Tow Hooks
Professional
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Manitoba, Canada
I'd also like to know...the 2500's look like they're pretty good. It doesn't look hard to fab something to the front of the frame rails though. (I'm exactly sure how the factory ones attach)
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
2500 hooks are not made for a 1500 and will not bolt-up without modification.
I wouldn't reccomed putting 2500 hooks on a 1500 because of the lack of strength the 1500 frames have. The 1500 towhooks have a 1/2" thick metal plate that bolts the 2 frame ends together which allows more strength when pulling. Go pulling on one side using a 2500 hook and you could be warping the one side of your frame. You really ned the pressure of the towing/pulliung load to distribute the weight evenly to the left/right side of your frame, not just one side. The 2500's are much more heavy duty to be capable of sustaining those loads.
ALSO, 1500 towhooks have flat bracket plate that go on the backside of the frame for additional strength. The 2500 hooks that I have seen don't come with those plates, so much more stress gets put on the bolt holes than spread out over the metal; therefore, the 1500 hooks are much stronger than 2500 hooks when mounted to a 1500.
The 2500 hooks are nicer and actually have a hole to use. The 1500 hooks are just narrow tapered hooks that barely fit most chain hooks since they are more for a recovery strap than anything. Also, the 1500 hooks are very close and pushed in. Plan on scratching your painted bumper piece if you ever use them. Just a bad design.
If you want 2500 hooks, I highly suggest having a 1/2" thick metal flat bar welded between the hooks to tie the fram ends together and fab up some backing plates for the nuts to tighten down on rather than running the bolts onto the backside of the frame.
Go to FAQ section or find one of Weedahoe's posts. Download the service manual for your truck. Scroll down to 13-Frame&Bumpers. Then go to page 52 Front Tow Hook assembly. This shgows both 1500 and 2500 models. While it doesn't depict any pictures of a backplate that goes with assembly of the 1500 towhooks, trust me, there is.
I wouldn't reccomed putting 2500 hooks on a 1500 because of the lack of strength the 1500 frames have. The 1500 towhooks have a 1/2" thick metal plate that bolts the 2 frame ends together which allows more strength when pulling. Go pulling on one side using a 2500 hook and you could be warping the one side of your frame. You really ned the pressure of the towing/pulliung load to distribute the weight evenly to the left/right side of your frame, not just one side. The 2500's are much more heavy duty to be capable of sustaining those loads.
ALSO, 1500 towhooks have flat bracket plate that go on the backside of the frame for additional strength. The 2500 hooks that I have seen don't come with those plates, so much more stress gets put on the bolt holes than spread out over the metal; therefore, the 1500 hooks are much stronger than 2500 hooks when mounted to a 1500.
The 2500 hooks are nicer and actually have a hole to use. The 1500 hooks are just narrow tapered hooks that barely fit most chain hooks since they are more for a recovery strap than anything. Also, the 1500 hooks are very close and pushed in. Plan on scratching your painted bumper piece if you ever use them. Just a bad design.
If you want 2500 hooks, I highly suggest having a 1/2" thick metal flat bar welded between the hooks to tie the fram ends together and fab up some backing plates for the nuts to tighten down on rather than running the bolts onto the backside of the frame.
Go to FAQ section or find one of Weedahoe's posts. Download the service manual for your truck. Scroll down to 13-Frame&Bumpers. Then go to page 52 Front Tow Hook assembly. This shgows both 1500 and 2500 models. While it doesn't depict any pictures of a backplate that goes with assembly of the 1500 towhooks, trust me, there is.
