Fabrication & Tool Tech Need assistance with or got ideas for custom metal fabrication? Want to show off your fabrication abilities or custom modifications? This is the sub-forum for you.

My front hitch with Level II tow hooks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 11-20-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Scrambles the DeathDealer
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
My front hitch with Level II tow hooks

So I'm going on Thanksgiving break, so I'll have a access to a welder. I have an idea for my front hitch and want to see what you guys think

I think the way my pic shows will let them sit far enough forward and high enough that I won't have to cut the bumper

Let me know what you guys think, or what other ideas you have

*I am adamant about not cutting my bumper, so I'm going to try everything to avoid it

Here's a mock up in my basement

Name:  Photo-0195.jpg
Views: 701
Size:  62.0 KB
 
  #2  
Old 11-20-2010
04_xlt_4.0_4x4's Avatar
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1
From: merced, ca
looks good but i dont know strong they will be with them only attached on the backs like that, can you make some sort of bracket for the top bolt hole?
 
  #3  
Old 11-20-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Scrambles the DeathDealer
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
The entire thing will be fully welded, including bracing from the top triangle on the hooks to the top of the hitch.

In all honesty, the hitch will be doing most of the recovery work
 
  #4  
Old 11-20-2010
rangerboy101's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,187
Likes: 2
From: Winchester, Va
I don't see why you wouldn't just make things easier on yourself and trim your valance. It's much easier than doing this.
 
  #5  
Old 11-20-2010
Ford04Ranger4.0's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,390
Likes: 2
From: Plattsburgh, New York
Looks great, keep us posted
 
  #6  
Old 11-20-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Scrambles the DeathDealer
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
Depending on how the hitch is mounted, I may not even have access to the rear bolt hole to attach the hooks in the stock location.

Having access to a welder and cutting torch, I figure something more custom would work better in the end
 
  #7  
Old 11-20-2010
99offroadrngr's Avatar
TOYOTA
iTrader: (37)
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,713
Likes: 9
From: Massachusetts
last thing id do is cut up an edge valence thats painted. that just starts the chipping of paint on it over time. i think it looks good and will be very well done with by a good welder. shoudln't be an issue.
measure twice weld once!
 
  #8  
Old 11-21-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Scrambles the DeathDealer
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
I like my valence too much to cut it.

My sister's fiance is a certified welder and builds derby cars, I trust everything will hold up fine.
 
  #9  
Old 11-21-2010
99offroadrngr's Avatar
TOYOTA
iTrader: (37)
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,713
Likes: 9
From: Massachusetts
yeah i wouldn't cut an edge valence but a regular textured i wouldn't care...thats why mines cut lol
 
  #10  
Old 11-23-2010
morris's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 2
From: South Detroit.
can this mod be done w/o cutting the valance? preferably w/o BL
 
  #11  
Old 11-23-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Scrambles the DeathDealer
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
Wirelessly posted

You can't mount level II hooks on without cutting the valence. You could heat up and bend the valence but I haven't seen pics of that
 

Last edited by 01RangerEdge; 11-23-2010 at 02:39 PM.
  #12  
Old 11-23-2010
ShadowRanger08's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Originally Posted by rangerboy101
I don't see why you wouldn't just make things easier on yourself and trim your valance. It's much easier than doing this.
cos that is uuuuugly!

i think thats a great idea to do this, never seen it done before, and as long as its welded all the way around, or has the tab folded over and welded on top i dont see why it wouldn't be even stronger. speaking from experience, once you put the hitch on the front, good luck getting at any bolts in there haha, even putting the bumper back on will be a PITA.
 
  #13  
Old 11-23-2010
Scrambler82's Avatar
Old Guy User…
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,909
Likes: 77
From: SoCal
Can’t say anything about the Valance but I like the idea of the hooks and receiver… nice !
 
  #14  
Old 11-23-2010
03edge's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 1
From: OH
looks like a good idea actually, let us know how it works
 
  #15  
Old 11-23-2010
Toreador4x4's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (6)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,958
Likes: 3
From: Livonia, MI


i trimmed my valance about 1" down for the hitch, it can be a little higher and not have to be trimmed
 
  #16  
Old 11-23-2010
seed60's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (15)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville, NC
Ballin idea! Can't wait to see it.
 
  #17  
Old 11-24-2010
morris's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 2
From: South Detroit.
thanks justin.
 
  #18  
Old 11-27-2010
01RangerEdge's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Scrambles the DeathDealer
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 5
From: Jackson, MO
After getting the bumper off and taking measurements and test fitting, I have to say this is the first time I've regretted having an automatic.

Trans cooler lines were the ultimate hangup. But I did get the hitch in and I like where it sits.

Effing trans cooler

Name:  photo11.jpg
Views: 683
Size:  172.1 KB

In place (stick welded)

Name:  photo3.jpg
Views: 718
Size:  55.6 KB
Name:  photo9.jpg
Views: 696
Size:  121.9 KB
Name:  photo6.jpg
Views: 684
Size:  74.1 KB
Name:  photo5.jpg
Views: 671
Size:  70.4 KB
Name:  photo8.jpg
Views: 685
Size:  72.2 KB
Name:  photo10.jpg
Views: 682
Size:  102.5 KB
Name:  photo13.jpg
Views: 685
Size:  78.6 KB
Name:  photo12.jpg
Views: 1516
Size:  149.5 KB

The hitch is slightly recessed, but the D ring receiver I'm making will come out far enough to clear the bumper

Now you're probably wondering where the Level II hooks are that I was so proud of. Well having to relocate the hitch means a new location for the hooks.

Turns out one of the hooks was slightly tweaked so I'm going to fix them later.

Here's a teaser of what I'm doing

Name:  photo4.jpg
Views: 692
Size:  154.5 KB
 
  #19  
Old 11-27-2010
FULLSCALE's Avatar
Level III Supporter
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 4
From: Clinton, Ontario
Looks good so far! I plan on doing something similar... hopefully in the spring.
 
  #20  
Old 11-27-2010
ranger4.0's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 2
From: cambridge, ontario
i need to do a front hitch NOW!!! i got no front tow points
 
  #21  
Old 12-03-2010
morris's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 2
From: South Detroit.
looks good so far. glad to see there is no need to cut it.
 
  #22  
Old 12-03-2010
TrePaul86's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 3
From: Gresham, OR
Interesting... Good work though! I hate stick welding, though I'm certified in a ton of processes of it, I HATE it lol....
 
  #23  
Old 12-04-2010
evilclown312's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 1
From: Logan ohio
Originally Posted by 99offroadrngr
yeah i wouldn't cut an edge valence but a regular textured i wouldn't care...thats why mines cut lol
Not to mention, from what ive seen from edge valances they become flimsy when cut and flop around.
 
  #24  
Old 12-04-2010
vansnxtweek's Avatar
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 0
From: USA
It looks super clean recessed like that! Can't wait to see what ya do with the hooks.
 
  #25  
Old 12-04-2010
Masteratarms93's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 4
From: Goose Creek SC
looks good.

you need some all terrains by the way. but i guess since your have front tow hooks and a front hit receiver you will have plenty of tow points when you get stuck.
 


Quick Reply: My front hitch with Level II tow hooks



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:42 PM.