FRONT RECOVERY

where's the reasonable D ring recovery point for a 95-04 first gen? does this exist? having trouble finding it

first owner removed the bull bar and forgot to replace the original tow hook, lost contact with him

can just go with this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1864379909...YNC54WVUEe0j-njT47Zp6VP-Dkf-xWhEaAuJyEALw_wcB

but i'd like something slimmer if possible

seems crazy to me that i cant find something like this that fits an 04: https://www.bpfabricating.com/colle...23-hd-tacoma-recovery-tow-hook-passenger-side

 

In addition to the hook (5196135051), there are two bent plates (5196335070 RH 5196435050 LH) that go up there as well.

bolts for the RH: 9164281265
LH: 9164281235

No idea why that ebay hook is so expensive. MSRP is ~$130 for the hook, and the RH bolts are a few bucks a piece... And you can get them cheaper than that if you order online from a dealer... I'd stay away from ebay in general.

If you were really concerned that those OEM parts aren't strong enough, get in touch with someone like @Kwikvette and see if he can cut and bend a thicker plate for you.

those part numbers are from the SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER & UNDER COVER parts page, if you're looking.

 

That OE hook has been known to snap. Not so much being weak just that a strap tends to work it's way to the tip of the hook. That increased leverage seems to cause the failure (at the tip).
The basic "tow hook" sold everywhere will bolt up to both sides and can be had with a retaining clip to keep a slack strap from falling off.
https://www.autozone.com/trailer-hi...0lbs-tow-hook/1277023_0_0?searchText=tow+hook

https://www.autozone.com/trailer-hi...h-spring-clip/1325997_0_0?searchText=tow+hook
The supplied bolts are not metric and will not work on the Taco frame.

 

Thanks for the tag Andy!

I remember my own 1st Gen having one hook and one loop although I always remember those as being used for tie downs only right?

Seems like a thicker steel plate is in order, similar to the factory loop while using stronger hardware as well.

 

wow yeah i'll take 9.99, im not a freak about it being original....and im not out wheeling so i dont anticipate much use, but putting on a light bar on so figured i might as well put a hook under there since im taking it all apart anyways

but those holes will align? i have the factory bolts...

 

Yes, I have one on each side. Amazing thing is I paid $10 each 25 years ago.
And like I mentioned, they are sold everywhere, parts houses, Lowes/Home Depot, Harbor Freight etc.