HOW do i remove the factory hitch assembly?

[XcumminsX]

Since i never tow and i am getting a custom roll pan bumper the factory hitch set-up must go. Does anyone know how to get this off? I have been told the assembly can be taken off, to me it looks like it makes the frame more supportive but i guess not. Does anyone have the procedure to do this?



Nick

 

[CIverson]

Man, that's like neutering the poor thing. It's ready to do the job, but it ain't got all the equipment to "git er done"!



I feel sorry for your truck :{

 

[bighammer]

Take out all the bolts (obviously) and loosen the bed bolts so you can raise the rear of the box. It has raise up before it can slide back. I'm pretty sure the bumper has to come off first too, but you're doing that anyway.

 

[XcumminsX]

I am wondering if this will effect frame twists or handling... Can anyone give me there . 02?



Nick

 

[Eric_77]

You will need to buy the OEM assembly that holds the bumper on(unless you are goining 100% aftermarket) and I agree 100% it does add some stucture to the rear frame assembly.

 

[NSperduto]

I'll bite. Yeah, it does add some frame structure, but the truck built without the hitch, is there something there for structure instead.



I don't think there is, so while it does add structure, it's no big deal if it's not there.



IMO



Nick

 

[RobertBolinger]

Don't do it man-your truck will be Goofy



But since you are doing it my 2 cents is that structurally it should not matter if you aren't towing or carrying a ton of bricks in the bed.

 

[ThomasLawrence]

If it were me (well, it wouldn't be, because I would never contemplate removing a hitch from a truck ), but if I were to do something like that, I'd take the rear crossmember/hitch, cut the hitch part off, and bolt the crossmember back in place. I do remember reading somewhere (maybe in the FSM - maybe someplace else) that the hitch is an integral part of the frame structure, and shouldn't be removed.



When's the lowering kit and the 28" wheels with spinners and the 315-10's going on? Are you getting the full neon undercarriage, too? And some Japanese pictograms on the rear window... that would look AWWWSUM D00D!

 

[XcumminsX]

/\ LOL... i am just getting the rollpan because i think they look cool. Plus my stock one has a nice dent in it from hitting a pole. I may just cut the hitch off. I need the support back there because i dont think ill feel safe without it.



Nick

 

[GColeman]

Didn't you post a few weeks ago that you were selling your truck because you needed the money for school? The new owner might want a hitch on his truck.

 

[XcumminsX]

if it came down to it i would buy another one...

 

[Eric_77]

Sorry I was not clear the non hitch equipped trucks have an assembly on there that looks very stuctural that holds the bumper on. Without that assembly or the stock hitch you have no brackets to hold bumper on.

 

[bighammer]

How 'bout chopping the roll pan to accomidate the hitch receiver? You're talking about the same $$$ (hitch vs. roll pan)





Makes sense to me.

 

[XcumminsX]

Originally posted by bighammer

How 'bout chopping the roll pan to accomidate the hitch receiver? You're talking about the same $$$ (hitch vs. roll pan)





Makes sense to me.

wonder if that could work

 

[klenger]

See if someone w/o a factory hitch option will swap parts with you.

 

[ThomasLawrence]

See if someone w/o a factory hitch option will swap parts with you.

Who in their right minds would ever buy a truck without the factory hitch?

 

[klenger]

People who order "goofy" trucks, ... like stupid dealers.

 

[PGoble]

Some of the dealers deliberately order them without a hitch. They know that the buyer will most likely want a hitch, then they sell him one through the parts counter at more than double the factory option price.



Pete

 

[nickleinonen]

Originally posted by XcumminsX

/\ LOL... i am just getting the rollpan because i think they look cool. Plus my stock one has a nice dent in it from hitting a pole. I may just cut the hitch off. I need the support back there because i dont think ill feel safe without it.



Nick

with a roll pan on it, the next dent will be the tailgate [no bumper to protect it]

 

[ThomasLawrence]

with a roll pan on it, the next dent will be the tailgate

Have you seen his truck lately? A dented tailgate is the least of his concerns...



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