New question I've not seen but not newbie :p

Which is "better" for use as a vehicle recovery point?

I'm looking at shackles for the rear of my Cruiser. But for the front, I can do shackles OR "bolt-on" a pair of old S10 ram's horn looking tow hooks.

The tow hooks look kind of nice because of the "fast" tow strap attaching capability. But the strength has me a little worried(2 3/8" bolts vs 3 or 4 5/8" bolts)

well if they're both rated for the same weight and both anchored well it shouldn't matter. In the rear you may want to look into a pintle hook of some kind. That's what i have, it's rated at something like 25,000lbs.

-Steve

I'm not sure about the rating on an S10 tow hook... I do know they fold when you land on top of them though:p

I'm not dead sure on my shackle's rating either but the mounting shouldn't be an issue :p

I do have a pintel hook I could mount on the ass end... but I would rather go with the shackles for a cleaner look/low profile/ less rock grabbing:emb:

Go with a clevis or screw pin shackle.. It will be of a known strength, can be had for $7.00 or so each, even the small ones (1/2) have a higher rating (depending on type and quality) than most any one is going to put to it.

clevis will typically be stronger for the size.....

definitly prefer d-rings, they fully capture the tow strap, are plenty strong and I feel they handle side loads better