Alternative tow points for stock rear bumper

Kind fellows,

Does anyone have a good solution to the stock rear bumper lack of suitable tow points? I had the 4runner buried up to it's hood in snow last week and would have been able to avoid 40 minutes of digging had I had a single, suitable tow point in the rear (I wish I had a picture of the Russian Bulldozer that offered to pull me out :Wow1: !). The only thing I have now is the single 'hook' on right hand side, and the bulldozer only had a hoopless wire rope that w/could have fallen off (and I WASN'T going to hold onto to find out).

I'm thinking something that attaches (with longer hardware) where the existing bumper is connected to the frame and that I could attach shackles if the need arose. Am I weakening that bumper/frame inteface by doing something like that? Changing the bumper/body meeting height? I'd love to hang a couple of shackles from the rear frame rails but maintain my rear bumper. A custom rear bumper is in order this summer once I 1. find access to a welder and proper steel or 2. Find a GOOD fabricator. There are plenty of fabricators in the 3rd world, but the quality of work is typically lacking...

http://www.pbase.com/droppdwn/chinese_new_year_in_armenia

pics of Aragats in Northern Armenia last weekend! There's at least five feet of snow up there right now (ideal for sledding!).

Chad

Chad,

Important stuff first:

Great to hear from you! I have started a thread for you to chronical your adventures and experiences in Armenia (If you would be so kind).

Tow Hooks:

Rear- I would recommend installing a receiver hitch, which allows for many great uses, including towing )), mtn bike racks and a great recovery point.

i usually use a strap with a hook on the end. and hook it right into a hold in the frame.. its never failed me yet and ive seen some pretty nasty stucks

What year 4Runner do you have?

You can probably do one of three things, I did option number two:

Option One: Install a pair of aftermarket tow hooks and bolt them to the rear frame.


Option Two: Install a pair of Toyota OEM tow loops (I've forgotten the correct name for these) and bolt them to the rear frame.

Option Three: If you have the stock tow package, insert a Warn or similar tow shackle into the trailer hitch.


If I remember, I'll post pics of mine. I bought the tow loops from Toyota new for about $6 each and they mount in existing drilled holes.

When using a receiver shackle, be sure that you have a class three hitch or better and that your receiver pin is up to the task- some of the cheaper ones on the market do not have a very high rating.

Chad I am bit late chiming in here, but I just came across this and think it might work for you.

Sonoran Steel makes bolt on shackle hangers that will fit a 3/4" shackle. According to the site they fit: "1996-2002 Toyota 4Runners, Front & Rear (no trailer hitch)"




Also Linked on their site is the write up on 4runners.org