Hey guys. i had a reese class III tow hitch on my 04 ranger 2wd 3.0 fleetside that i traded in on my level 2. My dad has the same truck but is stepside. i went to install the hitch yesterday. MINE had the side brackets behind the back bumper that bolted to the frame that i UNBOLTED and swung over to the bumper. Dads truck has the brackets but there welded on. Is there a difference in the two bumpers?? fleetside vs styleside?? I guess im going to have to air chisel the welds off the brackets and just take them off. all they seem to do is just add support to the BUMPER for trailer weight. since i 'm adding the tow hitch those are pretty much obsolete now right??

 

bump...

 

They shouldn't be welded on I don't believe. The frame is the same between the beds, so I think someone just welded them on at an earlier date.

 

^ agree pic would help

 

I'll get pics tomorrow to show what im talking about though my other truck i don't have anymore and my new one already has a tow hitch....i see if i can find another truck in a PL and snap a quick pic.

 

A pic of the welded area would be most helpful.

 

yepper..

normally no bumper or hitch should be welded on

 

I'll get pics but what im talkin about is the bracket they put ON the bumper behind it that bolt to the outside corners and then bolt to the end of the frame.

 

Ah.....I see. Still, shouldn't be welded. Should be bolted on.

 

Ok obviously finally got pics today. REMEBER this is a step side.

Here is the welded on bumber bracket


here is where im talkin about on the fleetside it is bolted to the frame from the outer corner of bumper


here is where is welded instead. DIFFERENT from the fleetside


here is where i cut it off at.


Got the hitch on had a lil fabin' to do but got it on there the way its supposed to be!! Just thought someone may be interested to see the differences.