Installing used hitch

[robb4640]

I picked up class III hitch from wreckers that came off a '94 Ranger. I need to install it on my 95 ranger. Here is what i need to know. Do i need to get special bolts? I seen online on the new ones, they have spacers also. Do I need to get spacers made?
Any help would be great.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've installed new hitches that came with unmarked bolts, which means they are at best a grade 2 bolt. I would be fine using the biggest diameter grade 5 bolt that fits the holes myself, and using appropriate sized washers as needed. Grade 5 bolts have three lines radiating from the bolt head center. Most any hardware store should have some.

 

[wildbill23c]

I agree with the Grade 5 bolts. Lock washers, and lock nuts are a must.

As for the spacers, you'll probably need some of them too. They lower the hitch away from the truck frame so the hitch will clear the rear bumper.

 

[JoeCanada]

FWIW - I installed a non-OEM hitch on my '94 some time ago, and I found that in order to get the mounting holes lined up, I had to grind/knock out a rivet on each side of the frame. YMMV however.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Grade 8 isn't that much more expensive, and really you should be installing the hitch once. It's not something you want unintentionally coming off... ever...

I bought my hitch new, I'm not sure what the original ones were. But I found I could fit one size larger through the holes and got longer ones with washers on either side with nylon lock nuts.

I'm sure extra washers will work as spacers just as well, I think I know what your talking about, mine had them.