What Have You Done To Your 4th Gen Today?

ARB makes these red recovery loops (front and rear) for Toyota as an OEM supplier.

I trust ARB recovery gear.

 

The gear may be fine and of good hefty material. The question is what they are mounted to. What will that structure support? There are limitations in how they are to be used safely.

 

'25 4 runner installation instructions of same part number enclosed below. Subframe. Should be similar in ours.

 

No bueno from me. Looks tacky.

 

This black hook is Toyota factory front recovery hooks I took off my Tacoma… if you’re going to trust this, I’m going to trust these I installed by bonobos also.

 

I don't remember, but they are available all over the place.

 

The key word here is metallurgy. You’d be hard pressed to yank apart that OEM Toyota recovery point in anything less than frame deep Georgia red dirt.

Bonobo? From their product page:

“machined from premium 6061 billet aluminum”

Aluminum is no bueno for recovery gear. I don’t care if they say it’s got a WLL of 11,000 lbs. Especially since they don’t cite any sources of independent testing to failure.

From Grok AI:

Cons of 6061 Aluminum for Recovery Points:

1. Lower Strength Compared to Steel: While 6061-T6 (tempered) has a tensile strength of about 40-45 ksi (276-310 MPa), high-strength steels commonly used in recovery points can exceed 100 ksi (690 MPa). Recovery points endure extreme dynamic loads (e.g., snatch recoveries), and aluminum is more prone to deformation or failure under such forces.

2. Fatigue Resistance: Aluminum has lower fatigue resistance than steel, which is critical for recovery points subjected to repeated dynamic loading during off-road recoveries.

3. Shear and Abrasion Resistance: Aluminum is softer than steel, making it more susceptible to shearing or abrasion from recovery straps, shackles, or hooks, potentially leading to failure over time.

4. Load Rating Concerns: Recovery points must be rated for loads well above the vehicle’s weight (often 2-4 times the gross vehicle weight for dynamic recoveries). Aluminum’s lower strength may limit its ability to meet these requirements without significantly overbuilding the component, negating weight savings.

Key Considerations:

• Design and Thickness: To use 6061 aluminum, recovery points must be designed with thicker sections or reinforcements to compensate for the lower strength. Finite element analysis (FEA) or engineering calculations are recommended to ensure the design can handle expected loads.

• Temper: Use 6061-T6 for maximum strength. Untempered or lower tempers (e.g., 6061-O) are significantly weaker and unsuitable.

• Attachment Points: The recovery point must be securely bolted or welded to a strong part of the vehicle frame (preferably steel). Aluminum-to-steel connections require careful design to avoid galvanic corrosion.

• Application: For light-duty off-roading or vehicles with lower weight (e.g., UTVs or small SUVs), 6061 aluminum might be sufficient if properly engineered. For heavy-duty applications (e.g., large trucks, extreme recoveries), steel or higher-strength aluminum alloys (e.g., 7075) are preferred.

 

I know you were asking someone else, but I added the fang lights as well. Found them on Amazon:

$63 Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2024 2025 LED Daytime Running Light w/Turn Signal Front Fog Light Side Grille Headlight DRL White/Amber 60W 2X

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9LT6H41

 

The factor55 stuff is aluminum and it's an excellent recovery option.

https://www.factor55.com/p-hitchlink-2-0

 

Different alloy, and independently tested to destruction.

 

The red ARB recovery points are each rated for 1.5 X GVW

 

Good news all this banter about recovery hooks most are just installing them for looks at the mall and they will literally never have to be used. If you are going to actually use them you are best to do a little research on not only the hook material but mounting spot because many of these companies don’t test any of their stuff and actually know most are just buying for looks because they don’t want to spend the money for actually good stuff. I am sure there are other companies but Factor 55 is who I would use as there stuff (albeit mostly Jeep) is very well tested. Now back to the mall I go with no tow hooks. I won’t need them and they just add weight and ugly.

 

Remember when people would put those big track car tow hooks on Granny's hand me down Civic when they souped them up? I recall seeing that before I ever heard of Bezos, Temu, or Shein.

 

Yep sure do. Pep Boys was the place to shop. They were way before their time. Get all the Chinese crap you wanted and the more they slapped on the better.

 

You guys are goofy.

 

Stick around a while; it only gets worse

 

Thanks a mil! Did you go with the white or amber?

 

Removed air damn and installed the TRD skid plate. Looks so much better now!

 

Look great. This is something that is on my list but I’m waiting for a holiday sale discount. Would installing the skid plate affect oil changes ? Meaning would you have to remove it every time to gain access to the oil drain plug?

 

Added the OEM transmission and rear differential skid plates today. Not sure why don't come on the Pro. Added the red tow hooks in the front as well.