I have done some searching, and have been unable to find the info I'm looking for.
My truck is a 2000 extended cab 4x4 4.0L
Does the rear bumper have to be removed to install a hitch??
My frame appears to be completely enclosed. The mounting hardware I've seen shows
little plates with square holes in them to hold the top of the bolt and then fastened down.

Anyone have any photos of a trailer hitch install?? Other helpful tips or hints would be appreciated...

Thanks!

 

No, you do not have to remove the bumper. I have an '02 XLT and installed mine in about 30-45 minutes but I am not a professional mechanic so that means it is pretty easy. I put on one of the tubular ones because I liked the way it looked. If I remember right, I had to take off one bumper bolt on each side but that got replaced with a bolt in the kit. The hardest part was getting the first bolt started,(four bolts on my receiver) since it was kind of awkward and a little heavy (you can use a floor jack to help). There are some videos out there although I don't remember if there are any on here, a search on the web may help.

I hoped I could help a little and some searching on here may help you also as I have gotten alot of help from others on this site. Good luck!

 

Very easy to do. Bumper does not need to be removed. I did lower the spare tire to give myself some room to work. If memory serves, I had to remove two bolts on each side, line up the hitch receiver with the bracket and frame, and reinstall the bolts.

As meistreguy said, the job takes less than an hour total.

I run a Reese Class III/IV Hitch Receiver #33058. Made in the USA and this WILL fit your truck. Here is a link to the install instructions provided by Reese:

http://www.reeseprod.com/content/dow...ion/N33058.pdf

The instructions say 1997 and prior models, but were also applicable to my truck and will be to yours.

 

OK.... new question. Got a hitch that has 3 mounting holes per side. Frame also has 3 holes to receive bolts. 2 are currently filled by the bumper mount, and one is empty (per side) I got the 2 bolts that hold the bumper on (on each side) so I have 4 bolts holding the hitch on. The hitch is mounted on top of the bumper mount so there is a space between the hitch and the frame for the 3rd hole. should I try to find a spacer to fill that or not worry about putting in the 3rd bolt & nut??

Thanks!!

 

My hitch was the same way but only 4 bolts were used on mine; I think the middle hole was there for a rivet on the frame or something. If you have the extra bolts and can use them I would and yes, I would find a spacer; mine came with a couple of spacers that were square with a square hole for the carriage bolts. I would like to see a pic of this if you get a chance.

 

I will put some photos up to show a little better what i'm trying to describe....
I guess 6 bolts would be better than 4.... why not, right?

 

I would use a spacer or a washer or something and run that last bolt in.

 

I went with a Curt tube style myself. Don't know what brand you have but this might help.

http://sitepro12.sitepro.com/masterl..._13019_INS.pdf

 

Here's what I have... both sides are the same. Drivers side shown in photo.
Found a deal on CL for $30 couldn't pass it up.

 

Yeah, you'll want to source some spacers and use the 5th and 6th bolts. That's the setup my Reese receiver came with.