like i need to add more metal to my ride... :-)

I notice draw-tite has a hitch they claim fits the front of '91 vans. for example,
see http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/fron...t_ford.htm#Van

Are the frames on the 75-91 all the same such that I could mount this on my '82 E350? if so, why don't they list this as also fitting older vans? Or are the 91's different some how in the front than the older models?

thanx!

 

I have been wondering almost the same thing.
I need a tow hitch for the rear, and the same part is listed for E150-350.
That doesn't seem right, but it is that way whereevre I check it out.

 

Whiskey6, I'm pretty sure the frame is the same for E150/250/350's. Just the suspension components that differ. So you should easily be able to find a rear-mounted hitch for your '03.

My question refers to any difference there may be in frames (especially in the front) between the 91's and the older models. The bodies all look the same to me, but i haven't had a chance to compare the frame of a '91 to my '82.

Looking at the photos of the draw-tite 65001, it appears that it would bolt up to the rear-most mounting hole of the front sway bar and another hole in the frame about 8" further back. I need about 4" drop to clear my sway bar, but it looks like it might just work...

anyone out there got a front-mounted hitch on your 75-90 E-van?

thanx.

 

I would almost bet that your frame is differant.
I had couple of older E150s and I had a mid 80s E250, and if I remember right, back then there was a BIG diff in the size of the frames between the two.
If the frames are now the same, then they may be differant from the older ones.
On the other hand, the suspention hasn't changed in who knows how long...
Might wanna try calling one of the Hitch Mfgs. I used to sell Reese and one of the others in a store I worked in, and they were always very helpfull.

 

I bet an email to draw-tite would be answered......

 

i guess i shoulda thought of that. here's their reply: :-(

1990 and older Econolines have a different frame on the front - the 1991 and newer hitch will not fit. If you really want a FrontMount you will have to have one made by a fabricator.

 

Another option, but more expensive, is to have a bumper made. I have thought of it several times. I have a '78 Quadravan and I want to be able to use a winch front and back. So, I need a front receiver hitch, and the only way to do that is to have it fabricated, or buy a new bumper.

http://members.aol.com/sterlingeq/index.htm

bob

 

You can buy a small welder and make your own if you are into that sort of thing.
The first project i did with mine paid for itself.
It shouldn't be a big job to make one.

 

They sell adjustable width receivers in JCW for about $150 that could easily be bolted to the front of the van.