Tow Hook Removal

[MattB]

Has anyone removed the factory tow hooks to have them re powder coated? Can they be removed with the bumper on?

 

AT4 Forum Fav 👍

Ironclad EXO Motor Impact Gloves - Grab a set through Amazon!

[Brad]

If your truck is equipped with the 3.0, you’ll have to cut the long bolt on the drivers side. For whatever reason, the bolt was installed from the inside, and can’t be pulled all the way out of the frame because of where the heat exchanger is mounted. I used a die grinder with a pencil carbide bit to cut through it. When reinstalling, grab an equivalent bolt and install it from the outside, with the nut on the inner frame. The passenger side comes out without issue. If it’s a 5.3 or 6.2 truck, both sides come out without issue. Everything can be done from underneath, so no bumper removal.

 

[MattB]

If your truck is equipped with the 3.0, you’ll have to cut the long bolt on the drivers side. For whatever reason, the bolt was installed from the inside, and can’t be pulled all the way out of the frame because of where the heat exchanger is mounted. I used a die grinder with a pencil carbide bit to cut through it. When reinstalling, grab an equivalent bolt and install it from the outside, with the nut on the inner frame. The passenger side comes out without issue. If it’s a 5.3 or 6.2 truck, both sides come out without issue. Everything can be done from underneath, so no bumper removal.

I have the 6.2. I can get to the bolts easily but I wasn't sure how the hooks come out without removing anything more. They didn't pull front far enough with the bumper to get it from inside the frame. Do they pull out and then twist through the front opening or push back and drop out from behind the bumper?

 

[Brad]

Yeah, there’s a rubber grommet/shroud around the hook that’s fastened to the frame with a plastic push pin. Remove the push pin, unbolt the hook, pull hook out slightly and rotate hook. It’s kind of a puzzle, but once you figure out which way to rotate it, the hook will come out the front with ease. Just remember to keep your rubber shrouds separated for each side, because they are different.

 

[MattB]

Got them. Thanks for the help!

 

[Lawdog800]

Got them. Thanks for the help!

The black looks good.. Im considering changing mine up - and the badging

 

[flcmcya]

Agreed.... Red doesn't highlight a Desert Sand truck...I'll be painting!

 

[EdgerlyB]

If your truck is equipped with the 3.0, you’ll have to cut the long bolt on the drivers side. For whatever reason, the bolt was installed from the inside, and can’t be pulled all the way out of the frame because of where the heat exchanger is mounted. I used a die grinder with a pencil carbide bit to cut through it. When reinstalling, grab an equivalent bolt and install it from the outside, with the nut on the inner frame. The passenger side comes out without issue. If it’s a 5.3 or 6.2 truck, both sides come out without issue. Everything can be done from underneath, so no bumper removal.

I have a 3.0 but it’s the 2021 generation. Still anticipate this challenge to your knowledge?

 

[Agent 409]

I bought the official GMC accessory for black tow hooks and sold my red ones (I have an AT4X) on Offer Up. Didn't want to waste time with custom powder coating. OEM is always best in my eyes. Not sure if link below will work so here is part #:

Recovery Hooks in Black​

Part No.: 84195907

Site Maintenance

 

[Jpad22]

I have a 3.0 but it’s the 2021 generation. Still anticipate this challenge to your knowledge?

I have I 2021 and yea it’s a pain in the ass to do but worth it!

 

[EdgerlyB]

I agree! My trucks black so I’m stoked to get the black hooks on.

You have the 3.0 as well and had to remove the bumper to remove and reinstall the hooks?

 

[FunHuman]

I agree I prefer Black tow hooks. I am just curious unless you are really going to ever attach anything to the hooks. Why not Krylon black paint or Plasti dip? Here is a simple way of doing it. Trust me, I get the "I want it powder coated or with factory black paint." Then I think about it and shrug my shoulders. Especially the Plasti dip, you can peal it off at trade in time. And you're going black, minor overspray doesn't matter.

 

[Jpad22]

I actually didn’t even remove the hooks once I realized I couldn’t remove the drivers side one without cutting. So I painted the passenger side one off the truck and the other on the truck. I used VHT engine enamel and it still looks as good as the day I painted them.

 

[flcmcya]

Painted mine a year ago!