Tow Hooks W/ Body Lift

[the hammer]

If you use a body lift kit, are you able to still use the factory tow hooks, especially if you move the bumper up? I am looking into a kit and can't find any info about this issue in body lift topics and posts.

[BigJayDogg3]

I assume you should be able to since you can also use the hitch. Personally I don't really like the idea of body lifts but it also isn't my truck.

[ZZ327]

sure, why wouldnt you?

[the hammer]

You know, I got to thinking about a body lift kit and after looking at the HD's I think that a 3" body lift only makes a regular 1500 as tall as the HD's (since their frame is 3" taller than the 1500). I don't really see where the harm can happen if you did one to a 1500 for some extra clearance for tires. It is hard for me to justify $1500 for a suspension lift, plus installation, plus cutting up the truck if I am not going to actually go off-roading often and put large tires on my truck. I just thought it would be more sensible to get a little more clearance without t-bar cranking this way and be able to return to stock if need be.

 

While looking at the Performance Accessory kit, I didn't see anything listed that relates to tow hook relocation, nor any topics on the forum, so I really had nowhere to turn except the boys on this website (and thank you all for your input)!

[BigJayDogg3]

My biggest problem with body lifting is the cable streching. From the factory, they have all that stuff worked out and on hand, I just wouldn't want to run the risk of not lengthening something or removing one to change it out with the longer one and for getting it off the truck.

[chevy6490]

My biggest problem with body lifting is the cable streching. From the factory, they have all that stuff worked out and on hand, I just wouldn't want to run the risk of not lengthening something or removing one to change it out with the longer one and for getting it off the truck.

Only thing you would need to extend is steering shaft, and 4x4 lever (if you have the lever and not push button). There are no "cable" extensions.

[xsports33]

the tow hooks mount to your frame. With a body lift you either going to have to cut up the plastic in the bumper to put your tow hooks back on (and it'll look funny) or just leave them off. They won't line up correctly in the bumper with the body lift. Also, your tow hitch in back will be 3" lower than the frame. They make mounts to make it look less obvious, but it's still completely functional.

[ssjeff]

If you use a body lift kit, are you able to still use the factory tow hooks, especially if you move the bumper up? I am looking into a kit and can't find any info about this issue in body lift topics and posts.

 

Most i have seen just flip the hooks over.

[MountaineerTom]

I don't know how similar your truck would be to my '99, but it wasn't hard on mine at all. I've had a Performance Accessories B/L on my truck for almost 6 years now and have had no problems whatsover with it. For the tow hooks, you can flip them, but they will not line up properly to be able to put both sets of bolts it. For me, it was more important for them to be secure if I needed to use them. Your 2006 may have a different tow hook mounting system than mine too, I don't know. You can easily cut notches in the plastic airdam and make it look good. Just take your time and think ot what you want to do. I've seen others that butcher it up pretty good and it does look worse. I cut the metal loops off of the frame that normally stick out in to the empty space behind the bumper. You can see where they used to be in the close-up pictures of the tow hooks. You can also see the loops still in place in the pic of my friend trimming up some tabs on the frame. No cables or lines were streched on mine. I did snap the hard brake lines out of the plastic holders on the drivers side frame rail (which the instructions said to do). I couldn't justify the cost of a suspension lift and the right size tires to go with it. I only wanted to run 33's, and I knew I could have without a B/L, but still wanted it to be a little taller. The lift cost me just over $200 from JC whitney (after using one of their coupons on the cover), the gap guards were $50 and me, my brother and a couple friends installed in in a day at the cost of a couple pizzas and some beer.

 

I had 285/75/16's on in most of those pictures. It now has 305/70/16's on it like in the picture of it with the ATV trailer.

[Zembonez]

That's pretty good info Tom.

 

If done correctly there is no reason that a body lift should ever cause any issues. All it amounts to is a set of taller body mounts.

 

Modifications to the cooling (fan shroud), steering shaft, brake lines, bumper brackets, and yes tow hooks are necessary parts of the process. Anything that stays mounted to the frame will be 3 inches lower and any connections between the cab and frame must stretch to fit. This includes wires, cables, hoses, etc. Most good lift kit suppliers provide the needed brackets, bolts, etc. Visualize your tow hooks 3 inches lower and you will see where the new opening would have to be cut in the bumper or plastic.

[MountaineerTom]

Thanks Jim. I did a lot of research, which included a lot of question asking, before I did my B/L. I was worried about cooling issues, the cab falling off because of being on blocks and all kinds of crazy stuff, so I like to help out with what I can when people have questions about them. I know B/L's are not everyones cup of tea, but it works for me.

 

The Performance Accessories kit for mine came with very good insrtuctions and and everything needed except the gap guards. I did cause the radiator to look weired since it was lifted, but the engine wasn't. I bought some thin sheet metal at Lowes and dressed it up a little better. It wasn't having any cooling problems before doing this, but I know it couldn't hurt it either. I don't remember how long after I put the B/L on until I added the sheet metal to the radiator, but it was quite a while after and there has never been any cooling problems.

 

I threw a few other random shots in there. I always thought the picture of the cab lifted and the bed not lifted looked funny.

[04z71steve]

hey tom! i was just wondering if you have any tail end pictures, i'd like to see what the hitch and everything looks like! i've been thinking about just going with a 2" body lift and all of your info has pretty much stomped out any of the doubt i had about them!

 

great post!

 

steve

[Silverado4x4]

Man you better get some new tires thread looks almost gone.

[Zembonez]

Very nice indeed Tom.

 

If everybody did their body lift as nicely as yours they wouldn't have any problems. The fan shroud mod is a good idea.

[the hammer]

THose pics are very helpful Tom and Zembonez is right on, if you take your time and do it right it will work great and not have any problems, such as yourself. I hope to do this to my truck soon, and using most of your guideklines I should be able to do it. I just hope that I will be able to fit my 20x10 wheels under there afterwards! (Can't use them yet cause truck isn't lifted) ha!