Square Body Tow Hooks - 3 Options?

[Ironhorse]

Pretty much everyone who is familiar with the square body trucks from '73-'87 knows when the truck body changes were made in '88 for the newer GMT400 series. Also after the then known as the RV series instead of the previously designated C and K lettered series. The beefy robust 73-80 " J " looking tow hooks and the more slender looking '81-'87 " S " looking tow hooks.

Recently have come across an additional style which to me apparently combines the robust beefy dimensions of the 73-80 hooks and the more slender style of the 81-87 type. Never seen these before until just last year when I found a pair and knew nothing about them. Since then have done a bit of research altho not an authority by no means. The pics below show the three styles with the 73-80 (Left) - 81-87 (center) - and the combined style of both in the third hook ('88 & newer RV series ) to the right. One can see the bolt holes of the larger hooks line up completely to the 81-87 hooks. From what I can find the larger hooks were offered for the 88 and up RV series one ton trucks but....should fit with the 81-87 trucks.

Dimensions of the J hooks are: a 5/8'' dia. bolt hole, 1'' round hook and the part # 328072.

The S style hooks are: a 9/16'' dia. bolt hole, 15/16'' round hook and do not find a part number.

The combined style have a square shank curved to match the S style hook, a 5/8'' dia. bolt hole and the 1'' round hook. Left side has the #14029217 and right side #14029218.

Have not found out a lot of info one the combination style but it was an option on the GMT400 trucks and can possibly be used on the earlier square body trucks? Any comments or related info is much appreciated. The left and center hooks belong to my BIL (member old wagon) and the far right hand hooks I recently acquired. From what I can find they were normally used on the one ton 4x4s which would make since as a heavier truck and frame. They will be offered on the parts board at some point shortly as I am a 67-72 guy. Just thought I would share some interesting info that I have found. As mentioned, comments or further info is appreciated.

[kwmech]

I have a set of the flat ones sitting around here somewhere. There is a curved set on my Suburban that resembles the center
set. My 'burb is a 91

[Ironhorse]

Suburbans and Blazers didn't change the body styling other than the grill and headlights I believe until '92. '88 was the body change year for the pickups. I had a '91 1/2 ton 4x4 Suburban several years ago. Was a great family ride, very comfortable.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Suburbans and Blazers didn't change the body styling other than the grill and headlights I believe until '92. '88 was the body change year for the pickups. I had a '91 1/2 ton 4x4 Suburban several years ago. Was a great family ride, very comfortable.

It is a great ride. I'm doing a ton of work to it right now to finish it up and get it back on the road. Been on non-op now for 2 years. Now that the weather should be done with rain and snow I can blow the seats out of it and fix a little wiring and replace the carpets.

And yes the platform changed in 92 on the burb and blazer. I think GM messed up eliminating the straight axle. They could have at least kept it in the 1 tons. GM also should have bought cummins

[Ironhorse]

Any one else familiar with these far right hand tow hooks? Same configuration as the smaller diameter 81-87 center tow hooks but much more beefy in size.

[karlbenz]

I have a set off a 84

[Ironhorse]

Karl, would you elaborate on the tow hooks you have on your '84.

Are they exactly the same as the far right hand hooks shown in the pic?

Are they listed on the SIPD info sticker and by what option code?

Is your truck a 1/2 ton, a 3/4 ton or one ton?

Is your truck a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?

Until late last year I had never seen that particular size and style of tow hook for the 73-87 series of trucks. Apparently they are some what uncommon in the square body world of trucks? I am wondering just what year they were first offered and they were a specially ordered option? Would appreciate any questions you can answer from above list.

[Ironhorse]

Bringing this back to the top, nearly 500 views and two replies? Surely there are some other board members with some knowledge and information about the far right hand tow hooks. Rare? Little known available option? One ton only? Would really like to know more about these hooks. Have only seen TWO examples in all the years I've been playing with trucks.

[karlbenz]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Karl, would you elaborate on the tow hooks you have on your '84.

Are they exactly the same as the far right hand hooks shown in the pic?

Are they listed on the SIPD info sticker and by what option code?

Is your truck a 1/2 ton, a 3/4 ton or one ton?

Is your truck a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?

Until late last year I had never seen that particular size and style of tow hook for the 73-87 series of trucks. Apparently they are some what uncommon in the square body world of trucks? I am wondering just what year they were first offered and they were a specially ordered option? Would appreciate any questions you can answer from above list.

Mine are the ones on the right. No longer have truck. It was 4wd. 1/2 ton

[kwmech]

Given the center and the right hand set have the same curvature to them, it may be as simple as 2 different manufacturers. East coast west coast thing?? I dunno, just throwing that out there

[wazzabie]

Are these tow hooks cast or forged?

[Ironhorse]

The tow hooks are forged, VERY heavy and just sent them thru my bead blaster. Gave them two coats of primer and two coats of satin black. As I don't have a square body truck, I will be posting them in the WIW section at a later date and then posting them to the square body parts forum.

[JT_Trucks87]

These are the hooks on my 1990 GMC V3500.

[Ironhorse]

The hooks on that 1990 V3500 are the same as the hooks in the center of the pic and normally found on the 81-87 trucks. The far right hooks in the pic have the same curvature and bolt hole pattern but are much heavier in construction. Trying to find out more about them as to when and how they were offered from GM and maybe if exclusively to the one ton trucks.

[Ironhorse]

Ran all three sets of tow hooks thru my bead blaster recently, primed and painted. Large J hook and center S style hooks belong to my BIL, member old wagon. The large J style hooks to the left have the letter " U " showing on the shank of the hook. No lettering, marks or part numbers at all on the center tow hooks which are normally found on the 81-87 trucks. Again find the letter " U " on the shank of the far right hand tow hooks. Still a bit of a mystery on these for me. This is only the second set of this style I have ever run across. Part numbers of 14029218 & 14029217 on the large right hand hooks. 328072 number on the " J " style hooks. NO numbers or marks on the " S " looking hooks but same hole spacing with larger diameter hole on the large right hand hooks. Appears they will bolt right up to the 81-87 frames as they match bolt locations. Sure would like to know just how these were made available and on what trucks specifically.