Can the factory tow (tie-down) points by used for recovery?

The front point is 10mm rod bent into a U-shape and welded onto the left chasis rail. Is it strong enough to be used for recovery or will it rip off?

If it is strong enough then I would want to replicate it on the other rail so as to distribute the load onto both rails.

So could this work, as it would be cheaper then buying recovery hooks and also fabricating brackets so it wouldn't foul the factory bumper?

Cheers

This is a tough call to make. That factory hook can take some abuse but to use it in a pull while snatching is probably not a good thing. It's strength vs the amount of force necessary to pull something, that's the call to make. In some cases, it's fine, but when you are in the mud up to the frame and floorboards where the mud is soupy (where you would loose your boot if you step in it), I wouldn't trust it.
Same for the rear hook. Use a tow frame on the back and feel more secure. At least it's been rated at 3500#s.....for the 2" hitch frame. It's also bolted into the frame at 4 points (4 bolts).

The front one seems quite strong, I have used it many times to snatch out of sand, sometimes almost at a 90deg angle. I don't drive mud very often so I don't know how much harder that is on the hook.
As for the rear, don't use it. The hook is attached to bits of pressed metal under there and they will tear and maybe come off.
I always try to drive the car out first with digging / jacking / packing etc. Snatching & winching just plain scares me.
Hope that helps 

i've used the front and rear stock tow points on my '01 tracker a few times

never had a problem with them, but i go real easy on them and have only pulled straight ahead (like it suggests in the owners manual)

a hitch would make a good recovery point in the rear, but i'm unsure what could be done up front without butchering the truck

i've used the front and rear stock tow points on my '01 tracker a few times

never had a problem with them, but i go real easy on them and have only pulled straight ahead (like it suggests in the owners manual)

a hitch would make a good recovery point in the rear, but i'm unsure what could be done up front without butchering the truck

There are tow frames which are bolted to the front frame horn for flat towing Suzuki's behind a motorhome or other vehicle. These would work also for a front tow point. The strength is in how they are attached to the frame and how many planes.

i'll have to check one of those out - thanks!