Originally Posted by 78Southwind

I actually purchased the 2002 hitch-receiver, bolts and nuts. The torque for the bolts is 85 lb-ft.

If you read the install intructions you will notice that you have to loosen the 4 fuel tank shield bolts... The torque for those bolts is 98 lb-ft.

Originally Posted by X_Hemi_Guy

Bion,


But is sure is interesting that when we search the parts...I mean compare the two model years part by part...they are the SAME...kind of makes you scratch your head now doesn't it...

I hate giving out WRONG information...and I had always been led to beleive that the receiver mounting hardware had been changed to facilitate the weight upgrade...that doesn't seem to be a factually based position given our research looking at replacement parts now does it?

As an aside...the frames being different is interesting...not sure what to make of it...hopefully it means our 2005 frames are somewhat stronger and beefier in the rear which will accomodate the towing forces of my 1200# tongue weight better!

Thanks again for your diligence and time in looking...your data shows about the same as the schematics I posted above...and that is there does not appear to be any perceptible differences...at least not in the part number arena...and for petes sake...the drawings are both dated 11/16/1999 for the receiver...so that doesn't appear to be rev'd...but their configuration control may be more lax than what I am used to for my government customers!

Also...if ANYONE has any other information that could be useful in determining if there are REAL differences here...that we are missing...please share actual part numbers between the two model years so we can research it more!

Joe.

Originally Posted by Crazy001

BUMP!!!

This is a great thread, I just learned quite a bit. Having an older Excursion I'm stuck with the 10,000 lb hitch, which may be a problem when I have my trailer all loaded up. So from everything I've read it looks like I need to upgrade my bolts.

Fortunately I'm within easy driving distance of Tousley Ford, and so I can go and pick up the required hardware easily. The one thing that concerns me is enlarging the holes, how do you guys recommend getting this done? Also is the fuel tank held on by the shield, or are there straps of some sort under there. Am I going to have this thing fall on me if I back the bolts out too far?

Originally Posted by Forest

Search this. There was a thread on how to remove/replace the hitch platform. If I remember correctly, you just slide tank shield left/right to gain access. What is uncertain is how much room you will have for drill bit and/or motor. The 'nuts' are double-ganged together on oval plates that are fed in from frame end.

Good luck. This looks like a lot of work.

Originally Posted by Crazy001

Thanks Forest, I'll so some more searching around. I'm going to see if a B&W 16K hitch for a Super Duty will fit tomorrow, and if not I'll be buying some drill bits and some hardware from Tousley!