It is okay to weld on to the frame. But it has to be strong and done professionally, and done with good prep work. Also most will not recommend welding on only for something as important as tow hooks. Tow hooks will see lots of force on them. If the welds fail it can snap of with deadly force. If you can reinforce it with several bolts that will be good.

 

One thing to remember is to ALWAYS throw some weight over the cable, strap, chain or whatever you use to pull with! Even an old coat works well over the middle of the stretched cable as it will provide a downward force in case of a failure either with the cable, clevis, tow hooks or any other components.
This simple step can be the difference in a snapped tow hook being sent straight to the ground or through your temple!!!

 

Oh and I can 2nd that, its F'n scary when things snap! Mind you I was in a pinch using something I shouldnt have to try to save a 6 hour wait for help.... It snapped a few times but the coat dropped it quick and it was just a 6 hour wait at that point.

Dont be stupid that wait sucked lol

 

When I did tow hooks on mine, I just got a pair from TSC and some grade 8 bolts and lock nuts. Drilled and bolted right to the frame.

 

Cool. Thanks for the tips guys. I'll report back when I've got something in the works. Right now, I'm designing everything in Google SketchUp before I start welding or bolting things to the truck.

 

Post up some pics!

 

hey demonrr got a question how long were the brackets for mounting that hitch ... im thinking if there not to long of adding it to my truck upside down after a 3in body lift ... you think the holes will match up ... cause my bumper will also be three inches higher and im taking off that plastic air damn and planning on adding a custom skid and hitch possible

 

I haven't saw him around in awhile. Do you plan on mounting a winch on the receiver? I have a nice cross member right behind the valance of my bumper when I need a pull I take my strap and wrap it around that not as nice as tow hooks but works just as well.

 

They do sell front hitches for the 2nd Gen. The links are in the FAQ in this section.

 

dodge also did make OEM tow hooks for the front of our trucks. They were either a dealer option or a bolt on factory option. I saw some in a local boneyard.