Hi all,

I need to replace my bumper and hitch since I got rear ended. At the top of its mounting it appears that the hitch sits on top of the frame, and you need to take the bolts out and slide it off. But, there is the sheet metal filler panel just below the tailgate that appears to prevent you from sliding it back. I hope you don't need to lift the bed to get the hitch out - that would to be crazy.

Has anybody out there done this before? Also, it looks like there are two bolts and two rivets that attach the bumper to the hitch. Do these rivets need to be replaced?

Thanks.

 

If your replacing it, just cut it in half right at the square tube and be done with it. I wouldn't trust it either after a rear collision. Make sure your reinstall with the correct grade bolts.
Grade 8=Not Correct. They are too brittle. I believe it is Grade 5 that you want to use. The new hitch should include the proper bolts.

 

When I removed my stock hitch, I loosened the rear bed bolts, lifted it about an 1-1/2 inch using a pry bar, stuck a piece of 2x in to hold it up, pulled the hitch right out, its not a big deal only took a few mins to raise the bed.


For the cost of a stock replacement, you can get a much better hitch from Titan. Same applies to the rear bumper, better aftermarket bumpers out there, and they will take a hit and not be totalled.



CD

 

Yes, you'll need to raise the bed to rem the hitch.
Before shelling out a bunch of money, search craigslist. I found a new takeoff bumper and hitch within a couple weeks for cheap. Ended up not replacing the hitch (not damaged) due to having to lift the bed.
Couldn't give that hitch away. Finally traded it for some breakfast burritos to one of my foremen!