| From | Message |
FM18
Dodge Dakota
5/31/2001
17:45:54
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 Subject: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi All,
Just wandering what everyone does about towing from the front of a 2001 Dak being as there are no tow hooks available for this truck yet. I guess you just don't get in a situation where you need pulling out or can't turn around to pull someone else out. What are you all doing to get around this issue in the mean time? Are you just tying off to the front frame somewhere? Any damage to the front bumper/facia by the tow straps when doing so? I don't need that damage problem either! Just trying to be prepared should the need arise. I have tow hooks installed in the rear on the frame and they should work fine from that end. FYI, you are dealing with a novice in the 4x4 and offroad world here;o)
Thanks for the info!
2001 Patriot Blue SLT+ QC 4.7L 3.55 LSD fulltime 4x4 and more...
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
 
5/31/2001
19:26:12
|  RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
Boy that sure sounds like a nice truck you have there. Hehe! I have been wondering the same thing myself. I have seen where dodge has some tow hooks that they sell for the 97 to 99 Daks but not sure if they will work on the 2000 & up. Also they are quite expensive. Still searchin for something myself.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
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surferpug
Dodge Dakota
6/01/2001
00:24:12
|  RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
I have the same problem, will aftermarket generic hooks work, I know the one sold by mopar just bolt onto existing holes in the frame where the skidplates go
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FM18
Dodge Dakota
6/01/2001
01:20:04
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
Hawkeye,
Yes, why yes it is!!! Just wish it had front tow hooks though ;o) When I took my truck back to the dealer to have them install the missing hood pad, I ask about tow hooks. No one at the shop had ever installed them on the 2000 and up Daks. I talked to the manager of the parts department and he stated that dodge only has front tow hooks for the full size Rams. So we are back to where we started. Just curious as to what you guys and gals have done to remedy or get around this delima. Again, thanks for the help in advance. Hawkeye, enjoy all those new toys you got for your birthday and watch out for the radar guns while you are at it (hehehe!!)
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Patrick ODay
Gen III
6/01/2001
02:36:36
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
Superwinch has a brush guard stong enough to mount a winch on it and it mounts between the grill and the bumper, not underneath. This has the advantage over other brush gards in that it does'nt reduce the approach angle of the vehicle.
WWW.superwinch.com
part number 2679 is black anodized, List $601.06 and summit sells them for $395.39
Part number 2678 is Stainless steel from summit it's $469.39
Summit has them for
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
6/01/2001
08:25:39
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
You could install a front receiver hitch and then slip your tow hook in the receiver anytime you needed it :)
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
6/01/2001
08:37:20
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
I have already looked into that and unfortunetly I have not been able to find one for our newer Daks. The way the frame is up front doesnt lend itself very easily to having a hitch mounted. If anyone knows of a place that has them that I have missed then please feel free to correct me.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
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FM18
Dodge Dakota
6/01/2001
12:38:49
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Craig,
That is what I really want to do, get a front receiver hitch set up. Unfortunately like Hawkeye, I have yet to find one but then again, I have just started looking. That would be the best thing for what I need. May have to break down one day and get a winch, but right now funds are kinda tight. Let me know if anyone is able to locate a front receiver for a 2000 and up Dak!
Thanks!
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
6/01/2001
14:05:50
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
Hidden Hitch makes one and it is available from Central 4WD. Here is the info:
Dodge Dakota/Durango 4WD 97-00
Our Price: $89.07
Front-end receivers are great for portable winches, rated at 9000lbs pulling. Also can be used to mount accessories to the front of your vehicle such as Bike rack, Spare tire mounts, steps as well as ball mounts (300lb tongue weight). Simple bolt-on, Limited Lifetime warranty.
http://secure.sacweb.com/central4wd/store/itemdetail.asp?ID=914
or...www.central4wd.com and search under "Towing"
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hubba bubba
Dodge Dakota
6/01/2001
17:26:06
|  RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
I have been 4x4 for a few years. I have been through some serious doo doo. I have had friends spend bookoo $$ on winches and such. It has been my experience that winches are a waste of $$. How are you going to pull yourself out of the sand in the desert when there are no trees around? It aint easy with a winch. I think the best bang for your buck is a Hi-Lift jack. It will get you out of any situation when you get stuck. It also will work as a winch. Front bumper guard would be next. You can also use it as a tow hook to attach your straps to. Just my $.02
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
6/01/2001
18:04:28
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
Trees aren't the only thing that you hook a winch to. Ever heard of a pull pal? Looks like a shovel head, just push it into the ground, especially sand, and hook on and winch away. The harder you pull the more it grabs. You are right though, a high lift is a very valuable tool. My grandfather bought one when they first came out. My father has it to this day. Short of stealing it from him, there is one on my list of wants. Craig, thanks for the info. Unfortunatly I called Central and the hitches are only for 97 to 99 Daks. They will not fit on the 2000 & 2001 Daks. The front ends of the frame are just a tiny bit different. They are working on one for 2000 and up but nothing is out yet. Back to the searching I guess.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
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Dan
Dodge Dakota
6/06/2001
22:42:28
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
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Message:
Tow hooks should be available from Mopar. The 2001 Dakotas even have a hole in the fascia for the tow hooks. They are not offered through the Dodge Factory.
Dan
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FM18
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
17:51:10
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok, now I am ticked :( I come out of my office to head home this afternoon and there sits a brand new toy looking little Chevy S10 Crew Cab (4 full doors) with front tow hooks! And it was a 2 wheel drive model at that!!! Man that burns me up. What is the deal with Dodge not offering tow hooks for the 2000+ Daks????? That is almost embarrassing :(
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Bill A
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
21:07:34
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
in response to the winch thing....you can also bury your spare and hook the winch to that....it works and you don't have to by special stuff like a pull pal(but pull pals are cool and i want one).
with the front tow hook thing all you have to do is cut holes in your airdam for it and weld it or bolt it to the front of the frame....not that difficult and not much to it.
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
6/29/2001
09:19:17
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Fm18,
I know what you mean. Seems like everyone but us has tow hooks. There has to be a way other than cutting holes in the front bumper of a brand new truck. The frame area behind their is still not very condutive to have the hooks mounted. I dont weld to my frame. Have seen to many bad things happen this way. Their is a bolt on way, I just have to figure it out. Bill you are right about the spare tire. There are a couple of other ways too. Back to the drawing board.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Jet Power
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
7/01/2001
09:45:29
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Well this has to end!! Was at the beach yesterday and every 4x4 there had tow hooks of some kind on the front. This is ridiculous. My search just got thrown into high gear. I will not be denied!!
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Green Thunder
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FM18
Dodge Dakota
7/01/2001
17:24:03
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
You get um Hawkeye! I did some measurements on my front end and frame yesterday. The cut outs in my air dam are perfectly level and inline with the frame. The only problem is the frame and pre-drilled holes are 13 inches away and the frame is angling up at this point to meet the bumper. The air dam is all plastic so there is no way you can just attach the hooks directly to the frame. Any pulling off center (side ways or up and down) would most likely result in major damage to the air dam. The frame attaches to the bumper 3" below the top of the bumper about midway down the depth of the bumper. No real good way to try this route either other than literally cutting a hole in the chrome bumper ( I think not at this time at least) Oh well, best of luck on your new mission!!!!!
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Reid Tardo
Dodge Dakota
7/01/2001
20:06:35
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
If you cant find a "Pull Pal" then a 25 pound boat anchor works equally as well for your winch(even works in sand)
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hubba bubba
Dodge Dakota
7/02/2001
11:58:24
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
While you guys are burying your spare tires and your pull pals in the sand I will already have 2 tires out of the muck. My Hi-Lift jack is the best investment I have made on 4x4 equipment. I have got stuck in some very remote places in the Arizona desert and gotton myself out with my hi-lift. It gives you the most bang for your $$. The cost of a new Hi-Lift jack is under $100, plus some plywood or thick 3'x 3' carpet to put the base of the jack in use, and an electric cigarette tire pump to reinflate your tires. All this can be had for under $150. What is the cost of a new electric winch and a Pull Pal? Too me I would rather put that money on something else for the truck. Unless you are addicted to gadgets like some of my friends! Just gotta have those gadgets.
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
7/02/2001
13:52:02
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
High lifts are great. Love mine. Getting a second one. They are only part of the overall package when it comes to recovery equipment though. I think I may, (emphasis on MAY) have a prototype mount designed to mount a tow hook to. I am going to try and weld up one adn see what happens. Will let you know the results as soon as I can do it.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Green Thunder
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Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
7/03/2001
13:44:30
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Guys, there is a very simple explanation why every truck has tow hooks and daks dont.......................WE DONT GET STUCK!!!!
:)
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Blckdak
Dodge Dakota
7/03/2001
14:34:37
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
That doesn't say much about our big brother RAM, they got hooks, i think. I to have been looking for places to mount my hooks. I really don't care if they show, as long as they are there in case something happens. I think mopar makes something that includes 2 hooks ond bolts to the frame. my 2 bolt spots are taken up by my bumper thumper though.
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
7/03/2001
19:52:31
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Well my idea wont work. The Dak is heavy enough that anything other than straight in line frame mounting wont work. Cant offset the hooks from the frame any. Wont be strong enough to not bend. I have found a couple of ideas but both involve cutting a small hole in the plastic on the front bumper. I really wanted to avoid this. But if I am left with no other recourse then I may end up having to do it. Will just have to do it very neat and clean.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Green Thunder
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Brian
Gen III
7/03/2001
20:16:38
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
why does the front of our daks have a cutout on each side for, if they can't be used? i thought aftermarket hooks could go there. i see rangersand even little chevy s-10 blazers with tow hooks, how come our beefy daks don't have any, or can't have any put on?
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
7/03/2001
20:44:10
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Thats our big gripe Brian. The slots in the 2001 bumpers are too low and far from the frame to use to mount hooks through. Every other 4x4 truck and some 2wd trucks have tow hooks from the factory.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Green Thunder
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
7/04/2001
14:30:17
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok, I found this listing.
http://www.dodge-parts.net/PP.asp?PID=26
I emailed this company and they said that these tow hooks WILL fit on a 2000 Dak. I forgot to ask if they would fit on a 2001 or not. They are a little pricey but for a good set of tow hooks I dont think I really mind. Some one may want to email them and ask about fitment on a 2001. I think I may see if there is a way to get a picture from them and a little idea of how they mount.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Green Thunder
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JP
Dodge Dakota
7/04/2001
16:14:43
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I went with Craig's suggestion on 6/1. 9000lb capacity receiver. Looks good and also takes care of another potential problem I see. There is little protection for the three radiators piled on the front of my '01. There is a lot of room under the bumper for a car to back up against it or anything. The reciever adds some protection there.
JP
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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
7/05/2001
08:28:23
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
JP,
What brand of front receiver did you get and where from. I have called all the major brands and no one has one out for the 2000 & up yet.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Green Thunder
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JP
Dodge Dakota
7/05/2001
11:37:05
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I had mine made by Tork Lift in Kent, WA. They prefabricate the components and tack them together on the truck then weld the assembly in the shop. It is a very nice job and well finished. $190.
I was quoted a standard kit hitch as well. Can't remember the brand........maybe Draw-Tite. I know it was less, around $120.
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
7/22/2001
18:51:02
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I have Mopar front tow hooks on a 2000 Dakota. I bought them from the dealer and installed them myself. The kit is for a 97 to 99 Dakota. It isn't supposed to work on the 2000 but it does.
Here's why: One of the mount points for this kit is the front crossmember. When Chrysler went to rack and pinion steering for the 2000 Dakota, they moved the front crossmember back a few inches. So the kit doesn't reach there and the bottom legs just hang in space.
Before I installed this kit I had four mechanical engineer friends look at the problem. They all agreed that the kit as installed on my truck should easily withstand a couple thousand pounds of force. Installed on a 99 Dakota, this kit is rated at 5,000 pounds per hook. I'm willing to accept the less-than-deal solution because there isn't much else to choose from. I wouldn't use my front tow hooks for kinetic recovery on a badly stuck vehicle. But most of the time all you really need is a gentle tug and you're rolling again.
Another advantage to the Mopar tow hooks is that they help protect the plastic front valance. A Jeep buddy of mine calls 'em my "skiis. If I misjudge an approach angle, my truck climbs up on the towhooks and skiis right over the obstacle.
Can't count on that every time. But the Mopar kit has worked well for me on many occasions.
cheers,
-J.
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Blizzard
Gen III
7/22/2001
19:23:05
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Good info, JC! I'll have to check that out.
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69
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Mike J
Dodge Dakota
7/23/2001
15:14:00
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
J.
Do you have any good pictures of the Mopar Kit? I want a good luck at it, before I spend the money. My main concern is whether or not I can adjust it to compensate for my body lift. I don't really want tow hooks three inches below my front valence. I'm looking at fabbing something up using hooks from a 2500 blazer, but I don't have those in my hands yet either. Anyway, if you have pics, can you send them to me?
Thanks,
Mike J
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
00:18:03
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Mike-
Sorry. No photos. The kit mounts the hooks immediately below the valance. So if you've got a body lift there will be a gap of however much you've lifted.
This kit consists of a big u-shaped frame looking much like the drawbar of a receiver hitch. You remove the stock bumper mounts and the tow hook frame replaces them. The bumper reattachs to the new mounts and the actual tow hooks attach to the drawbar-like tube. It hangs directly below the radiator support.
If you've got a body lift the bumper won't obstruct the frame rails anymore. All you'll have covering them now is the plastic valance. You should be able to attach some sort of hook there and just cut a hole in the valance. Alternatively, you could modify the Mopar kit by shortening the vertical members -- the sides of the "U". I remember them as being made of about 3/16" steel. You could just cut out material equal to the bodylift distance and then weld plate on the outside to replace the strength.
Somebody from the Dakota Mailing List tackled the problem in a different manner. You can see pictures at:
http://lonestar.texas.net/~bernd/Jason.htm
It's possible his solution may work well with your body lift.
cheers,
-J.
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Mike J
Dodge Dakota
7/24/2001
13:43:19
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
J,
I have been looking for those pictures of Jason truck for a couple of weeks now! Thanks man. That is exactly what I had planned for my Chevy 2500 hooks. Now I can't wait for my $20 investment to get here. A lot better than spending $100+ for the Mopar Kit I was going to cut up. Thanks!
Mike
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
8/03/2001
09:32:39
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Just wanted to let everyone know that Drawtite makes a Front End Receiver for 2000-2001 Dakota/Durango 4x4's. I ordered one today and will pick it up on Tuesday. I can't imagine why anyone would mess with the tow hooks when one can add a receiver less expensively. The receiver is rated for a 9000lb pull, you can add a winch, bike rack, cargo carrier, step, etc., plus it provides additional front end protection. The part number is "65029" and I ordered it locally for $100.00 +tax.
Regards,
Craig
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
8/03/2001
12:55:10
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Craig-
Thanks. I think that wasn't available when I was looking about a year ago.
I'd be very interested in hearing how the installation goes for you. Pictures would be great if you can get some.
cheers,
-J.
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
8/09/2001
19:14:32
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
I installed the Drawtite Receiver today. It looks great and fits perfectly. All that was needed was to remove the spalsh shield under the engine and to cut a small notch into the front skid plate, after that it was just a matter of bolting on. It is a heavy receiver, about 50lbs, and would have been easier if I had a helper, yet I still managed to install it in less than an hour. I highly reccommend this over any tow hooks. The strength of this unit will far surpass any tow hook. The installed look is very clean. It doesn't affect ground clearance the way it is recessed, and if anything, it would provide additional front end protection. Who knows.. maybe I even increased my crash * rating. If anyone wants to see some pics, please email me, I won't post them on my site, but have no problem with emailing a few back.
Regards,
Craig
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Robert
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
10:45:45
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Craig,
You are DA MAN! After reading your post about the Draw-Tite front hitch, I ordered one. Just got it last night and installed it right away. Took me about 30 minutes to install. This thing rocks!
I never really thought much about it until I installed it... but the possibilities are endless with a receiver hitch up there. Draw-tite really designed this thing well. It is TOTALLY plug-n-play (bolts right on perfectly)! This is a much better solution than tow-hooks. Not only can you tie a strap to a ball on the hitch (that you can simply unplug from the rear or have a spare one for the front), but you can also make a custom plug-in that has tow-hooks bolted to it. Also, Draw-tite welded some loops on each outboard end of the hitch for hooking on to (similar to a safety-chain loop on the rear hitch... but on the ends, not in the middle).
I highly recommend this in your 4x4 arsenal! It was $116.00. Around $135.00 after shipping.
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
12:23:41
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
No need to use a tow ball for recovery operations. Use a two-inch recovery strap with loops - not hooks - on each end. Stick a loop inside the receiver and secure it with a hitch pin. It's very secure, clean, safe, and simple.
-J.
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Robert
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
12:30:13
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Like I said, lots of options...
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4wDakota
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
12:45:15
| RE: What to do about no front tow hooks
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Craig and Robert, Where does the hitch come out at. I understood it came through the opening in the lower valence....If so did you have to cut out the middle rib of the valence??? Any pics posted would be great or email them to me
Thanks
C
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