Extreme Bend Rear Hooks Installed - Not Factory

[BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4]

Found a set of these hooks on eBay and although not factory decided they would be an economically feasible compliment to my set of extreme bend front hooks. Added some spacers between the hooks and frame rails so I wouldn't tweak the bumper If I ever had to use them. I like the result so figured I'd pass on the info to anyone interested in a similar set up!

[undertaker72]

Originally Posted by BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4

Found a set of these hooks on eBay and although not factory decided they would be an economically feasible compliment to my set of extreme bend front hooks. Added some spacers between the hooks and frame rails so I wouldn't tweak the bumper If I ever had to use them. I like the result so figured I'd pass on the info to anyone interested in a similar set up!

looks nice , do you have the evilbay link , or one time sell

[BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4]

It was a one time purchase from a random seller but if you google Holland TH-10050-3B you'll find some sets out there from $30-$60.

[jocko]

Those are nice hooks, but I do not believe that to be a safe installation. Even if the spacers are a tight fit on the bolts, which they do not appear to be, the hooks are designed to be mounted flat against the frame rail itself. Your hooks will survive, but the installation will likely give out long before them under a moderate load. Sorry to be the one to say it, but it's enough of a risk that I'd feel bad NOT saying something about it. There's just not a way to space it away from the frame without setting up a weak point for shear/lever arm - your setup takes the force away from the axial direction of the frame and whatever is connecting the hook to that axis bears the load. I'm afraid you'd torque these off pretty easily. Sorry, really feel bad mentioning.

[In The Ten Ring]

I'd have to agree here....I'm new to welding but this looks problematic.

I'm going to take another welding class this summer and I want to fab up a tow hitch tow hook. I bought a D ring, 15,000 pounds rated. I think that might be a better alternative.

[jocko]

The weld quality is not the issue - mount/moment arm/shear is. Perfect welds on the pictured arrangement would not be sufficient.

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by jocko

The weld quality is not the issue - mount/moment arm/shear is. Perfect welds on the pictured arrangement would not be sufficient.

I agree and I should have commented on how good the welds looked. I'm going to assume that was overhead welding.....you probably didn't roll your truck over for a flat weld.

[BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4]

No worries, my feelings aren't hurt and I do appreciate you pointing out the potential shear hazard to anyone attempting a similar installation.

I agree the hooks are not the weak link, the 3/4" grade 8 bolts running through 3/4 ID steel tubes would definitely shear first. They are more than adequate for what I'm intending them for but if you're intending to lift your suburban up in a tree with them I would suggest following the mounting recommendations from the manufacturer.

Brian

[special-K]

I'm thinking you might have 10,000# with what you have there. The design of the hook relies on the entire base sitting flat on a surface. Just a minimal cantilever with the base still flat on a surface cut the high number by a third. The frame will be the thing to give now. You could pull another truck, but pulling a stuck one out will put that to the test. Using thick plate to space it down would have done the trick. Or, square tube stock.

[BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4]

Agree, the frame is probably the weakest link so I may consider boxing it with more steel someday. Thanks everyone for your feedback and concern and I will proceed with caution with the current setup.

45k lb tow hooks
40k lb shear capability 0.75 grade 8 bolts (X2)
.25" wall round tube welded to frame
100% Cool look (for me!)