Rated Tow Hooks

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 at 20:40

ThreadID: 77883 Views:7384 Replies:6 FollowUps:6

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Charlie 12

Hi all
Fairly new at this so please forgive stuff-ups. Problem is that I want to replace the "tow hooks' on my V8 Cruiser. These hooks are basically tie down hooks for transporting the vehicle and I understand should not be used for snatching. A mate had one break and go thru his back window!
Mannel Motors in Thornleigh (Sydney) sell a product made by (I think) Outback Ideas but it won't fit because the nuts and bolts holdiing the standard Toyota Bull Bar on comprimise the available space. The suggestion to replace the Bull Bar with an ARB unit has already been dismissed! Although it would solve the problem.
It just seems really strange to me that there are 1000's of Cruisers out there with Toyota Bars so why isn't there a rated tow hook available?

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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 at 22:14

Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 at 22:14

Toyota (like other manufacturers) don't want to expose themselves to litigation when a snatch recovery goes wrong and people get hurt.

ARB are they same - they won't sell you snatch recovery points any more.

Do don't say what series Landcruiser but many, like my 79series have excellent factory tow points that are suitable for snatching of you use an equaliser strap.

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Follow Up By: Charlie 12 - Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 at 22:21

Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 at 22:21

Thanks for the comments Phil. My Cruiser is a 100 series, 2004 model.

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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 10:43

Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 10:43

I'm not sure how your factory bullbar is mounted, but there are 3 holes available on the underside of the chassis on each side. they are too widely spaced for the aftermarket hooks. When the dealers fit bullbars, they invariably remove the factory tow hook (which has a 60mm spacing) and throw it in the bin. Graham below was talking about refitting this hook, which is attached by two 12mm high tensile bolts. Some people get hold of another one of these hooks and fit it to the LHS as well.

Another alternative is to mount a 20cm length of 65x65x6mm angle iron to the underside of the chassis, using the three factory 12mm threaded holes. Then mount an aftermarket hook to the side of the angle iron. If you do this to both sides. The advantage of the hooks is that you won't need to use a heavy shackle that will add to the danger of a snatch recovery. It is what I prefer - and always use an equaliser strap so you halve the pull on each recovery point.

My only criticism of the outback ideas recovery point is that it looks stronger than the chassis, so it is possibe for them to pull out from the chassis under severe strain and along with the shackle, creates a heavy missile. There is another brand out there that utilises the 3 chassis holes, and that is what I'd prefer, but I'm guessing this won't fit with your bullbar.