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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 10:48 PM
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From: Mexifornia
Front Hitch

So much about add-ons recently...

I want to put a front hitch on and was wondering if anyone has done this; and how big the job was; and what brand you ended up with?
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 11:07 PM
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Hidden hitch. Takes about 30 minutes and a ratchet. Then buy a receiver plug for it and bolt ont he front license plate. You can't even tell it's there until you need it. Works great!
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 11:09 PM
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I had one on my '05 easy install I bought a hiddenhitch from www.etrailer.com you will need to remove the bumper. Also if you have driving lights you will lose them or need to make a new mount and reposition them.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 11:15 PM
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Does it retain the factory tow hooks? I can't figure that out. And don't I need to remove the grill to get to the top bolts to take off the bumper? It appears there are more bolts on the top.

Thanks
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 05:06 AM
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Moved to SD...Enjoy.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 05:35 AM
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bodiak makes a front hitch that retains yer front foglamps,i also heard warn does also
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:47 AM
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Tow hooks stay. The foglights need to be remounted. I just removed the foglight bracket, then attached them directly to the hitch. Looking at my truck you'd never know there was a hitch there until I hooked up my winch or motorcycle carrier.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:57 AM
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www.etrailer.com just sent me an e-mail, 99 cent shipping right now for orders over $150.00. The Draw-Tite front mount was around $125.00. Fairly easy install, liked it so much on the Suburban it was an easy decision for the X.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 10:11 AM
  #9  
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From: Mexifornia
Thanks...I dont have fog lights but want the hooks, I had one for my Suburban and ther pickup, but I made it. With steel costs and my time for less than 200 I'd rather buy one...BTW does the grill have to come out to get to all the bumper bolts?
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 12:51 PM
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No, the grill doesn't have to be removed. Yes, you will keep the hooks.

If you ever need to remove the grill don't be afraid. It is a very easy job.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 04:59 PM
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I'm not a mechanic by any means and I got mine on in about 30 minutes with only a ratchet set. Four bolts on the front, one bolt in each wheel well. As a heads up I would get an old blankey out and lay it in front of your truck. WHen you remove the bumper you can set it on the blanket to keep in from getting scratched for about a few minutes while you put on the hitch.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 10:01 PM
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Are those the four bolts next to the tow hooks?
Are the fender well bolts the ones at the end of the hoizontal brakets?
Lastly; is there any drilling?
Thanks
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 10:33 PM
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"Are those the four bolts next to the tow hooks? "
Yes.
"Are the fender well bolts the ones at the end of the hoizontal brakets?"
Yes.
"Lastly; is there any drilling?"
I installed a Draw Tite. It could be installed using just the 4 OEM bumper bolts, but it's made to be installed with 8 bolts. The additional bolts are included with the receiver.
You'll need to drill 4 more 1/2" holes through the bumper mounting brackets using the receiver as a template. You don't need to drill the truck frame extensions. The matching holes are already there (at least on a 2006).
I have the installation instructions as a .pdf. Send me an email if you'd like me to email them to you.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 10:50 PM
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My hidden hitch required no drilling. the only tool it required was the ratchet and socket.
 
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 12:21 AM
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I got the PDF for the hidden hitch and I see how it works...a spacer to offset the 2 extra carriage bolts at the bumper; right?
 
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