RMagic makes a kit that replaces the stock tow hook and also can be used to mount your front license plate. If your state doesn't have one, then it's just a tow hook. FDOkinawa's got one, and the way it looks, it's STRONG. I'll see if I can't get pics of it later on tonight.

Van

You can ... but it's not a very strong spot. It's at the end and it's a very small mounting place. If you really want some good towing, it's good to have it deep on the beam with a few bolts running along the length of it into the beam. It's just good towing physics.

I hope my posts haven't confused you. I think Flybye got confused about what I was talking about from the jump and didn't realize that the tow hook in his very first picture is not attached to the stock location. It's not even attached to a beam, unless they have some crazy bridge built into there that's under the bumper and running out to each beam (that'd be a great deal of added weight and trouble just to make it come out the center like that). Does everyone see what I'm saying about how it's coming out the middle? That's bad.

My point is that the stock one is STILL used to pull the entire weight of the car. My only reason to get an aftermarket one is to CLEAR the AFTERMARKET bumper.

I'm sure the aftermarket one can be modified to bolt to the same location.

To be honest, I really don't know if it is or isn't. Either way, you know it isn't something that I will be rigging since I DO want it to be functional.

I might have the bumper off again tomorrow. I'll see what my little camera can see :D

That's dandy, then. I was just trying to look out for you to begin with. I didn't want you to think that you could have a functional hook coming high out the center like that in that picture. Something is either getting bent or they've gone to a ton of trouble to add a bridge in there. And I don't think it's a great idea to use the stock bolts, but it would work. Personally I'd bolt it deeper into the beams, but that's just me. Cool? :D

just wondering if the ones by Foliatec are actually functional? since all their products appeal to adding the look of "speed"....I really need one...
here's the RE one.
http://www.re-amemiya.co.jp/shopping...n/photo008.jpg

doesn't look too hard to make though...one piece of thick metal, ring and paint and a good friend with a welder...

David

There's a handy little tow hook accessory know as a "T' hook that fits in the frame rails. It's how they tie imports down on portable parking lots (IE car carriers) and costs all of $7.99 each from:

www.northerntool.com Item # 3309048

They are really hard to find anywhere else and it's really the only way to tow from the rear since they fit into slots on the frame. I've got a couple of lengths of nylon webbing sewn to mine to allow a standard tow truck "J" hook to grab them from outside the bumber. Stash 'em with your spare and you won't have to worry about your (pick one) tranny, dif, suspension being ****** up next time it is towed or loaded onto a flabed.:mad: (LIKE MINE WAS!)