Putting on a chassis mounted hitch

[tidmarshsmiths5]

I have a 1985 Bronco II and bought a Reese Hitch off a guy that took it off his 1988 Bronco II. This is so I can throw my carryall in it for hunting gear, coolers, etc.

Looks like I'm going to have to drill a couple of holes to mount it up to the chassis; any good ideas out there or any other info I need.

My step bumper has a long piece of steel across the bottom that I'll have to drill through as well (I've put on 3 hitches before on different vehicles); I would have thought at least 1 or 2 sets of holes would be pre-drilled but on this BII I'm going to have to drill all 3 sets.

I'm also not so sure that this thing is going to sit up as high as most of my hitches; it's not real low but most of the hitches I've put on have been relatively "hidden".

 

[buckshotmudder]

I'm also not so sure that this thing is going to sit up as high as most of my hitches; it's not real low but most of the hitches I've put on have been relatively "hidden".

If it is lower than what you would prefer, you can get a drop extension and flip it to raise the height. I had this extreme drop/raise hitch made some years ago to give you an idea. A universal fits all truck/trailer combinations.

 

[tidmarshsmiths5]

Wasn't so bad; had to cut the hanger for the muffler and move some wires up when I was drilling - didn't want to catch them. Broke a $12 drill bit on the last hole, but had enough of it left to get it done.

The guy I bought the hitch from was awesome - he had all the original bolts and the hanger that came with it for the muffler (it bolted into the hitch) so it came out pretty good.

To make it fit a little tighter up, I moved it 1/4 inch past the metal plate that ran along the bumper and put all 3 into the chassis.

Not that big of a deal for you good mechanics but since it was just me, a floorjack and some bad words I think I did alright!

 

[tidmarshsmiths5]

If it is lower than what you would prefer, you can get a drop extension and flip it to raise the height. I had this extreme drop/raise hitch made some years ago to give you an idea. A universal fits all truck/trailer combinations.

Now, that is awesome! I've got a welder and some 2 inch tubes...think I'm gonna give this a try! If not, I know my brother can make one (he has a lot better equipment at work).

That thing would be great to keep loads level and stress off the tongue.