Add front tow hooks to 2023 2WD?

[wrgrimes]

The 2023 2WD does not come with front tow hooks like the 4x4. There appears to be bumper knockouts for the hooks.
Apparently, Ford does not list a VIN specific part to add tow hooks.
Can the 4x4 hooks be added?
Anyone have experience with this?

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[TylerNinetyTwo]

The caps do pop out but what's left behind are 3 holes for the tabs to stick into. You also have 2 holes on the top side of the tow hook surround where a couple screws pass through to mount the tow hook caps. You might have to grind some plastic off but I think it could work.

 

[Slow5veOh]

This is the correct part to buy. I will let yall know when I get installed. I already have part in hand and from the looks of it will fit I also bought the boots

 

[Slow5veOh]

I’ve successfully installed my Tow hooks on my truck. The part number I put on this thread is the correct part. Disassembly was hard at first since some small nuts holding valence were hard to reach but after removing fog lights and grill shutter actuators everything ran smooth. Re-assembly was much easier. I installed red ford performance hooks and also the boots.

these 3 bolts are hard to reach from under the truck but if you remove the 4 torx screws on each fog light you can access them from front of bumper. You MUST remove shutter actuators as well.

 

[Slow5veOh]

 

[EL5_Zero]

Yesterday I tried to install the red tow hooks on my 2WD, and sure enough, they don't fit. I don't understand why Ford would make a 2WD specific valance when the 4WD would have fit perfectly and just caped them. Not sure if I should trim the valance to make them fit or wait for a bumper to become available locally.

 

[Slow5veOh]

Yea they won’t fit with the 2wd valance. Ford sells it and it’s currently in stock. They can ship it to you. Luckily I was able to pick mine up locally. But it’s not that expensive. You’ll see the part number above at least for mine I have a 2022 fit perfectly. Installed it in a day.

 

[EL5_Zero]

Yea they won’t fit with the 2wd valance. Ford sells it and it’s currently in stock. They can ship it to you. Luckily I was able to pick mine up locally. But it’s not that expensive. You’ll see the part number above at least for mine I have a 2022 fit perfectly. Installed it in a day.

You're right about not being too expensive. It's probably better to just order it, and not hack up the original valance. Do you recommend removing the complete bumper first, then remove the valance? Or just reach in and remove the valance?

 

[Slow5veOh]

You don’t have to remove the bumper. Just safely jack up your truck and start removing any black plastics in front that are under the bumper. Some screws are a little hard to reach but you can remove the fog lights and the shutter actuators. I didn’t touch the bumper at all. Also, I recommend you order the boots for hooks they look much cleaner than without.

 

[EL5_Zero]

I decided to modify the hooks to fit the stock 2WD lower valence. Everything worked out great, and I saved $165 ??

 

[nickgambo]

I decided to modify the hooks to fit the stock 2WD lower valence. Everything worked out great, and I saved $165 ??

Do tell how you modified them! Been looking for other alternatives! Thanks!

 

[EL5_Zero]

Do tell how you modified them! Been looking for other alternatives! Thanks!

What I did was cut and separated the solid rod hook from the mounting plate. I then welded the hook 3/8" below the flat mounting surface, close to where the plate bends 90* (see picture below). I then cut the "legs" off the mounting plate approximately 3/8" below the hooks. I think I removed approx 1" of material. This allowed the hooks to slide in, and be perfectly centered in the mounting hole. I didn't take pictures of when I did it, but hopefully I was able to describe what I did.

 

[nickgambo]

What I did was cut and separated the solid rod hook from the mounting plate. I then welded the hook 3/8" below the flat mounting surface, close to where the plate bends 90* (see picture below). I then cut the "legs" off the mounting plate approximately 3/8" below the hooks. I think I removed approx 1" of material. This allowed the hooks to slide in, and be perfectly centered in the mounting hole. I didn't take pictures of when I did it, but hopefully I was able to describe what I did.

Thanks! I will definitely refer back to this, I appreciate the detailed response. My last question is, is removing the cutouts from our bumpers pretty straight forward? Appreciate the help!

 

[EL5_Zero]

You need to pop off the top panels first. The ones right above the tow hook area. Once removed, you will see two screws holding the tow hook panel. I believe they are 4 or 5mm socket. You will need a 3" extension and 1/4" ratchet to reach them. Once removed you can pop off the panels.

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

Or you could just install a flat billet how hook!! Wonder if these would fit?
https://amzn.to/3AmmeYs

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