Howdy guys, ive just purchased a 2005 F250 XLT here in Australia and am trying to install a Hijacker hitch, that i imported from the U.S. My problem is that ive just tryed to fit the brackets that bolt to the chassis rail and they will not fit due to different rear suspension components and locations, as im told. Is this correct??? Can anyone help with what the difference and why did FORD decide to to have different rear suspension.

Cheers

Rob

 

New one on me...I am unaware of any changes in that area on a 05.

Are you sure you have the correct model hitch for your 05? Might also want to crawl under there yourself and have a look-see. If you have someone that is not familiar with the truck he may just be blowing smoke to cover the fact that he ain't got a clue about what he is doing.

Something else I would do is just call the manufacturer for the answer.

 

Here you go: Installation instructions by year/model

http://www.hijacker.com/pages/installation/manual.htm#2

 

I just installed a Hijacker hitch (actually made in Victoria, BC, Canada) on a 2006 F350 SRW (should be same frame as 2005 F250) and it does need the right brackets. They are detailed on the Hijacker web site as shown in the post above. The front brackets are different from eachother. The passenger side ("starboard" side here in North America) has an angled leg. The rear brackets have the wide lower webs. The instructions on the web are good and it installed very easily.


***** M

 

Thanks for the input guys! Ive been under the F250 for hours trying different locations but the brackets definately do not fit, as per hijacker website instructions. The hitch is a 24-UL 16k. I have the 411 and 411AR front brackets and 411EL and R rear. The problem is that the shock attaches to the outside of the chasis rail exactly where the 411AR should go, ive also tryed this bracket on both sides just incase....
Is this where all your shocks are attached to? In the pictures on the hijacker intructions, it looks like the shocks are on the inside of the chassis rail???? by the way my F250 was made in brazil if that makes any difference.

 

My shocks are fixed on the inside of the rails. I recommend that you email the Hijacker manaufacturer for guidance. They have been quite responsive to my queris in the past.

Is the Aussie F250 the same as the north american version, i.e. does it look like a Superduty?

Good luck.

***** M

 

they aussie trucks are built different in a few areas. they also still come with the 7.3

 

You can check them out at www.ford.com.au
They have some cool stuff we never get to see.

 

Looks like they are still using the 2003 Grill. Interesting.

 

Can you purchase that Bull Bar here in the US? That would be great here in Michigan with all the deer and for those of us that work third shift. I've been to Australia and fully understand the Roo bars and don't understand why we don't have more options in the US then thin brush guards. I'd really like something that would keep me from calling the insurance company with another deer strike.

 

Wow, that bull bar is only $1046 U.S. The warn bumper that looks allot like that is $2000.

 

Ok...
The Australian "05" is essentially a 2002 US model.
Did you order a hitch for an "05" model or an earlier one?

Given you have the F250 it is the wide frame.
If you give us some more details I can help you out.

 

I think I may have found you're problem. I was looking at the truck in the website and I saw the interior shot. The steering wheel is on the wrong side. Everything on that truck may be on the wrong side!! Hee hee

 

Ok - thanks for your PM Rob, I understand the Dilema you are having.
As you have found out - all Australian delivered wide frame SuperDuties come with 4 rear shocks (2 in board, 2 out board) - to reduce suspension bounce, and tail steer over our rough roads.
These aren't all that necessary (the US Superduty doesn't have the out board shocks).
What I would do, to make your 5th wheel hitch fit, is remove the outer shocks, and (for peace of minds sake) install some good quality aftermarket shocks in place of the inner shocks.

 

Thanks BigF350, that makes sense and agree with what FORD has done...our roads are attrocious. I couldn't bring myself to removing the outer shocks and then grinding the bracket off the chassis, so I've now been put onto an engineer to design some new brackets. Hopefully it wont be to costly.

Ive noticed your a mechanical engineer, is this your forte? Any contacts in NSW for something like this.

Thanks for all your help everyone!!