Installing hitch on '01 Ranger
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Installing hitch on '01 Ranger
I just bought an '01 Ranger and I'm getting ready to install a trailer hitch. I see there are four bolts that hold the hitch on, simple enough. The only problem is that the bolts that I have to remove to install the hitch are the ones holding the rear bumper on, and best I can tell, the only ones holding the bumper on. Are these really the only bolts holding the bumper on? If so, is there an easy way to hold the bumper in place while installing the hitch?
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I got it from U-haul. It's a Class II hitch (not towing anything really big). Not sure who really makes it.
Yeah, the bolts are the ones on the bottom of the frame. Two on each side. They're screwed into those clip-on nuts. I don't want to take them out and have the bumper fall on me
. I can't believe those would be the only bolts holding the bumper on, but I couldn't really see any others.
Yeah, the bolts are the ones on the bottom of the frame. Two on each side. They're screwed into those clip-on nuts. I don't want to take them out and have the bumper fall on me
. I can't believe those would be the only bolts holding the bumper on, but I couldn't really see any others.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
U-Haul usually sells Reese hitches. They might sell Draw-Tite now, but they are both the same company (I can't remember who purchased who, I think Draw-Tite purchased Reese). Give Reese a call and see what they have to say. I wouldn't think that you'd have to remove the bumper to install a hitch.
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From: Forest Hill, MD
On my old 93 Ranger I had the same problem, the bumper had to come off to put on the hitch. I used 2 tall jackstands to hold mine up while putting the hitch in. The easiest way is to get a couple of buddies to hold it while you bolt it all back together
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by psdpower
On my old 93 Ranger I had the same problem, the bumper had to come off to put on the hitch. I used 2 tall jackstands to hold mine up while putting the hitch in. The easiest way is to get a couple of buddies to hold it while you bolt it all back together
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Forest Hill, MD
I don't think we can blame Ford on this one, it just seems all the aftermarket hitches are designed to use those holes. I haven't seen a Ranger with a factory hitch so I don't know if Ford uses the same holes or not. I guess it just makes it easier since they are already there. Funny part of the whole thing is the Reece hitch I bought second hand was rated for 10,000 lbs. I can't imagine what a Ranger would do with 10,000 lbs behind it. Not to hijack, but John I hope you saw my post on the other topic we had a disagreement on, SORRY.
Last edited by psdpower; Jul 7, 2004 at 01:17 AM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by psdpower
Not to hijack, but John I hope you saw my post on the other topic we had a disagreement on, SORRY.
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Well, I got the hitch installed. I took the truck to a friend's shop. We put it on the lift, used stands to support the bumper, and zipped out the bolts with the impact wrench. Good thing because the bolts were a little stubborn coming out. With one of us steadying the bumper, another holding the hitch, and a third putting the bolts in, we were able to get it done.
