Adequate tow points?

So I have 2001 pre runner trd offroad tacoma and I was wondering if these tow points under the front bumper are reliable for recovery or snatch strap? I do have D rings so i would mount those then attach the snatch strap.Can I buy a better recovery point that mounts to the same spot as these? Thnaks for any help in advance

 

I have used them a few times it comes down to just how stuck you are.

I have manged to bend one all out of shape and not tear the bolts out of the frame getting unstuck out of a ditch by myself in my drive way Hard to drive one vehicle and steer the other.

Attaching a winch cable I never had any problems Then I was not floating in thick mud.

I now have a receiver hitch on the front bumper

 

I replaced those factory 'tie downs' with tow hooks from some older Toyotas I found at a picknpull.

 

I have one of the stronger hooks for sale. It would bolt right up to your truck.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-tow-hook-25-shipped.374107/

Thanks,
Charlie

 

Thanks for the info Charlie, I was looking for something that I can hook my D-rings up to instead of a hook.

 

those things are just there to strap the truck down to the car carriers when shipping them to dealers so they are not intended to be used for pulling or as tow hooks but they do an "ok" job of it if you aren't stuck solid

 

Ok good to know thnaks keakar! I may just hold off and wait till July when I'll be getting a newer tacoma and buy something like this from one of the forum members

 

No matter how strong your new hardware it is still held onto the frame which is around 3/16"

 

I measured the thickness of my frame with a digital thickness gauge, and its about 1/8 inch.

 

I had one made like this out of 1" plate then drilled the holes myself. I've shackled a 20' strap to it trying to pull a fallen tree out of the road. Wide open in reverse and the strap would catch it without budging the tree. Nothing appears bent.

I'll measure the thickness of the front frame ends on a few days when I get a chance. I have mine cut off and am waiting to get ends welded on for a plate bumper.

 

If if didn't bend then it should be a good tow point right? Keep me posted please on the thickness when you do measure it

 

They may not be for towing, but they are plenty strong. I've had 3 gen1 trucks frames straightened. My frame guy used those points on all of them. You will have a hard time breaking them.

 

I can break anything when trying not to!!

 

The frames are about 3/32" thick. They are surprisingly thin.