2012 Ram 2500 Factory Tow Hooks

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I recently installed a Ranch Hand grille guard on my 2012 Ram 2500, CTD. The grille guard installed where the factory tow hooks bolt. I had to remove the two brackets (shown in the top of the photo) that were bolted on the bottom of the frame rails. What are these brackets used for? The actual tow hooks are re-installed on the inside of the grille guard uprights.

 

I'll just take a guess without looking at my 2012 CTD.
I am guessing that these are a part of the Factory Snow Plow Prep option, maybe????
Quick way to verify this would be to check the VIN and the Factory Original equipment list options associated with the VIN.
My 2012 2500 CTD has the Snow Plow Prep option and I will try to take a look under it later today to see if those brackets are present.

Anyone else have any ideas?
~Chad

 

OK, quick expedition to the driveway, with a flashlight and inspection of said "mystery brackets", appears to reinforce the first guess.
They appear to be the vertical support brackets for a Snow Plow Installation. So I believe the mystery has been solved.
~C

 

I thought that’s what they might be. Thanks for the info.!

 

I don’t think that the snow plow prep adds any brackets, just a transfer case skid plate and a bigger alternator.

They are likely the brackets required for the frame to sit low enough that we don’t swallow small cars whole in an accident.