2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Removing trailer hitch.

[JCyrbok]

In my quest to keep my 9 year old Michigan truck looking decent I have been trying to keep up with the rust as it pops up, but that is like trying to bail out the Titanic with a dixie cup :{.



One of the things that really bugs me is that every time I walk up to my truck from the back I have a rusted and paint peeling trailer hitch staring at me. It looks like crap compared to my chrome bumper and Mag Hytec rear end, LOL.



I crawled under there today to see what would be involved in removing the hitch so that I can strip it, wire wheel the rust and re-paint it. I figured it would be easier off the truck but then I looked under there and saw that there are 10 bolts holding it on. They kinda looked to me like they may be some kind of specialized bolts too. Plus it looks like the potential for a trip to the ER for stitches when I drop it on my head, LOL.



How PIA is it to remove the hitch for this? I can enlist the help of a buddy for an extra hand, I have air tools to remove the bolts. Are the nuts reuseable? Are they on studs or are they bolts that I will have to get a wrench on from the top too?



Any other suggestions etc woule be appreciated. I would likely tackle this this coming holiday weekend.



This is just the standard factory hitch that came with the tow package in 01.



Thanks

J-

 

[Bob4x4]

Piece of cake figure on about 15 minutes to drop it out

 

[JCyrbok]

Piece of cake figure on about 15 minutes to drop it out

Copy thanks Bob, I can always count on you for good info. No issues with reuseing the bolts/nuts or anything like that right??



J-

 

[budnate]

Copy thanks Bob, I can always count on you for good info. No issues with reuseing the bolts/nuts or anything like that right??



J-

nope I would wd 40 the bolts/nuts good as the nuts that are ontop lay loose on the frame, they have the phony jam wings, you may have to drop the tire when you put it all back in. I just dropped one out of my parts truck for my driver.



peace, B.

 

[JCyrbok]

Copy thanks guys



J-

 

[Beast2B]

if you tow much check it for cracks while it's out!

 

[JCyrbok]

if you tow much check it for cracks while it's out!

will do, thanks



J-

 

[Bob4x4]

If it has 10 bolts holding it it has already had the recall done to it. As long as all the bolts have stayed tight it will be good

 

[JayStraight]

Recall?!?!?!?!



Please explain.....

 

[Bob4x4]

Recall # 872 98-2000 trucks with trailer hitch MDH 0101XX through 092919).

Inspect for cracks,if it is cracked the hitch gets replaced,if not cracked it will get some reinforcing brackets added.

 

[dsherman]

This is why I replace my hitch with a class five hitch ,Besides the oem hitch is way too light for most toy hauler's and travel trailers With a tongue weight over 900 pounds .