How would you fix this (minor frame issue)?

[4Runner4Leon]

I took off the factory tow hook on the front frame rail in preparation for paint, and discovered that the previous owner must have whacked the hook against something solid, pushing it back and in slightly.

Here are the bolts without the hook, you can see how they are tilted due to the damage:



And here is the frame rail, you can see it dented in at the rear bolt, and out at the front bolt, consistent with having the hook hit against something:



I think it's mostly cosmetic, but it bothers me enough to want to fix it. But I'm struggling figuring out how to do it. There is not enough room on the inside to hit it outward with a big sledge, due to the radiator - and I'm not sure I can hit it hard enough anyway. And I don't think that pulling on the hook with anything I have would work either.

Any ideas, short of paying someone to do it?

 

[MN4runnerman]

To be honest I wouldn’t fix it. And I don’t think there is any home DIY garage monkey way to fix it. Either have a shop with a frame rack fix it or don’t do it.

 

[Scramble]

To be honest I wouldn’t fix it. And I don’t think there is any home DIY garage monkey way to fix it. Either have a shop with a frame rack fix it or don’t do it.

Agreed...

 

[4Runner4Leon]

Thanks guys! I was leaning in that direction too, but wanted to check to see if any of the folks here might have a creative solution. I'll just paint the hook and call it done .