Frame auxiliary crossmember-Recovery Point

Toyota Part No. 51193-04010
EXTENSION, FRAME AUXILIARY CROSSMEMBER

What do these see things do?
Do I need to keep them?

Building my own recovery points at the moment and I noticed these caps that bolt to the lower frame rail under the bumper. Currently the off-road recovery hook bolts next to it. Down the road will be fabricating winch plate and bumper.

When I removed them I realized they do not extend to the tow hook section, so it’s literally only attached by 1 welded nut.

I would like to know there purpose before I remove them for good.

 

I think it’s there to help with the small overlap crash test.

 

Mine were removed with my hidden winch mount. Curious to see what you come up with. I have been debating the doing the same. I have used the stock one, but I want something stronger and with a closed loop. I had a strap come off a couple times.

 

I believe in another thread awhile back someone suggested it was to keep debris from the suspension components. They are bolt in and removable.