What brand receiver, and were you able to retain the stock spare tire position?

I have a reese hitch on my 86, had to drill 6 holes, and just had to shorten the "pipe" on the spare tire mount.

EDIT: This one - http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...cleid=19865386

The large hole locates over the rivets on the frame while you clamp it in place to mark the frame. It's not hard to drill, just need a good bit and some penetrating oil to use as a cutting fluid.

reese or draw tite ?
I have had several and some came from junk yards !
if the hitch is the same size as the out side of the frames are then the spare will fit if it is around the stock size tire !
do not get one with 4 holes as they are of lower weight rating ! always get the 6 hole type !

Interesting. Did our trucks come from the factory with a receiver hitch as an option? When I bought my truck, it already had one. I guess I need to crawl under it tomorrow to see just what kind I have. Never thought to look before.

Thanks for this thread.

Thanks guys for the helpful information. Archion that etrailer website is good, they even have pictures of the hitches mounted to older pickups.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=1986208528

My little truck with its weak manual OD transmission can only tow light things, like perhaps a little plastic cart full of feathers. Maybe I should just get one of those Class I or II hitches with the little 1" receiver opening. NOT! My poor truck would die of shame.

Besides, if my truck has a gender she's a girl. Why hang truck nutz on a girl? It's just so stupid.

I saw a pair of pistons hangin the other day...

Ok, I got a good deal with free shipping on a Draw-Tite receiver hitch that fits our trucks (model 75038). It has arrived and looks good.

Problem is it is heavy (37 lbs) and I need to position it and clamp it to the frame rails so I can drill the holes for mounting.

It seems like a 2 person job. Would one of you guys mind coming over to help me hold it up and get it clamped on? ;)

USE A JACK TO JACK IT UP
USE ROPE ON EACH SIDE TO CINCH IT UP TO THE FRAME

I was wondering if C clamps could work somehow....

I used c clamps when I did mine. Of course after I'm done the neighbors friend comes over and has a magnetic drill press for doing jobs just like this...

Of course there is drilling required, thats the same style bracket as mine and I had to drill 6 holes, its not that big of deal, but with as hard as I was pushing on the drill I broke my creeper. But the bolts that mount them offered an ideal location to hang my mudflap brackets

Gotta love a portamag! I miss the one at work. Just be glad you're not drilling an F350 frame, I think the thing is 1/4" thick.

Yeah, I plan to clamp it on with C clamps, then drill the holes. My problem is holding it up there by myself and getting the C-clamps on at the same time, without dropping it and braining myself. It would be easy with 2 people to get it clamped on.

I like the floor jack idea to help you hold it up while you clamp it in place.