DIY: Aftermarket Tow Hooks install (BD)

[2.5GT]

So I bought these eBay aftermarket tow hooks for my own Christmas present. I didn't feel like spending much, so eBay was the only option. I bought it from the eBay seller gmotogarage, which had great reviews and feedbacks and no trouble whatsoever buying from them. The built quality of these aren't perfect, but for $50 I can't complain :wink:

I originally bought these tow hooks because my car is really low (on coilovers), and knock on wood, if i ever get stuck in a ditch somewhere I can't get tow out easily because the stock tow hooks are so tiny and hard to get to. Especially my front end, there is no way in hell you can tow from the front without ripping the front bumper off. So, what better way to invest in your car with a handy dandy set of tow hooks, and they're great for the JDM appeal! :lol:

(Oh yeah, a little disclaimer...I hold no responsibility if you fuck up your car, but I really don't see how.)

We're going to install the Rear tow hook this time, but stay tune for the Front tow hook install (This will take sometime, cutting part of the front bumper will be require from what I've seen, I will update later)



Here's what it came with.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3513.jpg

The tools you need, two ratchets and two 3/4 sockets. You can use wrenches if it makes it any easier for you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3516.jpg

Here's the culprit we're attacking.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3518.jpg

The set up is going to look exactly like this.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3523.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3524.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3525.jpg

Now use one bolt and slide it through the top hole and through the stock tow hook, like so. We're going to leave the tow hook hanging for now, it makes it easier to work with.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3526.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3529.jpg

Then attach the second piece, the big spacer on the other side of the tow hook, like so.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3531.jpg

After that, use the other bolt, slide that through the bottom hole, and through the small spacer and put the nut back on. Remember to use the washers it comes with, One on each side. Do not tighten anything yet, just finger tight tight will be fine for now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3534.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3535.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3541.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3537.jpg

And then, tilt the tow hook upwards and tighten the bolts. Make sure everything is line up before tighten it down. And try to leave some room on top of the tow hook,where it hits the bumper lip.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3545.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3549.jpg

The bottom nut will still have some threads left, but that's ok, it will be tight enough where it won't come off. Leave it at that, or use longer bolts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3553.jpg

And this small spacer here will have some play in it. But no worries, It won't be going anywhere.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3552.jpg

Voila! you're done!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3559.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3562.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3565.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3566.jpg

And here's what we have left for our next install, the front tow hook. This will take some figuring out time :lol:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3569.jpg


Ok, for the front tow hook, I couldn't figure out a way to attach it to the stock tow hook. So I looked around and saw a hole right on top of the frame. The bolt fitted perfectly, so I end up drilling another hole on the bottom and fitted the tow hook together. I also made two more holes, one on the bottom, the other on top. And don't forget, the place you're putting the bolts through are really close to the AC condenser, so be careful. I didn't have my camera with me that day, so I couldn't point out exactly where to drill the holes at. But if you line everything up and mark the location, you should be fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3606.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/4A-FE/Subaru%20Legacy/IMG_3609.jpg

[xXGTBspecXx]

cool i was wondering how to mout the one in the back.. as for the front u might have to cut a slit in your bumper.. good luck ,looks great dude

[2.5GT]

Yeah, cutting the front bumper will be require. But I'm not cutting my lip though :lol:

I will most likely lay the tow hook flat and bolt it to the body. I'm going to have to drill two more holes for this.

[xXGTBspecXx]

take the lip off cut the slit in the bumper then put the lip back on under the tow hook. :grin: i think that would look cool as hell

[StatGSR]

looks like it worked good for the rear one. but the front on isnt suppose to mount like the rear one.

http://home.comcast.net/~itsjdmyo/tow3.JPG
http://www.clubcivic.com/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=21772&stc=1&d=1180074988

[2.5GT]

Yeah, like I said, I plan to lay it flat and bolt it to the bottom of the car. I'll figure out where this weekend :wink:

[xXGTBspecXx]

thats the easy way... when i put mine in il have it in horizontally.

[StatGSR]

thats the easy way... when i put mine in il have it in horizontally.

but then it cant hold your soft drinks so what the hell is the point of having one in the first place...... :smt018

[97legacygt]

Could you use another rear hook for the front? The rear has the bend in it so i was wondering if it would go underneath the lip far enough.

[xXGTBspecXx]

those tow hooks are expensive for being just slabs on metal so he would have to buy another set to do that. they run anywhere between $60-$150<highest ive seen so far

[T_F_E]

what metal are they made out of? I think i could make them way cheaper

[97legacygt]

But that $50 probably gets you CNC precision cut hunk of metal. Not just any old hunk of metal. :grin: I didn't realize they came in a set. Or you could just put one on each corner.

[Plays_with_Toys]

I wouldn't mount anything to the front towhooks... There's already recalls out for people setting off their airbags by running their tow hooks into the curb when parking too far forward. Oh. For what it's worth... new avatar right here:


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Looks like a pink car wang.

[2.5GT]

I believed they are aluminum and are CNC cut. Yes, they do come in a pair.

And i haven't heard of this setting off air bags deal. Are you referring to Subarus or some other make?

Here's a better version...you still can see a few mistakes here and there, quick 5 min edit :lol:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/IMG_35411-1.jpg

[StatGSR]

^ he is talking about subarus, both legacy and imprezas. there is/was a recall where the front (stock) hooks were cut off after many had problems with them setting of the airbags from bottoming out on something. i have met several people whose subarus had the front tow hooks cut off before they purchased the car.

[impreza_GC8]

^ there is/was a recall where the front (stock) hooks were cut off after many had problems with them setting of the airbags from bottoming out on something.
Thats ridiculous. I've bottomed my front hook on my RS AutoX car many times. The sensors should not be that sensitive otherwise a minor bumper bump would set them off.

Additionally, the fact that the bottom bolt is held on by like 2 threads is not too great. You should probably go to Home Depot and fix that.
Also, the front hook should not go below the bumper or you'll scrape it on every curb you try to park at. They are supposed to bolt to the bumper beam and go through the bumper, doesnt really matter if its horizontal or vertical.

[Plays_with_Toys]

The airbag/tow hook thing is a legit recall. Having the tow hooks cut off is the dealership "fix". I've scraped mine a few times, but nothing has happened.

[dplacencia]

This is what I have on my GT.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/DSC01493-1.jpg

[Huffer]

^ there is/was a recall where the front (stock) hooks were cut off after many had problems with them setting of the airbags from bottoming out on something.
Thats ridiculous. I've bottomed my front hook on my RS AutoX car many times. The sensors should not be that sensitive otherwise a minor bumper bump would set them off.


http://www.cars101.com/recalls.html
Bottom of the page.


May 1999 some 1994-1995 Impreza, 1995-1996 Legacy/Outback remove tow hook Some 1994-1995 Impreza & 1995-1996 Legacy vehicles may experience air bag deployment after hard curbing, dips, speed bumps, potholes, etc due to the front tow hooks which is the lowest point of ground clearance at the front of the vehicle hitting the ground.

[2.5GT]

May 1999

some 1994-1995 Impreza, 1995-1996 Legacy/Outback

remove tow hook

Some 1994-1995 Impreza & 1995-1996 Legacy vehicles may experience air bag deployment after hard curbing, dips, speed bumps, potholes, etc due to the front tow hooks which is the lowest point of ground clearance at the front of the vehicle hitting the ground.

I have a 1998 Legacy. Still applies? and if the tow hooks are gone, how's the car going to be tow?

[StatGSR]

^ start destroying suspension parts of get a strap around the cross member. or always go into the ditch front first haha.