MOPAR TOW HOOK INSTALL

By Dsertdog56

Ok Guys and Gals, gather around here and Ol' Dd will show you how to install a set of Factory quality tow hooks on your Ram.

But first, some preliminaries. 1. This is an extremely easy project IF you have the proper tools, and some basic mechanical skills, or as I am fond of saying, "If your not as smart as the vehicle you're working on, DO NOT **** with it!" 2. Read and follow the factory directions especially if you have a sport package. I'm going to give you a couple of shortcuts that applied to my vehicle, but may NOT apply to your own. 3. DO NOT, under any circumstances leave out any fasteners, If you need to add a hole in the radiator support, get a drill and DO IT.

Ok Its 6:30 am, half groggy, I walk out to the porch and note the suns position on the poser 4x4s across the lot. Since the sun is directly on the building and not them, it's cool enough to work for about 2 hours. Its already 80 degrees!

Here's some of the basic tools, Really, you'll only need 18 and 19 mm sockets and wrenches, unless you have a Sport model.

Start by removing the air dam. It takes a star socket, and an interior clip pry bar was used on each of the two end clips although a screwdriver will work.

The instructions say to measure the distance between the headlights and bumper, then remove the bumper with the three bolts in each frame, DD TIP: I only needed to remove the two LOWER bolts to install the bracket for the hook, saving me a lot of time!

Just a pic of a cool idea,bolts with tightening tabs!

Heres all the pieces you need plus the instructions

Take the bracket, slide over the two bolts, then hold up to the lower radiator support. If you don't have three holes, per the instructions, DRILL ANOTHER HOLE !

You'll need a 1/2 inch drill, preferably self starting

Snug up the bolts in the bumper, just enough, then install the three outer bolts and snug up.

Heres the outer bolts and hook bolts.

This is a special self tightening nuts and its bolt, right over the directions.

This bumper support U nut was in the way, remove the bolt and shove the nut up for now.

Put the nut in as shown and attach the bolt.( Its on the left) Snug it down and replace the bumper bracket bolt and TIGHTEN it.

Torque all the fasteners to the specs in the instruction sheet.

Attach the hook with two 19 mm bolts. I put mine so it would stick out farther, and also put it end in for now. (I may change it) Torque down the bolts.

You can barely see the outline of the opening you need to cut in the air dam for the hooks, but it's there. I'd drill out the corners and then cut between the holes, I believe that would make a cleaner cut.

SPORT MODELS, ATTENTION! Follow the tool recommendations and instructions to the "T" or you'll be sorry! Well I'm done, and its still relatively cool out. Time for breakfast! Have fun stormin the castle folks!