Martin S.

A buddy of mine was loading his 2014 GT3 on a trailer, needed to load with a winch. Much to his surprise, the aftermarket tow hook shears off at the bumper. Lots of grief trying to extract the broken remains, but eventually it was done. Replaced it with stock tow hook. Upon hearing this, I replaced my front aftermarket tow hook with stock, not so cool looking, but rugged.

I also wanted a tow hook for the rear...was going to use the stock GT3 tow hook. My local shop suggested using the 928 tow hook, it's a bit longer, more rugged. Drilled a hole through the license plate allowing me to leave the track for gas and not have to worry about getting a ticket...about $10 for the hook.

Mussl Kar

I have 2 aftermarket tow hooks. They are supposed to be 991.2 tow hooks. BS on that. The 991.2 requires a longer shaft to reach the interior threaded socket. The aftermarket ones put spacers on the threaded portion so the eye will not hit the bumper when tightened. You are left with a lot fewer threads engaged in the socket. I winch in and use the OEM eye in front, and it just sticks out enough for the hook. Your friend may also have his winch not centered on the eye, pulls side strain on eye. My rear plate is drilled for access to the socket and the rennline hook is there, just use it to pull the car out by hand. Can see the hook real good in the backup camera.

Martin S.

When I took the aftermarket tow hook out, upon seeing my friends grief, I noticed those washers. Now I get w=hat they were for.

I am very happy to be back to stock 996 front and the rugged and longer 928 rear. Aftermarket can come back to bite you from time to time...my experience.

okie981

When I took my BS in to a dyno shop, I showed him my aftermarket tow hook and the OEM hook to use to help strap the car down. He said he never uses aftermarket tow hooks because too many of them have broken off in different situations over his years being around track cars. He described them breaking off exactly like in first post above.

Mussl Kar

The OEM tow eye appears to be forged for strength and toughness. All aftermarket ones I have set eyes upon are turned bar stock.

85Gold

Bar stock SS should be fine, it’s the AL or 2 piece shafts that are weak.

Peter

okie981

I've seen a Rennline tow hook snap off just like OP described. I believe it's machined out of bar stock where the break occurred.

Mussl Kar

The Rennline threads end with a stress riser. Any side pull will focus stress before the shoulder where the threads end.

will968

Use webbing. It won't punch a hole though someone's door, and it will get your car back to pit lane just fine. I hate seeing crap protruding out of someone's front bumper!

85Gold

This is off my GT2 that went into the tires right side climbing Sss’s at VIR. It bent and didn’t break. I still carry it in my truck to remind me that if my head isn’t in the game to come off track.


Peter

TulaneAg

I just watched this happen to my Rennline folding the hook at COTA 15 mins ago. Luckily I still had stock tow hook and we got it loaded. And I had just read this thread earlier this week. Weird...

mdrums

Sticking with stock hook....

txhokie4life

Are the threads in the bumper support aluminum or steel?

mike