Front Receiver 1998 Ranger

[bmerr98]

Finally got my front receiver installed on my 1998 4x4. I got the receiver from the back of my Dad's 2002. The drawbar was rusted up stuck in the receiver with no retaining pin when he got the truck a couple years ago. We even tried pulling on it with my truck...ended up pulling his whole truck backward with the brakes locked. That thing was STUCK!!! He said he whacked his knee on it now and then if he forgot it was in there, and at the tender age of 79 (with a brand spanking new hip joint), he doesn't need to be breaking any knees, so we decided to just take the receiver off. He isn't planning on towing anything anyway, and he can always put a ball on the bumper.

I got to keep the old receiver for my troubles, and after clean up, cutting to fit between the frame rails, adding tabs to bolt to the frame rails, and new grade 8 bolts, I got it in there.

Had to notch the front crossmember for mine to fit. Other models may not have to. Had to trim a little on the back side too, but I didn't get pics.

View attachment 14074

Checked the fit...
View attachment 14075

I had already welded tabs to each end to allow bolting to the frame rails (no pics). Inside bolts used holes from the original tow points, outside bolts went to the bumper.
View attachment 14076

Had to notch my stock bumper for access. Not quite ready to fab a tube bumper just yet. Who's that handsome devil reflected in the chrome...?
View attachment 14077

 

[BootPowerRanger]

Looks good, wish it was that easy for my '97.... maybe it is and I'm to dumb to figure it out....

Nah, I've got and idea for what I'm going to do, just need a little money for metal ... don't we all? Thanks for posting.

 

[RangerSVT]

Let me know when you're ready to fab a bumper, I'll give you a hand with it...

SVT