im trying to find a hitch ball for my ranger in case i come with the need to tow something. would like to get one of those receivers with the tow hook on in case i take it off roading. what is the size of the hole in the bumper? i have a 1997 ranger.

 

You'd definitely be better off looking for a 2" receiver to bolt to the frame... I wouldn't trust the hole in the bumper for much!

 

Yeah don't use the bumper. Get a hitch.

 

where would i bolt it to the frame?

 

A hitch? There are directions when you buy them. It uses the bolts from the bumper.

 

It will include instructions, but it is self explanatory. You line it up with the holes that are in the frame. You might have to drill a few.

 

Yeah, get a receiver and a 2" ball since that is the most popular size. Installation is pretty easy since most will either have 4 or 6 bolts to attach it to your frame; mine also used one of the bumper bolts for mounting.

Also with a receiver, you can use it for more stuff such as a D-ring, basket, bike holder, lumber holder extension and other things. I have seen them used for about $50 or so but I could not find any so I bought a new one for about $125. You can also put an extra brake light back there if you want. I made mine out of a 24 led taillight from a big rig! (Will post pics when I get a camera)

 

Most trailers use a 2" ball. Some use something slightly larger 2-5/8 or 2 7/8. I also vote getting a receiver. Even with just a 4banger, I'd still want something stronger then a bumper mount.

 

anyone recomond a site or a brand of the hitch receivers?

 

I got mine from ebay. You have Curt, Draw tight, and others. Just make sure it is what you will need it for (rating) if you pull a trailer. Class III is what I have which is 400lb tongue weight and 4000lb trailer weight which is good for me since I only pull a pop up camper on occasion. The higher the class, the higher the rating. I went for a tubular design which looks good IMO so you mostly only see the square receiver part and a little bit of tubing.

 

i wont be towing to much maybe just a small trailer with some wood in the back when im moving some. im going to use it more for a tow hook for when i go offroading since i will most likly get stuck with 2wd

 

Class III will be plenty for what you need! Check out your local Craigslist, etc. and it shouldn't be hard to find something if you don't want to spend much. Any Ranger hitch should work for you, they all bolt on the same back to 1983!!

 

Etrailer.com is a great place to deal with i have bought serveral things from them they are great place to buy from and also have a good selection

 

where could i mount these tow hooks in the front of my vehicle. http://www.harborfreight.com/10000-l...kit-67497.html? ive got a 2wd 97.

 

there is a thread some place but there are holes in the frame right behind the bumper use grade 8 bolts and hardware.

search and find that thread it will show you

 

.

 

didnt see any holes in the frame when i looked at it this afternoon.