Capacities using front tow hooks?

dank78 · 12-06-2006, 07:51 AM

I know I just was looking at a topic concerning this yesterday, but for the life of me, I can't find it again. Does anyone know which thread this was?
On a side note, what's the best way to say pull someone out of a snowbank or ditch or something using your hitch. Again a while back someone had a thread with pics of the right way to do this. Thanks...

gixxer0.6g · 12-06-2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dank78

I know I just was looking at a topic concerning this yesterday, but for the life of me, I can't find it again. Does anyone know which thread this was?
On a side note, what's the best way to say pull someone out of a snowbank or ditch or something using your hitch. Again a while back someone had a thread with pics of the right way to do this. Thanks...

I'd say hook some straps/chains to that area where you'd attach your safety chains on your hitch and pull away. But if you've got the option, use those tow hooks because they never get any lovin and that's what they're there for. As for capacity of them, I'm guessing they'll pull quite a bit. Enough that you should worry more about the straps/chains then the actual hooks.

dank78 · 12-06-2006, 08:05 AM

Well, the reason I ask is because whatever I was reading yesterday suggested that you didn't want to pull too much with the front hooks because you'd be in reverse and it would put too much stress on your differential. Any truth to this?

bestatchess · 12-06-2006, 08:08 AM

Yes, do not pull in reverse as you are loading the wrong side of the gear teeth in the differential. A couple of guys here have fragged their front diffs doing this.

gixxer0.6g · 12-06-2006, 08:08 AM

If I remember right, you've got the most umph in reverse so I'd say you'd be safer tuggin in reverse then in 1st gear but I'm no expert. What do you plan on pulling? If it's another truck I'd say you'd be fine, if it's this(see pic) you might struggle.

~edit...told you I was no expert. Listen to above said, he's an expert

**Carbeaux** · 12-06-2006, 08:16 AM

I'm not sure I'd try to hang my truck by them, but they should be sufficiently strong to get you towed out of anything you might get stuck in.

bestatchess · 12-06-2006, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixxer0.6g

If I remember right, you've got the most umph in reverse so I'd say you'd be safer tuggin in reverse then in 1st gear but I'm no expert. What do you plan on pulling? If it's another truck I'd say you'd be fine, if it's this(see pic) you might struggle.

~edit...told you I was no expert. Listen to above said, he's an expert

Maybe a junk yard shade tree wannabe would be better description of my experience (although I did have a class that covered gears in college a zillion years ago). Check out Figures 1, 29 and 30 at the link below. If you pull in reverse, you are heavily loading the coast side of the ring gear teeth, which has a smaller tooth contact area. Note also the different angles of the coast and drive sides of the teeth.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/te...sta/Gear_Setup

TitanBlue · 12-06-2006, 05:44 PM

So it is this:
Get yourself pulled out by your tow hooks.
Do not pull out somebody else with your tow hooks.
Good info bestatchess, never knew that. Should have though.
Outstanding article.

**Helinut1970** · 12-06-2006, 05:48 PM

The hooks are there so someone can pull you out. your hitch is made for pulling. Use it! Never pull with the hooks!

crashgordon73 · 12-06-2006, 05:55 PM

Nice to know. Great link

**redneckpapa1996** · 12-06-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helinut1970

The hooks are there so someone can pull you out. your hitch is made for pulling. Use it! Never pull with the hooks!

If you have 4 wheel drive and it is locked in, can you pull with the tow hooks ?????

**Helinut1970** · 12-06-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redneckpapa1996

If you have 4 wheel drive and it is locked in, can you pull with the tow hooks ?????

Yup!!! Just make sure you have a dust pan to scrap up all the front differential pieces when it pops!!

**redneckpapa1996** · 12-06-2006, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helinut1970

Yup!!! Just make sure you have a dust pan to scrap up all the front differential pieces when it pops!!

Good answer, Thanks !!!!!

**loufish** · 12-06-2006, 07:09 PM

I carry a 30' snatch strap with me at all times, I put one of the sewn loops into the receiver and then put the hitch pin thru it.
This is about a strong of a pull you can get on just about any truck.

And yes, one more vote for the tow hooks for someone pulling my truck out..

TitanBlue · 12-06-2006, 07:39 PM

Common as dirt idea there, shame I've never thought of that! That's outstanding. Now I'll have to go buy a strap just so I can do that some day.