Front Receiver

[WHF]

Looking for a new front end receiver hitch for an '04 2500. Want a bolt in unit, but do not want to drill any frame holes. Any ideas/sources?

 

[RHestand]

Ditto Farley, except I need one for my 98- 3500.

Also I don't mind drilling, if needed for a strong/durable install.

Ray

 

[AH64ID]

I have the draw tite. . its well built but hangs low... The Warn isn't quite as thick of material but has 2" more clearance. .

I plan to have my draw tite modified for clearance.

 

[BK]

For the 98 look into Warn's, rated for winch work as well.

I have the Warn on my 99, and I think the 98 and 99 would be the same.

It tucks up there fine, but can't use the stock tow hooks with it.

Sorry no thoughts on the 04, not sure if Warn makes on for the 04.

 

[twmcneilly]

I installed the Bodiak on my '06 3500 4x4. No drilling was nice. Also very well integrated into the front end for a clean look and no chance of dragging on anything. The only down side is that it's fairly tall (especially on the 4x4 with a leveling kit).



https://bodiaknet.powweb.com/store/...d=136&osCsid=e98cc9488240cdb8b2709190b9b93e15



I only use it when I need the snake my Snowmobile trailer down a narrow driveway into the back yard. Maybe two or three times a year but it sure beats the dickens out of backing and trying to see how close to the house I am... .

 

[BDaugherty]

I've got a Curt front hitch on my '01. It installed no drilling... It uses three 1/2" carriage bolts per side. On each side, the front two lined up perfectly while the rear ones were off half a bolt hole. I don't know if it was my truck or the hitch, but it wasn't a big deal to me. I've used it a pretty good bit and really like it. It's a great place to put a step when doing engine work, too.

 

[rotohead]

Installed the draw-tite some nine or ten years ago and it's what you're looking for. I haven't ever noticed any clearance problems for everyday driving. I use a DSS brace too (it uses same mounting holes) and it fits great. Both add stiffness to the frame front to make it drive better. Hopefully you don't run into this.

 

[WHF]

twmcneilly:
I did the Bodiak, took about an hour - looks good, and works great for pushing a boat around.
thanx

 

[BDaugherty]

Wow... I replied to this same thread 3 1/2 years ago. The Curt front hitch that was on my '01 2500 worked and fit very well. Although I don't own the truck any more, I still see it around town sporting the front hitch and some really ugly wheels. I once pulled so hard on that front hitch with my double lined HS9500 winch that it literally egg shaped the hole where the 5/8 pin holds the receiver in.

Now for my '03 2500, I'm using the Warn front hitch. The main reason is because it goes through the airdam instead of under it. 2. 5" higher was the main selling point. Also, the Warn hitch does require drilling four 7/16 holes up from the bottom of the frame, but it does not require drilling a large hole in the side to snake the nut plates in. It does allow you to retain the OEM tow hooks, although you have to slot the reinforcing brackets just a little. Retail price on the Curt is just a little less, but they are pretty close when priced wholesale. Again, I paid a slight premium for higher clearance and my opinion is that the Warn is just a little stronger.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/aux_incl/pdf.ashx?pdf=WAR_65370_INS_1.pdf&line=WAR
Here's a link to the installation instructions for the Warn 65370. You can see the actual shape of the hitch, not just a generic image.

https://www.curtmfg.com/masterlibrary/31017/installsheet/CM_31017_INS.PDF
Link to the installation instructions for the Curt 31017.

 

[joyee]

Well I don't like it as much, because one of mine friend installed this and he told me he is not quite happy from this work.