Toyota OEM Rear Recovery Hook (Part number # PT974-89251-03 and PT974-89251-AA)

[Mad Ghost]

I've got a TRD ORP with the standard black recovery points (2 front, 1 back). Photos below. My question: is there a functional improvement going with the red Toyota recovery points (or something like this sxth-element prototype)? Or is it mostly about looks? The alternate recovery points all seem to provide maybe a bit more access but its not clear to me that there is a real functional benefit. But I don't know which is why I'm asking. (And to other question above, I am not recommending this but was gifted it for xmas and look forward to using it to help someone ELSE out of being stuck: Hokinety Recovery rope)

TRD OR recovery point rear:

TRD OR recovery points front (black in front of shock to either side of skid pad):

I am far from an expert so I asked a computer if it was just for looks or not and I thought it was a good answer


Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s going on with Toyota’s standard black recovery/tow points on your 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road and the Toyota upgrade (Part No. PT974-89251-03) — and whether the upgrade is just looks or if there’s functional value to it:

What the Standard Black Recovery/Tow Points Are

• The black loops/hooks on your 4Runner from the factory are typically tow/tie-down points and not marketed with a specific heavy off-road recovery rating like you’d see on dedicated, rated recovery hooks. (IH8MUD Forum)
• Many Toyota tie-down/tow “loops” have historically been designed to meet shipping, transport, and light towingspecs, not the dynamic and multi-directional loads you see in a full off-road recovery. (IH8MUD Forum)
• Some owners and forums point out ambiguity in Toyota’s documentation about whether factory hooks are “recovery rated.” (IH8MUD Forum)

In practical terms, the factory black hook/tie points will handle routine light pulls, but they’re not generally rated for heavy kinetic or angled recovery loads in the way serious off-road gear is.

Toyota Upgrade: Rear Recovery Hook PT974-89251-03

• Toyota’s parts listing describes PT974-89251-03 as a genuine rear recovery/tow hook engineered to support off-road recovery tasks — stronger and more robust than generic tie-downs. (Toyota Direct Auto Parts)
• Community reports also mention that this OEM part feels heavier and more substantial than the black factory piece, hinting at a more solid build — not just cosmetic. (4Runner6G)
• There are hints that the upgraded part may come in a TRD Red version (e.g., PT974-89251-AA for the right side), which more clearly identifies it as a recovery hook and looks more purposeful than plain black. (Toyota of Hackensack Auto Parts)

So Is the Upgrade Just Aesthetic?
Not purely. While looks are part of it (e.g., red finish on the upgraded hook), there is likely some difference in functional intent:

Better design for actual recovery use — the OEM hook version from Toyota is meant as a recovery hook, not just a tie-down point, and is perceived as more robust. (Toyota Direct Auto Parts)
Heavier/stronger feel — owner reports suggest the upgrade feels structurally beefier than stock. (4Runner6G)
However: Toyota doesn’t publicly publish specific load ratings for these hooks in all cases, and forums note that many factory hooks across Toyota models are not formally “rated recovery points.” (IH8MUD Forum)

So while the OEM upgrade is designed for better recovery use and is better quality than simple tie-down loops, it may not transform your stock loop into a high-strength, off-road recovery anchor in the same way a dedicated, rated aftermarket pair would.

Recommendation
If your priority is functional, off-road recovery strength — especially for serious situations (winching, angled pulls, kinetic rope, etc.) — you might consider proper, rated recovery points that bolt directly to the frame. Examples include:

• 25+ 4Runner SXTH Element Recovery Points (Black) – CNC-machined hooks with higher load capacity than stock.
• 2025‑Current Toyota 4Runner Lower Front Recovery Points Blac – steel frame-mounted points designed for robust recovery use.
• Nytop Rear Recovery Points For 4Runner (2025‑Current) – aftermarket rear points with solid capacity and frame mounting.

These aftermarket points are specifically made with stronger material and rated loads — which you can’t always assume from Toyota’s stock black points or even the Toyota accessory hook.

Quick Summary

• Standard black hooks: Good for light towing and tie-down duties, not purpose-built for heavy off-road recovery.
• Toyota upgrade (PT974-89251-03): More robust OEM recovery hook — better than stock and tangible improvement beyond aesthetics, but still might lack formal recovery load ratings.
• Best for heavy use: Dedicated aftermarket recovery points designed and rated for off-road pull/kinetic rope use.

If you want, I can help you compare specific load ratings or talk through front vs rear recovery point setups for the 2025 TT4R!

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[Tarekith]

Gresham Toyota has these for the same price and mine shipped next day FWIW.

 

[DannyvanDelft]

Where did you get the front tow hooks?

I ordered them through a Cincinnati Toyota dealer. Same as the skid plate. Arrived super quick

 

[Kagi30]

Did you lower your spare tire to install your rear recovery hitch?

Took delivery of my ORP last night, installed the tow hooks and skid plate this morning.

 

[TRD Pro or Die Trying]

Did you lower your spare tire to install your rear recovery hitch?

If you're only going to use a socket wrench (17 mm), you will have to lower the spare because there isn't room to fit the socket wrench without lowering the spare. But if you have just a normal wrench you can get it installed without lowering the spare. That's what I did, but most folks probably lower the spare.

 

[DannyvanDelft]

Did you lower your spare tire to install your rear recovery hitch?

Yes, but if you have a shallow socket you probably won't need to.

 

[Kagi30]

Cool! Thanks!

Yes, but if you have a shallow socket you probably won't need to.

 

[DannyvanDelft]

Cool! Thanks!

If you have a wrench set where one end is a ratchet you definitely won't need to.

 

[BadTrainDriver]

Did you lower your spare tire to install your rear recovery hitch?

I installed mine yesterday with a 17mm shallow socket and 3/8" ratchet and did not need to lower my spare, FYI.

 

[gvan1998]

I installed mine yesterday with a 17mm shallow socket and 3/8" ratchet and did not need to lower my spare, FYI.

Same

 

[BonRunner]

If anyone in the market for the OEM rear red hook, Serra Toyota in AL has it for the lowest in the country at $97.75, free shipping.

I've searched far and while across 50 dealerships in my state and nearby states.. All are selling at $110-$120. I use another platform to search and it pinpointed the lowest price to this place. Might not be much but a saving is a saving!!

 

[BadTrainDriver]

If anyone in the market for the OEM rear red hook, Serra Toyota in AL has it for the lowest in the country at $97.75, free shipping.

I've searched far and while across 50 dealerships in my state and nearby states.. All are selling at $110-$120. I use another platform to search and it pinpointed the lowest price to this place. Might not be much but a saving is a saving!!

Hoover is still better, FYI. Once you go to checkout, it lowers the price further:

4runner Rear Recovery Hook

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