By Chris Warren
For some reason, Ford did not have factory tow hooks on Rangers during these years. Many have been trying to find a good location for them in the front and I may have the solution for you.
The following instructions will assist you in the installation of Front tow hooks on a 93-97 Ranger with the factory fog-light valance. If your truck has the factory valance without fog-lights, you may want to purchase one or you may be able to modify your valance without fog-lights and get it to work for you.
This is how the tow hooks will be positioned when finished:
You can see the tow hooks stick out between the opening in the fog-light valance on both sides of the license plate.
The first thing you will need to do is purchase all of the necessary hardware and make sure you have the appropriate tools listed below:
2 Basic Tow Hooks: (Chrome or black) your choice. These are red ally available
at Wal-mart, AutoZone, Tractor Supply, etc.
The following Grade 8 hardware:
- (2) ½” x 1 ½” Bolts
- (4) ½” x 2 ½” Bolts
- (12) ½” Washers
- (6) Lock Washers
- (6) Nuts
Tools:
- Drill with 1/4″ and/or 1/2″ Drill Bits
- 3/4″ Wrenches, Sockets, or Impact
- Vice Grips
If you have questions regarding any steps of the following installation, please refer to the pics at the end of these instructions. They should clarify any concerns or questions.
Crawl under the truck and you will notice that the factory bumper bolts are connected/braced together. (You have to take both bolts at the same time).
Tip: (Take the pair of vice-grips and clamp the bumper bracket to the frame.) This will hold the bumper in place while you remove the factory bolts from one side. This will keep you from having to realign the bumper when you go to bolt it back up.
Once you have the factory bolts out, put one of the 1/2″ x 1-1/2″ bolts in the top hole, using a washer on each side, and a lock washer before the nut. Tighten. In the bottom hole install the tow hook using one of the 1/2″ x 2-1/2″ bolts, again with a washer on each side and a lock washer before the nut. Snug it but do not tighten. This will allow you to align the tow hook in the opening of the fog-light valance of position it and modify the valance without fog-lights until you are satisfied. Once the hook is positioned to your liking tighten. This will assist you in drilling the hole for the final bolt. Using the bolt hole in the tow hook, drill through the frame.
Tip: (Using a 1/4 ” bit first and then enlarging the hole with a 1/2″ bit will speed drilling and ease ware on the ½” bit.)
Once you get the hole drilled Install the other 1/2″ x 2-1/2″ bolt just like before with the washers and nut.
Finally go back and make sure all bolts are tight and repeat on other side if desired.
Note: This install will also work with trucks with a body lift in which the front bumper was raised as well. To accomplish this, angle the tow hooks upward instead of downward. This will be the step necessary to center the tow hook in the fog light valance for at application.
If you have any other questions or need any other assistance with this installation, please PM me (97_4x4).
Chris
