ARB bumper issue

[dr350jja]

Well, now I have another dilemma. I recently installed the ARB front bumper on my Tacoma. When I called ARB, before the install, they said the bumper install would retain the factory front tow hook. Well, after the install, I realized the hook is there, but it is totally unusable, since I cannot get a tow strap or D-ring shackle on it. There is not enough clearance between the hook and the bumper components. Seems like it’s always something.

 

[dr350jja]

has anyone run into this issue?

 

[baja1d]

Yes. Eventually just took the hook off because it was unusable and caught on everything. I just use to two holes that came with the ARB for my shackle.

 

[farnhamstj]

What about a tow hook from an 80 or other toyota model?

 

[Jacket]

I just cut a square piece out of the bash plate to create enough clearance to slide the strap over the hook.

 

[Gerdo]

Will a shackle clear?

 

[dr350jja]

A shackle will not clear the way it is now.

Matt, I need to look at that again. The plate above the hook can be altered, but the bumper mounting bracket to the side of the hook may still not allow enough clearance to put a strap over it. We'll see.

I think I have a hook from a Land Cruiser that I will try.

I did get an email response from ARB and this is what is reads:
I believe (though it's been a while since I last installed a Taco bar) that the hook can be moved to the other side clearing space to access it. Please let me know if that's not the case and well look for a different solution to the problem.

Hopefully I'll have this figured out by the weekend.

 

[dr350jja]

Well, the hook can't be mounted on the other side, since there are no mounting holes. But, it can be turned upside down and mounted that way. However, I don't think it's optimal, with the way the hook is curved. But, I don't see any other alternative.

 

[Gerdo]

What about a different hook? Maybe from an earlier year with a different shape?

Or, do a little cutting on the bumper to gain access.

 

[dr350jja]

front tow hook

So the hook can be flipped over and mounted that way. But I'm not so sure I like the angle of the hook now. But, at least it's something.