Installing a 3 inch hitch, hardware the same?
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,177
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
Installing a 3 inch hitch, hardware the same?
I bought a 2019 f250 and the hitch is a little rusty crusty flakey.
I have a spare take off 3 inch off a 2017 F450 (flatbed install). And a 3 inch shank.
Does anyone know the hardware differences? Will the 2.5” hitch bolts do the job or should I order some hardware?
Anyone have 2 trucks, one of each?
Thanks,
Joe
I have a spare take off 3 inch off a 2017 F450 (flatbed install). And a 3 inch shank.
Does anyone know the hardware differences? Will the 2.5” hitch bolts do the job or should I order some hardware?
Anyone have 2 trucks, one of each?
Thanks,
Joe
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1,172
From: East TN
No differences at all. 6 massive bolts per side - 4 of which are inserted top-down, which makes removing them on a truck with a bed installed a nightmare.
Last edited by B-ManFX4; Dec 15, 2025 at 05:10 AM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1,172
From: East TN
What does that mean? You have to remove them to swap out the hitch. When I installed the hitch, I put all the bolts in from the bottom. I'm sure the only reason they are in from the top is for ease of assembly on the line, before the bed is installed. I used a ratchet wrench to get them out. Took about 20 minutes per bolt - they are kind of long and there isn't a lot of space to swing the wrench.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2,417
From: Everywhere and nowhere
This isn't possible because the bolts have to come out to remove the hitch and place the new hitch. Then the bolts go back through the hitch and frame. It isn't possible to take the hitch off without removing the bolts from the holes.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,177
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
Is it worth having to buy new bed bolts and just raising the bed up 6 inches or so via blocking it up? Probably take 30 minutes.
I am also planning on putting a 60 gallon S&B in it too.
I am also planning on putting a 60 gallon S&B in it too.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1,172
From: East TN
It would definitely be helpful to remove the bed. I installed the S&B and getting the clamps on the filler hoses took more time than the entire rest of the installation. The clamps were obviously installed from above, before the bed went on. Taking them off was an exercise in patience - a ratchet wrench literally getting one click at a time because of the tight quarters. I looked at pulling the bed but opted to not do so because of the spray-in liner, the lack of owning an e-torx socket of the proper size and a very limited timeframe for installation.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1,172
From: East TN
You can't spin the nuts off because they are welded to a plate and there are two per plate, for at least four of them. You have to remove the bolts to get the hitch out.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,177
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
Ok well the bed is coming off it takes 30 mins. The only PITA is getting the wiring loom back in factory exact to the passenger side.
The spray in liner isnt on the bolts either. Wonder if this is factory? If not then probably need new bolts as they would be thrice installed.
The spray in liner isnt on the bolts either. Wonder if this is factory? If not then probably need new bolts as they would be thrice installed.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 605
Likes: 317
No need to remove the bed from the truck. Just lift it up about 6" or so to get the access you need. I used 4x6 blocks to hold the bed up. When I installed the underbed 5th wheel prep that's how I did it. The bed was surprisingly light.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,177
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
Did you have to pop the harness loose that goes to the right tail light. I probably will do it this way if so.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post