jimk403

I have a Putnam Levelride round bar weight distribution system. I can not get a socket that will fit in the hitch head to tighten the nut for the ball. The socket size needed is 1 7/8", but it is to big for the space where the nut resides. How the heck am I supposed to tighten this thing to 450ftlbs without a socket?

JPR Ram

Thin walled socket and an air impact. Where are you at here in SD? I think we have just what you need down in the shop. I'll go look.

cincydiesel

I'd put a big adjustable wrench with a cheater bar on it and give it my all.

randallp84

I always use a pipe wrench (usually an 18") and tighten it till it just won't turn no mo. Never ever had a ball come loose with this method and I've pulled some heavy stuff.

cincydiesel

Same here! The only problem I've had is trying to get the dang thing off.

jimk403

[QUOTE][/Thin walled socket and an air impact. Where are you at here in SD? I think we have just what you need down in the shop. I'll go look.
QUOTE]
Sounds like it would do the trick. I live in Campo, but work at Miramar.

JPR Ram

I'm also in Miramar. Well, just on the south side of the MCAS. How deep does the socket have to be? I have several here; one of which is 2" deep.

zyn8

I took mine to a local trailer shop and they put the ball on for free. You might call around.

RAMRODD

Thats what I do and never a problum.

Put some antisieze on the threads will cure that problum

jimk403

Needs to be about 2.5 inches deep.

PaulDaisy

I faced the same problem. Tightened the nut with a crescent wrench until the lock washer compressed all the way, then the socket I had (standard 3/4" drive) would fit, so I torqued it to the recommended 450 ft/lbs.