Does Gas Tank have to be Removed to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 1996 Ford Bronco

Question:

Reguarding #40050. Wondering how the fitment is on a 96 ford bronco. No wholes drilled in frame so i will have to drill. Wondering if i have to drop the fuel tank to instal this? because it fits soo close to the inside of the frame rails and theirs a frame crossmember suporting the tank that will not allow me to simply remove the rear bumper to gain access. As far as i can see theirs no way to get to the inside of the frame rail to install the bolts. Was wondering if you had any advice or if im stuck pulling the tank. Also will the tank clear for re-instilation after the hitch is bolted up? Thanks!

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

Since access to the frame is blocked on your 1996 Ford Bronco what you can do is fishwire in the bolts and spacer blocks by using a large enough access hole for the frame or, if no hole exists, you could make a hole through which to run the bolts and blocks using fishwire # 80101-1. I have linked a help article that has a section that explains fishwiring.

Looking through the other hitches for your Bronco all of them attach to the bottom of the frame rails in the same manner so if fishwiring in the hardware is not going to work for you then anything that is in the way will have to move. You might not have to take the tank out completely if you can loosen it and move it around to get enough space.

expert reply by: Michael H