Stuck in Miami Sand + tow hook question. (with pics)

Hello Forum,

My friend Manny, who has an '89 F-150 4WD invited me to go check out some sand dunes located at nw 199 st & 27 ave in Miami (accross from SunLife stadium). I went in my '08 Prerunner DCSB 4.0 and I did good in the open areas:



but when I tried to go through a dirt bike trail my truck it just dug into the soft sand:


Being an open diff & going in there with 35psi in the tires did not help the situation. Luckily, Manny pulled me out. I have the wheelers tow strap but he had one also so I didn't use mine. Now I realize that I need a tow hook for the front. This is how the front looks now:

Drivers side


Passenger side


I assume that the hook will be installed on the passenger side since I have that loop thing on the drivers side. Where can I buy this & what do they go for? I read somewhere that someone bought a hook at Harbor Freight for like $9. Any suggestions?

Also, I see that 4WheelParts sells this for the 8.4 diff in my truck.

Toyota Tacoma 8in.TrueTrac - EAT913A541


Can I have them install it too or does anyone recommend someone else to the the install. I have heard mixed reviews regarding them but I don't know anyone else. I want it to be a reputable shop.


Thanks

P.S. I posted this in the Florida thread also.

 

Get a D-link and pass it through the drivers side tow point and then the strap.

 

Excuse my noobness but what is a D-Link & where can I buy one?

 

stay as far away from 4wheelparts as humanly possible.

also a lunchbox locker will lock up on you on pavement and takes some getting used to. I would do lots of research on them being used on pavement before committing.

 

D-link or shackle....

Smittybilt 13047B D-Ring Shackle 3/4" Threaded Pin 4.75 Ton Rating Black

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CF1A6U?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

 

Why stay away from 4wheelparts??

 

I think I posted the wrong part #.

This is the one:
Toyota 8.4in. TrueTrac - EAT913A612

It is a limited slip diff.

 

Are you referring to the 4WheelParts location in Miami? I know that if I do it with them I get a warranty but the posts that I have read have me concerned. I just want to know if its that location. I don't want to demonize the whole company if it's only a cetain location.

I am not defending them. I don't even know them. I am just curious to know "why not them".

 

Thank you Burgmann,

Now that I know what it looks like & the price is right, where do I bolt it up to?

 

Driver's side loop is for Towing Only.
The weld is adequate for constant pressure, but may fail when "tugged or jerked"
The Passenger's side "Tie down" (used for shipping) should be replaced with a hook or eye and longer bolts

Toyota "Off Road" Recovery Hook"


I'll be back with a part # and some links


CC

 

The drivers side hook

 

I been pulled jerked tugged and never had a problem with the drivers side loop... once i was buried to the axle in sand, took about 5 jerks with a standard tow strap

 

Only small shackles fit in that passenger side recovery point, my 3/4 in ones don't fit. I bought a cheepo recovery hook from 4wheel parts until the oem TRD OR one I bought from a tw member comes in.

The driver side loop is only a tie down location.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-...-Hook.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=190&t_pt=4007&t_pl=9354

This or any other hook should work. Or buy the trd or one from a member who doesn't need theirs any more

 

Thanks Burgman!

Thanks mutilatedjack!

 

Oops, this is correct need a 1/2" shackle to fit... didnt pay attention to the link, just typed shackle in Amazon posted the first link

 

Toyota Recovery Hook Part #51961-35080 ($75 +)

2nd gen recovery loop. (Made by Member mustangwilly)
Can't confirm it'll work with TRD Skid Plate

Also some good readin' here:
Let's talk recovery



Good Luck
CC

 

i have never had 4wp install anything for me but i would consider having a diff shop do the install. even if you have to pull your third and mail it somewhere. it may be cheaper and may have better warranty. if not then use 4wp. they didn't get huge by doing bad installs right?

also, dont let anyone tell you horror stories about a tru-trac locking up on pavement. if that happens i think Eaton owes you some money lol. I have heard great things about that little device except that they at one time had problems with some bolts backing out and really reaking havoc. talk to your installer and see if they know anything about that and if Eaton has resolved the problem. If they've never heard of such an issue, dont sweat it.

hope it goes well for you and be sure and tell us how it performs!!!!! i havent read of anybody installing one on their taco yet, and am considering one for myself

 

Just passin' on what I've learned on TW. Driver's Side is for Towing.
TRD "Off Road" Tacoma comes with Recovery Hook on passenger's side for a reason



CC

 

He also needs two bolts P/N: 90119-A0193

Stock parts on the left, bolt and hook on the right.

 

Good Call, My Bad
Mentioned the longer bolts, and failed to post Part #


CC