My stupid question about shackles and recovery points

I’m getting into some light off-roading this year, so I’ve been reading up on all the recovery gear I may need, but the one thing I’m confused about are the d ring shackles.
I feel stupid asking this but are these just attached to the stock front towing hook on the drivers side, in order to attach a nylon snatch strap?

 

They're used on aftermarket bumpers usually. You could use one on the hook but eye of a choker *recovery strap* will hook there itself. I think using a 3/4 shackle there will keep the choker from being able to fall off.


edit: If you're really wanting to make the most of a lot of different types of recovery gear, it's going to really help to have aftermarket bumpers. They do more than protect but are heavy.

 

That tow hook is not a actual recovery point as is. You need to remove it and replace with a piece that a shackle can attach to. This will make it a recovery point. Only othe safe point on a our trucks is the tow hitch.
Most have aftermarket steel bumpers that the shackles attach to

 

I use a front receiver which I modified:

My trail bud has a receiver mount winch if needed but 90+ % we just strap and tow.

 

Yeah I wish I could afford an am bumper to make things easier, but that’ll be a while

 

That hook looks and feels like it’s welded into place. What piece do I need? I’ve come across this https://www.bpfabricating.com/products/tacoma-recovery-tow-hook but that’s for the passenger side

 

Add something like this to your front. No aftermarket bumper needed.

https://www.bpfabricating.com/collections/tacoma/products/tacoma-recovery-tow-hook

Looks like you have a Sport, not sure if they still come with a tow hitch. However you can get something like this:

$40 CURT 45832 D-Ring Shackle Mount Trailer Hitch, Fits 2" Receiver, 13000 lbs, CARBIDE BLACK POWDER COAT

https://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturing-45832-D-Ring-Shackle/

 

Yes that replaces the factory tow hook. It's just bolted to the truck via 2 17mm bolts.
The driver side is only meant for tie down to a tow truck or trailer. Not a recovery point. Needs to be replaced also if you wish to use it as one.

 

It would be easy to make 2 of these for each side.

MIG welding is pretty foolproof on a good machine.