Front mount Reciever gen1

[177CIOfPureLove]

Well, I have wanted a front receiver hitch for the front of my '88 forever.So I fabbed one a few weeks ago.....what do you think? Its just some scrap steel I had laying around...

I painted it with undercoat to make it durable to all the rocks and sand thrown up while on the pavement. I can't wait to test it out!

 

[99RangerKrazy]

I like it! That looks sweet, good work!

 

[177CIOfPureLove]

Thanks man!

 

[DRanger024]

If I was you I would add gussets here:

Only because the force of pulling on that receiver could easily bend the round pipe you used as your cross member for it. Unlesss..... that particular pipe is 1/4 inch wall haha! Judging by the angle iron you used for mounting I would say that pipe is not thick enough. Just a suggestion

 

[177CIOfPureLove]

I hoped for criticism! That would be a good idea. The pipe is 7/32 I believe, which is 2 fractions down from a 1/4.I which I had that idea when I built it. As notched and the little gussets I put it are nice touches, those ones you drew would certainly make it a lot stronger.

 

[B2Guy]

deffinetly looks good. but i agree, you might want to gusset it on the backside.

 

[odie1969]

It looks nice. to bad you cant flip it over and have it come out behind the plate. then just build a hitch cover to hold the plate on.

 

[DRanger024]

By the way.. It looks great! And I think you may just have sparked my interest enough to finally get to building one for my truck. My tow hooks are bent all to hell and probably hate me haha!

 

[177CIOfPureLove]

It looks nice. to bad you cant flip it over and have it come out behind the plate. then just build a hitch cover to hold the plate on.

Naw, I wanted it seen. Once I level it out and put the tires on the truck I want to hang a big shackle out of it. I wanted it right under the lisence plate, just a tad behind. In sight but not totally sticking out.

And yes, it was so simple I dont know why I didnt do it earlier. The holes were even existing on the frame, just had to space it in the foremost holes with two washers per side to level it out.

 

[JohnnyU]

I hoped for criticism!

• Replace hardware with same size Grade 8 hardware (bolts, washers, locknuts)
• I too would add a gusset to the tube, but I would also suggest adding a gusset at the tube/angle interface.
• If you used washers inbetween the angle and frame, I also suggest removing them to improve the bolted joint.

 

[jhammel85]

Looking good man. Probably plenty strong for what you need it for.

I would add a Gusset too if I were you. None the less, good work!

 

[177CIOfPureLove]

• Replace hardware with same size Grade 8 hardware (bolts, washers, locknuts)
• I too would add a gusset to the tube, but I would also suggest adding a gusset at the tube/angle interface.
• If you used washers inbetween the angle and frame, I also suggest removing them to improve the bolted joint.

I only used washers because of the bottom frame rail bending upwards toward the bumper. Oversight when fabricating, I would have bolted the angle flush and made up for the angle with the reciever welded to match in the notch. I have since replaced the grade 5 with grade 8. (matching grade 8 nuts and washers). Without the hitch would too too close to the license plate bracket. only 2 washers in the front per side. Back is flush to frame.

The additional gusset is also a good idea. Like I said, was kinda limited to what I had on hand...

 

[straycat]

I think you did a super job on that, Bro!!! I hate the early Rangers due to the limitation of where you can put the front hitch. I had an 83 4wd Ranger and if I wanted one it would sit down under the bumper like yours. Unless you add a custom bumper of course.
I added a 2 inch Reese front receiver hitch to my 99 Ranger. I was so glad it sits up so much higher then the early 80's Rangers. It cost me $50.00 on Ebay brand new with shipping.

Maybe you can build a few for some of the guys on this site?

 

[177CIOfPureLove]

Well yeah, I absolutely love the way they mount up like in your truck. I agree I was kinda limited to what I could do with the Gen 1 platform. For my truck I got exactly what I wanted, I think it will look better once its higher off the ground, after leveling and some 31's.

 

[straycat]

Well yeah, I absolutely love the way they mount up like in your truck. I agree I was kinda limited to what I could do with the Gen 1 platform. For my truck I got exactly what I wanted, I think it will look better once its higher off the ground, after leveling and some 31's.

Do post photos when you get it finished. I think that is one of the best home made hitches I have seen. Too bad you don't live near me...I would be over with some projects that I need welded up!!!