Stock or add on support bar?

[BillBaker]

Does anyone know if this was a stock or add on piece? It's bolted on with 2 bolts on either side running behind the rear bumper. Previous owner had a fifth wheel on this truck. Reason I ask is I've got a local dodge parts salvage guy and he says none of his second gen Dodges have it. Was looking to replace it as you can see rust has manifested nice holes on it. Thanks...

 

[Tractorat]

If Im looking at your picture right, I dont have anything like that on my truck (02)

 

[brucejohnson]

Bill,
I don't see anything in the IPB for the 2002 Ram

 

[BillBaker]

Thanks for replies. Contacted previous owner and he didn't add it but mentioned it may be for a class III bumper mount ball hitch or ? perhaps from original owner who had it installed if I recall who hauled a horse trailer...

 

[brucejohnson]

Thanks for replies. Contacted previous owner and he didn't add it but mentioned it may be for a class III bumper mount ball hitch or ? perhaps from original owner who had it installed if I recall who hauled a horse trailer...

I was wondering about the support for the bumper mount hitch ball. How thick is the piece? Does it sandwich in the rear bumper where the three holes are - or integral piece of the bumper? The oval hole makes it appear like a factory piece to access nuts or bolts. But it doesn't look very thick; mostly like sheet metal vs. heavy support bracket. The only other thing in the area would be the rear valance bracket according to the 98 FSM.

 

[BillBaker]

I was wondering about the support for the bumper mount hitch ball. How thick is the piece? Does it sandwich in the rear bumper where the three holes are - or integral piece of the bumper? The oval hole makes it appear like a factory piece to access nuts or bolts. But it doesn't look very thick; mostly like sheet metal vs. heavy support bracket. The only other thing in the area would be the rear valance bracket according to the 98 FSM.

It does seem hefty and thick. Previous owner sent me a YouTube video that shows it... similar but not exactly the same as one on my truck.

 

[BigPapa]

Mine has it, too. Stock ‘98 bumper. Probably only on the 2500 and 3500. I THINK it’s contributed to the rust holes. The brace itself isn’t rusted.

 

[GAmes]

Mine has one.

 

[BillBaker]

I see LMC has them if I can't find a salvaged one.