Installed my Front mount receiver hitch and winch today. I tried flipping and reversing the brackets like I read in another post to save the fogs but they would not fit through the bumper so I went with plan B, I posted some pics in my gallery, link below. If anyone has any questions about the install ask away and I will answer as soon as I can.

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - radmacks's Album: Curt Front Hitch Install

 

How did you manage to secure the inner bolts (silver ones)? I had a difficult time and finally gave up and swapped them to the outside. Then, I bought the OEM black bolts and retainers in the back to replace it.

 

I hate the silver look going to spray them with some black gloss tremclad, I bent the handles lit a smoke and sat there taking turns with 2 buddies until we got em. We went from the bottom up on both bolts and just kept bending the bolt handle until we finally got it. I think it took us probably an hour to get the inside silver ones threaded. Not exactly the best design but I like it better then then the lower mounted one. Still have to loosen it up and re center the bumper, its a little off as you can see.

 

very nice job. I did the same front hitch on my 02 diesel about 5 years ago, I really like having the hitch available when I'm towing my trailer to either put my bike rack or a utility rack on the front.

What winch do you have and what did you pay for it? Very nice.

 

I have been thinking about installing the hitch also. When you say the lower mounted one, do you mean there is a front mount hitch that comes out below the bumper? I need to carry a light weight motorcycle on the front when I am pulling my TT. I'm wondering if this hitch will put the bike up too high and block my forward view?

 

The winch was $349.99 complete with winch mount system at Costco Champion Power Equipment brand, I did some reading up and a Jeep club in BC did a bunch of testing with it and liked them.

Yes there is a model that replaces the blocker beam that sits below the bumper much easier to install and if your mounting bikes and motorcycles I would probably go with the lower one.

We straightened the bumper this morning and painted the tow hooks and bolt heads looks much better now.