Curt Front Hitch C31063 Installation on 2000 Ford Ranger

Question:

Hi, we trying to install a front receiver hitch on a 2000 ford ranger. The vechile is not equipped with a front cross member and the vechile was built in Edison nj. The issue we are having is that the bolts are not able to go into the frame. We try to fish it through and it completely unsuccessful. It looks like I need to enlarge the hole but theres no room to drill. Please help

asked by: Brian C

Expert Reply:

Our hitch installers often find that on even fairly new trucks the weld nuts in the frame can becomes rusted enough (or filled with salt or dirt) that the hitch installation hardware does not want to thread properly. It can be an even worse problem on an older truck like your 2000 Ranger. It can absolutely seem like the hardware is too large for the threaded hole. In this case cleaning out the weld nut threads with a brush like # 814092 and some spray lubricant usually does the trick.

If you are familiar with use of a thread tap you can use one to remove the rust/dirt buildup likely to be found on an older truck but take care not to damage the threads.

If the issue is getting the hardware into position with the fishwire then enlarging the access holes with a rotary tool, drill or by filing can help. My contact at Curt confirmed that your truck should not have a front frame crossmember.

expert reply by: Adam R