plus, the way this thing mounts, you will probably damage the hitch before the truck -- which is a good thing. Either way, it is the best lift point.
I have already thought about a 'universal' plug-in that you can lift from (using a jack) and can pull from (by bolting on two generic tow-hooks). Once I buy a new welder I will probably start on that.
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
17:59:16
|  RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
It seems this is the thread that never ends. I am glad it worked out for you too, Robert. I feel it is a great product and an absolute must for those that venture off-road. For all those that emailed me I have sent the pics out. If anyone hasn't received them then let me know.
Regards,
Craig
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Robert
Dodge Dakota
9/01/2001
18:32:41
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I snaped a few pics for those that want them. They can be found at http://www.kobbeman.net/dakota1/index.htm
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jimmeyjack
Dodge Dakota
9/01/2001
18:52:47
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Robert, i couldnt find your web site.
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Path
Dodge Dakota
9/12/2001
15:51:44
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Robert,
It have been searching for pics of that DrawTite receiver intsalled for so long!
Pat H.
2000 QC SLT 4.7L 4x4
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/28/2001
20:46:51
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I have solved the tow hook problem.
Just get a 3 inch body lift and you can just put some regular tow hooks tight on the bottom of the frame. The lift raises the front bumper up so that it comes right up to the bottom of the frame. Will be putting mine on tomorrow or Sunday hopefully. :-)
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
9/29/2001
16:55:43
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Now why hadn't I thought of that? lol
Let's see some pics when you're done, Hawk. I'm curious how the tow hooks beneath the bumper look!
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
http://shakin-notstirred.tripod.com
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/29/2001
17:38:32
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Will do. I am going to put them on tomorrow as I dont has the right drill bit and I am beat from washing and waxing the Dak and washing and using a clay bar on the ENTIRE Durango to get a bunch of industrial overspray off. Have to wax the Durango tomorrow then do my hooks. By the way, clay bars are GREAT! And the Dak looks really good all cleaned up with the lift. :-)
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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Jeff T
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
22:08:12
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Just wondering if anyone has mounted the Draw-tite FMR with a skid plate on. From Robert's pics, looks like the receiver uses the same holes as the front skid plate. Would there be a loss in tow rating if the skid was held down by the same bolt? Also, can you still get to your oil filter? Just curious. Trying to rationalize the purchase. Thanks.
Jeff
2000 CC SLT 4.7l 3.55 LSD
Gibson Exhaust
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
07:22:52
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Jeff,
I have a 2000 with factory skid plates. All that was needed is to cut a small notch out of the front skid plate. As for access to the oil filter, you will have plenty because you will have to remove the factory splash shield. The Drawtite does not use the same holes as the skid plate so there should be no problem with it meeting it's rated performance specifications.
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kota4bye
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
15:11:14
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Hawkeye,
Have you put those hooks on yet? I'd like to see some picks if you did. My worry with your idea is that if your using that set up on anything but level ground you will crush the lower valence?
kota
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
10/12/2001
15:35:39
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Havent got them on yet. They are lying in my floor board. Had some things come up. Going to try to again this weekend and to take some pics. Remember, with my bumper lifted, the bottom of it hangs just an inch or two below where the bottom of the frame is, so you could push the bottom of the plastic up but its only going to move just that inch or so before stopping on the frame. Not enough to damage it at all,especially if you are using a strap to pull with.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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kota4bye
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
15:48:01
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I've got the same lift. I've got a couple of hooks from an old blazer I'm going to to try boxing the end of the frame up and cut through the lower valence. More work but I think having the hooks as far forward as possible is the way to go.
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
10/12/2001
16:19:49
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
That will work too. Actually thought about the same thing. Only thing I didnt like was if I welded in a piece to fill in the curved cutout in th bottom front part of the frame, then I couldnt get the new bolts out for the body mount should I ever need to because there wouldnt be enough room for the bolt to drop down enough to get it out. This is probably my 2nd biggest gripe about my truck. Only thing that bugs me more is the rack and pinion steering. I dont see why this has to be the ONLY truck, 2 or 4wd, on the road today it seems that doesnt either come with front tow hooks or isnt set up for them to be readily mounted. Sorry, little venting there.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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BB2DAK
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
11:11:58
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I found this Dakota site with information about
custom mounted towhooks.
Thought you might be interested.
http://www.ayrow.com/towhooks.html
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
11:27:10
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
YOU ROCK!!!! SEND THEM TO ME NOW! ;-)
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
10/18/2001
13:58:28
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Thats similar to one idea that I had. For you 01 an newer guys that have the cutouts that might be an idea. The side to side strength would need to be tested but looks pretty good. Any welding or fabrication shop should be able to cut out 2 of those very quickly and easily.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
22:46:39
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey I have a local frabrication shop that should be able to whip some of these out. I'm to see if BB2DAK will send me the prints so I can use them and get these available to www.dodgedakotas.com for cost. We'll see what happens.. because I really don't want to crawl under my truck and design something if someone already did it. Also I figured out a way to improve the side to side strength.. although it'd be abit more expensive I'm sure it'd be worth it. I'm going to talk to the fabricating shop tomorrow if I have the prints.
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RESQready
GenIII
10/18/2001
23:21:56
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Here is a quick synopsis of my attempt...
Two 1/4" plates that extend down from the frame to the bottom edge of the valance (similar to Ayrow's design but each bracket has four bolts into the frame). To give it lateral strength, I welded a piece of tube steel between the two brackets. The tube steel sits just below the radiator and behind the bumper facia. The final touch was two heavy duty tow rings. The whole assembly is a good first prototype, but there is room for improvement. It's strong as heck, but equally as heavy, and because it's completely welded, it fits the exact dimensions of my truck, maybe not any other Dakota. A bolt on cross piece would have been the way to go -- that way it could adapt to the slight variations in different vehicles.
DJ
2000 QC 4x4 4.7
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BB2DAK
Dodge Dakota
10/19/2001
12:35:54
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I sent an email to Ayrow about specs for
the towhook mounts. Here is his response:
------------------------------------------
I will do so soon. I have had a ton of requests for the same thing, so
I will have to make a web page that show the measurements. I will post
it ASAP when I have it completed.
-Ayrow
------------------------------------------
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
10/19/2001
13:34:56
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
What you guys are designing is very similar to the Mopar towhook kit and the Draw-Tite front receiver. I'm not saying those are better, just thought you would like to know. Great minds think alike.
The 1/4" sideplates are much thicker and stronger than what Mother Mopar uses. I haven't seen the Draw-Tite setup up close but I suspect it isn't 1/4".
Now, as long as you are discussing a horizontal member to link the two vertical pieces, think about another piece extending rearward to bolt to the front suspension crossmember. There are existing holes there. That piece will go a long ways toward resisting a hard forward force. The Draw-Tite kit has this feature. The Mopar kit bolts to pre-2000 trucks in this manner. The Mopar kit is rated at 5000 pounds per hook when attached to the front crossmember.
With a little planning, this setup could be made to work well on any 2000 or later Dakota. For the 2001s you could attach the hooks to the side members so they are accessible through the holes in the valance. For 2000s, you could attach the hooks to the horizontal member so that they hang just below the valance.
It would be great to draw up accurate plans for this and publish them. I'm no engineer but I do have a very simple CAD drawing program. I could make an attempt. However, it might be more useful to have somebody who has actually built these things to do it.
Waddya think?
-J.
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
10/23/2001
08:38:33
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok I checked with some machine shops and before they give me a price they want to make a prototype so I'm going to take my template to one or 2 of the shops and see what they come up with. I was really hoping to have at least one hook mounted so I could test the strength yesterday but that ended up not working out. I'll see what I can pull off today.
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Knobbyman
GenIII
10/26/2001
19:30:30
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Well I got my tow hooks on. I'm talking w/ a fabricating shop about producing these they are very busy right now for some reason and I'm not sure when I'll get a answer from them.. but trust me I'll bother them daily until I get a answer. I'll have pictures when my camera starts working. But it's the same as Ayrow's except I decided to go w/ a 1/2 inch steel plate. Because of this it needed to be abit shorter not much about 1/8 of a inch if that. But they work. :-)
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
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db4thrill
Dodge Dakota
10/28/2001
05:27:59
|  RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
So, what is the final word, or has it been decided yet? I have a 2002 4.7 4x4 (no lift yet) and most definitely need something up front to grab onto. Seems the tow hook issue is still somewhat a dilemma. I think I would rather have just the extensions with hooks mounted since I don't really have much need for a front receiver.
Knobbyman, let me know how the 1/2" pieces work for you. It looks like what Ayrow has is pretty good, I just want to be sure they are going to have lots of strength. Anyone have pictures of any other setups to consider? If so, tell me where I can see them or send them to me at db4thrill@yahoo.com. Thanks!
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db4thrill
Dodge Dakota
10/28/2001
05:32:34
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey BB2DAK, would you please send me Ayrow's email address? Or, just as well, have him email me at db4thrill@yahoo.com. I want to find out if the Durango seats he installed match up or need modification. Thanks in advance!
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Knobbyman
GenIII
10/28/2001
07:08:48
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes the 1/2" steal works.. but it's way over kill. I'm sure the 1/4" would work fine unless you pull on it sideways hard. So I'm going to have the shop make them out of 3/8" just to be safe. The shop still hasn't gotten back to me and they are closed today. I'll bother them again on monday.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
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DaveG
Dodge Dakota
10/29/2001
08:32:09
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
These plates are a fantastic idea. Are the prints available (via web or e-mail) for them yet?
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Knobbyman
GenIII
10/29/2001
09:21:22
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
DaveG .. Right now they are at a fab shop over here. Once they get back to me on a price and how long it'd take them to make them I'll let you guys know and I'll send them finished straight out to you. I hopefully will have a answer today.. If not there are about 8 other shops that I'm going to take the design to and see who comes out w/ the best price.. I was recomended to this one shop so I want to see what they have first.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
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FM18
Dodge Dakota
10/31/2001
20:25:53
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Cool!!! I got this thread started a long time ago and would like to say thanks to all those who have made suggestions and taken action! I think I may just have me some tow hooks to order real soon!!! Thanks again Knobbyman and to all the others who feel this should have never been an issue in the 1st place! The lurker in the '01 Patriot Blue QC full time 4x4 and more.... :o)
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DavidG
Dodge Dakota
11/01/2001
06:52:11
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Kobbyman for the update. Keep us posted on your with your results. From what I've seen here, I'm not the only one that is interested.
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Knobbyman
GenIII
11/02/2001
14:37:37
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok Guys.. I just got off the phone with the place that's going to fabricate these for us. It's a place that uses lazers to cut the metals so the sides are very smooth *not like it matters b/c we'll never see it, but it's still cool* They are going to charge me just over $40 for a pair.. it's like 40.30 or somewhere around there. I'll have 4 pairs of these Next Friday. I already have one for Bluethunder & Glen reserved. I'll send them out to you guys for $40 + shipping which will depend on where you are. So if you guys want tow hooks that mount threw those holes that Dodge so kindly cut for some of us. E-mail me with your shipping address & I'll let you know all the other details.
Yes I will have pictures posted on how to do it. It's quite easy and takes under 30 minutes. Basically these mount to the 2 bolts that are already used by your bumper. Just get longer bolts and take the old ones out bolt these in.. your done.
For all you that have lifted your truck already these will NOT work with a body lift. Sorry :'( I'm going to see if I can figure something out. I might just have a way to make those work also.
Well my g/f is in the truck waiting to go camping so I'll get back on her on Sunday. If I have more demand that's not a problem I can get ALOT more and the more I order at a time the cheeper they get. I didn't want to order any more because I'm already eating abit cost so you guys can have tow hooks *which is fine I like the looks have at it guys* I just don't want to be stuck with a stack of these brackets.
Oh everyone this was not my idea actually ayrow did quite abit of the work. I have to give him some credit for all this. Just so you guys know neither of us are making any knid of profit.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
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BB2DAK
Dodge Dakota
11/02/2001
15:01:49
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I would like to buy some of these towhooks.
Does the $40.?? include the actual towhooks, or
just the brackets ?
If it is just the brackets, where can I get
towhooks that will fit these brackets ?
Let me know if you need the money up front
to order the towhooks, and where to send the money.
Thanks !
2001 Quad Cab SLT+ 4.7L 5-Speed 3.55 Lslip
K&N Drop-in, Garnet Red ARE Cap,
ArmaCoat Sprayed in Bed-liner
http://www.dodgedakota.net/albums/viewer/101.htm
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Blckdak
GenIII
11/02/2001
15:54:09
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Will they work on a 2000 with no cut outs? They probably will hide behind the plastic bumper won't they? Maybe they can make a few pair that extends an inch or so more down to clear the plastic bumper. Then only negative thing I can think of with the 2001 is if you fish a rope, chain, strap whatever through the cut out and get pulled from the side, it might live markings in the plastic bumper. God for bid something should snap back there, it might rip that side of the plastic right as it comes through the cut outoff. Again this is just speculation, haven't really looked at a 2001 bumper, im just guessing from what I've seen briefly. Let me know about the 2000 fitting.
Thanks
Erin
2000 CC 4x4 Sport
Magnaflow Exhaust, Z-Tube, Runnin AMSOIL
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Knobbyman
GenIII
11/03/2001
15:22:20
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm still trying to figure out how exactially the pay is going to work I think I'm going to have to look into paypal. And for $40 it's just the bracket no hardware or tow hook. You can get the tow hooks just about everywhere Wal-Mar, Off-Road shop. The hardware is just 2 bolts that can be picked up at any hardware store for $2 for the bolts & nuts.
As far as working with other bumpers with out the holes right now no they wouldn't work and as far as extending them down under the bumper that is possible but a better bet would be to get a tow hitch for the front. The longer brackets would need to be alot wider to be able to support the weight.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
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Art
Dodge Dakota
11/03/2001
16:14:28
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
You got any pics of the bracket?
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Knobbyman
GenIII
11/03/2001
17:58:37
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Nope no pictures .. but my g/f left here camera here...... I'll be right back ;-) ;-) GAH she's still here.. asleep on the couch.. be very quite I'll have some pics.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
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Knobbyman
GenIII
11/03/2001
18:06:08
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
GAH no film nevermind well I'll try and get some posted on Monday afternoon. Sorry guys :'( I really need a digital camera.. Hey Hawkeye .. I'll split the cost 50-50 .. all we'll have to do is ship it back & fourth.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
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