Tow Hooks.

[bluelab]

I'm adding the fog lights this weekend to my 02 2wd Silverado.  While doing this I thought I would look into adding the tow hooks.  From looking at what is required it appeared to be really simple.  Just slide them into the existing bracket and bolt them in.  Now the book at the GM dealer says it's a 3 hr install.  Am I missing something like removing the bumper in order to get the hook in and secured to the frame??  

 

thanks.

[RyanbabZ71]

3 hr install?

 

Nah they had to remove mine and put em back on while installing my brush guard.  To install the brush guard it took less than 2 hrs

[bluenote]

Bluelab-

 

I installed tow hooks on my 2001 2wd Silverado.  The HD hooks are a lot thicker and heavier than the standard ones for the 1500 and 2500's, but the installation looks about the same.  With my 99 GMC, there was a kit available with all the mounting hardware, but with the new one, I could only buy the hooks and then had to go to a local bolt shop to get the bolts and washers.  The hooks, in both cases, took all of about 15 minutes to install.

[illmac77]

sounds like the military is writing books for gm, 3 HRS? when i see that at work im like nice ill be done in 10 mins. there always exagerating about time i think the writers base the length of time it takes on the slowest person in the world

[CMNTMXR81]

I actually haven't looked at those on my HD so I can't comment on those, but I've removed and replaced MANY sets of towhooks on GM trucks throughout the years.  Many require bumper removeal and going inside the frame to bolt the hooks down.

[bluelab]

thanks for the feedback guys If you are right CMNTMXR81 about the bumper removal and going throught he frame to bolt the hooks that would explain the 3hrs

Thanks again

[pipermaru9]

bluelab,

 

Are you installing factory foglights? And if so, what did you get with the package as far as wiring, switching and connections go? When I bought my truck, I asked my dealer to throw in some fog lights. Well, he did just that, all I got was the two fog lights, no connections, switch or wiring.

[CMNTMXR81]

What they did, was once you removed the bumper there was a threaded bar that once you stuck the bolt through on the tow hook and then through the frame and then threaded it to this bar inside the frame, it'd tighten and clamp it down.

 

Some trucks you could get your hand into the frame in between the bumper and the end of the frame, but trucks (particularly S-Series) required bumper removal.

[MountaineerTom]

I've had both of mine off of my 1500 4x4 and it didn't require removing anything extra.  Only 2 bolts per hook.  One installed verticaly, one installed horizontily.

[bluelab]

pipermaru9

 

The fog light kit I am getting from the dealer consists of the 2 fog lights, mounting brackets, wiring harness and switch.  I believe the switch is a double switch consisting of the fog light as well as the cargo light switch because the switch for the fog light sits underneath the cargo light.  Not much of a job to do the install the dealer advised one hour to do it.  he says they need to update the onboard computer.  IT is freezing here and I do not have a garage or I would do it myself. . I supose I could wait for spring but like, I want them on now!

[bluelab]

Thanks for all your help.  I spoke with the tech installing the fog lights and said that gm does recomend removing the bumper but the mechanic advised all he ever needs to do is to losen the air deflector and they slide in he said you are probably looking at 30 min max.

 

Oh and pipermaru9 if you are installing fog lights that the dealer gave you yourself you will have to get the computer programmed before they will work.  If they are from the factory they will not work until you prgram the truck body control modudel (BCM)  This updates the vehicles configuration index for the system to recognize foglights have been added.  I know this for a fact.. after having them installed on Sat. I had to go back on Monday because there was not a mechanic on site who knew how to work the computer to program the truck.  

Ah well, they gave me a free oil change since I had to go back on Monday.