Using spacers to install hitch?!?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Using spacers to install hitch?!?
Still trying to get this hitch installed, I got it off my 79, and my 85 has the same mounting holes. The problem is I have an aftermarket drop bumper, that stops me from mounting the hitch flat to the frame. It's only has about 1/2" gap. Would it be safe to use some thick washers or some oversize nuts to space the hitch from the frame to clear the bumper, or should I just find another bumper? 
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg
You could use 3/4" steel plate, cut to fit where the hitch rests against the frame, and probably longer bolts. Definitely use two nuts though. I wouldn't do this if you are maxing out your towing limits though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
I would not do it because it is the clamping force of the hitch against the frame that makes it effective and not just the shear ability of the bolts. The waskers will not provide a big enough surface or be stiff enough.
Example: The recall on the Expeditions all centered around the undercoating on the frame preventing effective clamping of the plates so eventually the bolts would become loose and fail. Of course, many technicians doing the recall rarely removed the undercoating like they were suppose to and just zipped the new plates and bolts on because the flat rate did not pay enough in thier opinion. Some just replaced the bolts.
I think it would be far safer just to raise the bumper a bit on brackets, many bumpers and brackets have oval type holes tomake small adjustments while on the vehicle. I know factory type 80s bumpers had oval slots in the body/frame of the bumper so you could adjust them.
Example: The recall on the Expeditions all centered around the undercoating on the frame preventing effective clamping of the plates so eventually the bolts would become loose and fail. Of course, many technicians doing the recall rarely removed the undercoating like they were suppose to and just zipped the new plates and bolts on because the flat rate did not pay enough in thier opinion. Some just replaced the bolts.
I think it would be far safer just to raise the bumper a bit on brackets, many bumpers and brackets have oval type holes tomake small adjustments while on the vehicle. I know factory type 80s bumpers had oval slots in the body/frame of the bumper so you could adjust them.
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