I purchased a pair of OEM front tow hooks and by looking at the instructions it seems like the front bumper has to come off. Is that correct? Has anyone installed these before? How difficult or easy was the install? Any input or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I had to remove my tow hooks when I built my quick disconnect light bar mounts. If your truck is the same as mine the bumper should not need to be removed. Four bolts for each hook. Pull the bolts and the tow hooks come right out the front. It'll probably take more time to find the tools than it will take to install the hooks.

Aloha

 

Since you dont already have tow hooks you should have two plastic covers over those holes that will need to be removed. Just a couple of those plastic screws that I think are just pushed into a hole in the chrome face bar. Grab a pair of pliers to hold the back side of the plastic and then try to unscrew it youll probably have more luck.

 

There have been numerous threads on this in the past. Do a search.
I installed mine by myself. No problem. The bumper does NOT have to be removed. Only hastle was one bolt each side of the intercooler which meant strongarming the rad out of the way a bit.

 

Take the bumper off because you can't get a socket between the bumper and tow hooks from the front. Also you must install the "L" brackets that attach to the bumper and frame. This gives the hooks their strength so you don't rip the bumper off of the truck. If you don't use the brackets than the hooks are just for show. Taking the bumper off makes everything easier but it takes more time.

Chuck

 

When I did mine I had no problem reaching any of the fasteners. Had no problem with the extra plates either. My hooks are installed per the instructions.

 

I had problems removing mine when I went to put my MOPAR pushbar on. There was just no way I could get in there to remove two of the bolts with the bumper on. I took it off and got to the bolts easily..

 

i didn't have to take my bumper off ...
aloha is right, it takes more time to find the tools than do the install ...