Front Tow Hook

[Tony Z]

Finally have a front Tow Hook from ZL1addons Ford Explorer Tow Hooks – ZL1 Addons
Living in Michigan during the winter, there is always a chance that one will end up off the road due to ice or avoiding someone else. The Explorer ST has no place to hook on to, and grabbing the front lower control arms will likely damage one's fascia panel.
The Flange bolts to the end of the frame rail and is accessed from the small removable flap in front. I have one with and without the hole in it, that way I can leave the hook showing or leave it inside till needed (as it just screws straight into the bracket).
They state that it is heavy duty enough to pull the ST out, but I do not recommend any snatch straps (not tested or rated for that, I am sure). I first noticed this on Corvettes, Mustangs etc..
As you can see, I am still on my winter tires and wheels.
Cheers

 

[Caster]

Been thinking about adding that exact one to mine eventually.

 

[UNBROKEN]

I just keep my factory tow hook in the bag with my flat repair stuff. Don’t really need it hanging out of the bumper.

 

[Tony Z]

I just keep my factory tow hook in the bag with my flat repair stuff. Don’t really need it hanging out of the bumper.

Since the weather is breaking, I may put it inside (with the rear shackle) and put my non-hole cover on.
The ST is actually my dog training truck and I spend a bit of time in fields, but am pretty good at not getting into bad areas.
Just had a little snow last week though, the kind that makes it slick in the AM, but likely it's the last of it.
You know how it works, if I put the ice scrapers in the garage, it will snow!
Cheers

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Finally have a front Tow Hook from ZL1addons Ford Explorer Tow Hooks – ZL1 Addons
Living in Michigan during the winter, there is always a chance that one will end up off the road due to ice or avoiding someone else. The Explorer ST has no place to hook on to, and grabbing the front lower control arms will likely damage one's fascia panel.
The Flange bolts to the end of the frame rail and is accessed from the small removable flap in front. I have one with and without the hole in it, that way I can leave the hook showing or leave it inside till needed (as it just screws straight into the bracket).
They state that it is heavy duty enough to pull the ST out, but I do not recommend any snatch straps (not tested or rated for that, I am sure). I first noticed this on Corvettes, Mustangs etc..
As you can see, I am still on my winter tires and wheels.
Cheers View attachment 28734

I see you have a 2022, how did install it? They took away the factory tow hook and thread location after early 2020 builds.

 

[Jeppo]

I see you have a 2022, how did install it? They took away the factory tow hook and thread location after early 2020 builds.

I wondered the same for my 2021. When I clicked the link he posted, I found they sell two versions, one for an existing threaded receiver and one without. For the without, you’ve gotta pull the entire front fascia. They have a video of the install.

 

[Jeppo]

https://youtu.be/ok8hxEVNWoE?

 

[Caster]

https://youtu.be/ok8hxEVNWoE?

It's the same process you go through to change the intercooler or change the front Ford oval emblem. The entire process to remove the front facia is about 30mins or less.

 

[Cdubya]

Looks dorky as hell tho...

 

[Tony Z]

Looks dorky as hell tho...

Works for me both ways and I will change it depending on conditions. It is easy to screw it in during the summer, but would be a pain in frozen conditions with ice in the threads.
One sees more of them at the track, on a number of fast stuff, and we have an event at Milan Dragway next month with some strong STs etc.

 

[Tony Z]

https://youtu.be/ok8hxEVNWoE?

Yep, that damned fascia, too bad the hook bracket was not out when I put my intercooler on.
Cheers

 

[Caster]

Yep, that damned fascia, too bad the hook bracket was not out when I put my intercooler on.
Cheers

For what it's worth, I think it looks good.