Help-Need Front Tow Hooks for OBS - Diesel Forum

Glen5241 · 05-05-2008, 10:56 PM

I am trying to find tow hooks for the front of my 97 Old Body Style. Without fabricating something, the only thing I have seen on TDS are the ones that were made by Colibert. I have a call in to them to see if they are still available. Does anyone have news on the Colibert's and if they are still out there? Any other ways to install something somewhere? I need them when I go to the dunes with the tow hauler. Gotta have something to hook up to in the front. I guess I could use a front mount receiver, just didn't want to go to such extremes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

STurbo90 · 05-05-2008, 11:15 PM

the front mount reciever is the way to go.

simple bolt on installation and central pulling point.

NickKent · 05-06-2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen5241

I am trying to find tow hooks for the front of my 97 Old Body Style. Without fabricating something, the only thing I have seen on TDS are the ones that were made by Colibert. I have a call in to them to see if they are still available. Does anyone have news on the Colibert's and if they are still out there? Any other ways to install something somewhere? I need them when I go to the dunes with the tow hauler. Gotta have something to hook up to in the front. I guess I could use a front mount receiver, just didn't want to go to such extremes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would second the front mount receiver. I had one on my truck before I put a snow plow on it. Not only can it function as tow hooks, but you can use it for trailers too. Very handy. Installation is pretty straight forward, you'll just need a few shims to get the hitch centered on the truck frame.

TWeatherford · 05-06-2008, 01:53 PM

A front mounted receiver would be nice, especially for backing trailers into tight spots and all that, but it sounds expensive and then you have that goofy looking receiver hanging out there. The only way I would do a front mount receiver personally is with a ranch hand bumper, I just don't like the look with a regular bumper.

Why not just weld a hook made for the end of a chain onto some 1/2" steel, bolt to the frame rail, might need to make a spacer out of some square tubing, but the whole deal would be cheap and relatively easy. I have seen some guys selling tow hooks for these trucks, one on this forum, and he wanted like $150 for the set! I can't justify spending that kind of cash on an older truck, when I can get almost as good for $20-40 by making my own.

Glen5241 · 05-06-2008, 07:12 PM

I talked to Colibert Hitches today and they still have their hooks for the old body styles in stock. I asked how much and they said $45 + a little shipping. I gave them my CC number and have a set on their way. They seem to be a really nice product and strong too. 3/4" thick steel! I had thought about the front hitch but would rather not have the receiver hanging down from the stock bumper. Thanks for the help.

**bugman** · 05-06-2008, 08:54 PM

If you get a part number with those hooks let us know. The last that I heard was that they were discontinued and they were not going to be making any more. I was about to fab up some of my own, but if they still have some that is the way to go. One other thing were they chrome or black powered coated?

Jim

Glen5241 · 05-07-2008, 12:15 AM

Here is how I ordered mine. I called Colibert 1-801-972-3322 and spoke with Jim. I asked about the tow hooks for the old body style Fords. He knew exactly what I wanted. He said they were discontinued back in 1997. But, the owner wanted a large amount made for stock due to them getting fleet orders from companies and wanted to be able to supply them. Jim told me he probably has 75-100 pairs left. They sell for $45/pr plus shipping. I probably should have ordered a few pairs just to have. For the money, how can you go wrong. I didn't get a part number. I should have them later this week. They were black. I am not sure if they are powder coated or just painted. If you want some, I would suggest calling and getting an order in. Good luck. I hope the info helps out.

Larry S. · 05-07-2008, 11:37 PM

A thing to be aware of with tow hooks on an OBS. The frame ends are not overly strong and there is no cross support at the ends. A hard jerk on a tow hook can tweek the frame enough to put the front end out of alignment. At least it can happen on a 250. A receiver hitch between the frame rails will stiffen the frame and make the tow hooks much more usable.

NickKent · 05-08-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry S.

A thing to be aware of with tow hooks on an OBS. The frame ends are not overly strong and there is no cross support at the ends. A hard jerk on a tow hook can tweek the frame enough to put the front end out of alignment. At least it can happen on a 250. A receiver hitch between the frame rails will stiffen the frame and make the tow hooks much more usable.

Agreed. Plus the front hitch doesn't stick past the bumper at all and it doesn't really hand down much at all either. Just below the license plate bracket. Barely notice it.

Glen5241 · 05-11-2008, 02:32 PM

Thanks for the tip on the weakness of the horns. I received the Colibert parts and it took all of 10 minutes to remove bumper, bolt loops on and reinstall bumper. My buddy is going to weld a 1 1/2" heavy wall tube between the two horns the next time I go over to his place. Good idea about the receiver. At least now I can get some support up there.