just got aftermarket brushguard...started removing the front tow hooks.. remove all three visible bolts on the tow hook and still wont comeoff ..is there a hiiden bolt behind the bumper? thanks for any info....

 

Shouldn't be. Once you take off the tow loop, there are 2 * 15/16" bolts to come out, and a #30 Torx screw in the center to come out. After that, the mount should just come off. Mine is an '07, and that's all it took. What year is yours?

 

Doing a search on the forum, it looks like some earlier models had tow hooks that had a bolt from the back. If you do not have the torx scre in the front center, then this may be the case. This thenrequires the bumper to be removed to get them off, or topartially insert the two side bolts into the tow hook mount, and using a lever or pipewrench, turn the whole mount counterclockwise MANY times. The latter method may result in some scratches, but your brushguard should hide them. The bumper is not that hard to remove, just did it myself!

 

ouch

 

Hit it with a sledgehammer..it'll come off..

Other than that, yes there is a screw from behind the bumber holding it on.

 

Dennis, I'd let you work on my truck any day......... NOT! [sm=icon_rofl.gif]

 

I had that same problem, came inside, went onto this forum and searched and found the answer. I forget who posted the answer but yes there is a useless screw (for those of us without the visible torx screw) that GM used to hold the tow hook in place during assembely but has no value once installed. I simply placed a large screw driver (any thing that is long and fits in the hole will work.... no wise comments please) and pushed down on it until the hook mounts began to spin and eventually fall off. It did leave a few small scraps on the bumper, but its behind the tow hook so once you put the guard on and the hooks on its not visible. I could have removed the bumper and all that craziness but I realized its was more work and the only damage will never be visible.

 

I drilled mine out. Worked pretty good. I fumbled around for a half hour trying to get the bumper off, I could see the little dinky bolt holdin up the show from under neath. So a good sharp bit, I lined up where the bolt was and zip off they came. This was before anyone i could find on the forums had just twisted them off. So end result was a small hole on tow hook piece. No problem, Just dabbed alittle silicone in the holes.

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That's a good plan too!

 

thanks for all the info guys
will post pics soon...