Removing tow hooks without removing skid plate?

[antwon412]

Planned on painting my tow hooks today. Cannot get the second bolt out. It is on there TIGHT. I don’t have the correct 3/4“ breaker bar at the moment. Good excuse to buy a new tool!
For those of you that have removed them, did you drop the skid plate? Trying to avoid that. Or did a breaker bar do the job?

 

[dts828]

Planned on painting my tow hooks today. Cannot get the second bolt out. It is on there TIGHT. I don’t have the correct 3/4“ breaker bar at the moment. Good excuse to buy a new tool!
For those of you that have removed them, did you drop the skid plate? Trying to avoid that. Or did a breaker bar do the job?

Nope, just remove 2 bolts and slide from back side. The 1 bolt has retaining washer so you need to tap it out.

 

[JJ_Rebel]

I just used a 1/2" socket wrench. Mine came off pretty easy. You will need a crowbar or maybe a 2x4 to wedge up in there and pop out the retaining washer. That retaining washer can be tuff to get out, and once you get it, the washer will be ruined so just throw it away. There's a couple of good videos on youtube if you get stuck.
- hope that helps.

 

[silverWS6]

Didn't remove the skid plate. I did fail on my first attemp like you... then bought more tools and got it done!