Receiver hitch
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From: Hillsboro, OR
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Pretty much the ones sold at wal-mart are a "one size fits all" deal and adjustable and are not made specifically for the ranger. I'd say go to your local Truck accessories store and ask them about a nice, name brand hitch. That'll be your best bet. Pretty much all the large hitch manufacturers should carry a hitch that will bolt right up with no drilling and will fit the spare. The one I have mounts using the rear bumper bolts. It mounts inbetween the bumper mounts and the frame (if you have the rear tow hook, it's got to be removed, but you have a hitch now so you can use it as one). Causes the bumper to be about 1/2 inch lower, but it looks alright. I'd say spend the few extra $$ and get a class 3 (for safetys sake), and a name brand if for no other reason than it will go a lot longer than a cheapo one without rusting. I learned that the hard way. Paid about $20 less for mine, but it was all rusty before the first winter was over.
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From: SW Va
Well I opted for the factory tow package on my 99 4.0L which comes with a class 3 hitch & wiring harness plug & have used it HARD since & all has performed well & are holding up well.
All that said, if money is tight, you might call your local salvage yards & see if you can come by a fairly new one. It'll fit & tow right.
Also consider picking up the tranny oil cooler with it, if you don't already have one.
I also bought a "Cushioned Ball Mount", from Convert-A-Ball to lessen the shock of fore & aft jerks on the driveline.
It really rounds off the bumps & jerks while towing.
The hitch pin fits though slots in the side of the hitch, then through a metal fitting which is free to move for & aft inside the hitch tubing, but is sanwitched/cushioned, on either end by polyurathane plugs that absorb the fore/aft towing shocks. Check it out @ www.convertaball.com/ballmounts.htm
Don't know what kind of trailer you'll be towing, but the oil cooler, a heavy duty alternator for the extra lights, & the cushioned ball mount, wouldn't be bad considerations. IMHO
All that said, if money is tight, you might call your local salvage yards & see if you can come by a fairly new one. It'll fit & tow right.
Also consider picking up the tranny oil cooler with it, if you don't already have one.
I also bought a "Cushioned Ball Mount", from Convert-A-Ball to lessen the shock of fore & aft jerks on the driveline.
It really rounds off the bumps & jerks while towing.
The hitch pin fits though slots in the side of the hitch, then through a metal fitting which is free to move for & aft inside the hitch tubing, but is sanwitched/cushioned, on either end by polyurathane plugs that absorb the fore/aft towing shocks. Check it out @ www.convertaball.com/ballmounts.htm
Don't know what kind of trailer you'll be towing, but the oil cooler, a heavy duty alternator for the extra lights, & the cushioned ball mount, wouldn't be bad considerations. IMHO
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