We've talked about it before, and tonight I went and did it- I had purchased the hooks, and decided to give it a go myself. I also documented the process with photos so you all can get an idea of how hard it is.
Here's the parts:
![Image]()
Tools required are basically just a 3/8" drive metric socket set, a 30mm wrench (I had a 1/2" drive ratchet and socket), and a small screwdriver for pulling out small clips.
You begin by removing the lower front fascia. You pull the 7 quarter turn fasteners as referenced in in the manual, but there's a bunch of clips between the fascia and the bumper cover, so it neither comes off nor goes back on as easily as you'd think.
You do need to separate the lower trim piece from that fascia in order to remove the knockouts for the hooks.
Here's what those knockouts look like from the backside:
![Image]()
And the front end without the fascia:
![Image]()
Now, you will have to remove the splash shield under the front end. NOT the skid plate, but the thin plastic splash guard in front of the axle. Easy enough.
Also, all the needed holes are indeed present and tapped where necessary. Witness the passenger side location for the hook bracket:
![Image]()
The bracket just bolts right up:
![Image]()
At this point comes really the only difficult part of the install. You need to insert the nuts into the front frame rail (not too hard- there's an easy opening on both sides), but then you'll also have to put the spacer bracket, the hook, and the bolts in at the same time. It would be easier if you had 3 hands (and if they're smaller than my huge mitts). Tightening those front bolts isn't the easiest thing, since you need to apply some friction to those nuts to keep them from turning in the frame.
But I got it done:
![Image]()
And a rear view:
![Image]()
Installation on both sides is quite similar.
![Image]()
And all back together:
![Image]()
Total time spent: about 1.5 hours.
Here's the parts:
Tools required are basically just a 3/8" drive metric socket set, a 30mm wrench (I had a 1/2" drive ratchet and socket), and a small screwdriver for pulling out small clips.
You begin by removing the lower front fascia. You pull the 7 quarter turn fasteners as referenced in in the manual, but there's a bunch of clips between the fascia and the bumper cover, so it neither comes off nor goes back on as easily as you'd think.
You do need to separate the lower trim piece from that fascia in order to remove the knockouts for the hooks.
Here's what those knockouts look like from the backside:
And the front end without the fascia:
Now, you will have to remove the splash shield under the front end. NOT the skid plate, but the thin plastic splash guard in front of the axle. Easy enough.
Also, all the needed holes are indeed present and tapped where necessary. Witness the passenger side location for the hook bracket:
The bracket just bolts right up:
At this point comes really the only difficult part of the install. You need to insert the nuts into the front frame rail (not too hard- there's an easy opening on both sides), but then you'll also have to put the spacer bracket, the hook, and the bolts in at the same time. It would be easier if you had 3 hands (and if they're smaller than my huge mitts). Tightening those front bolts isn't the easiest thing, since you need to apply some friction to those nuts to keep them from turning in the frame.
But I got it done:
And a rear view:
Installation on both sides is quite similar.
And all back together:
Total time spent: about 1.5 hours.
