Front Mount Hitch for a 1998 Ford F-150 2WD
Question:
Im looking for relatively inexpensive front towing possibilities for a 1998 Ford F-150 4x2. The back has a full hitch with electric brake assist. It seems as I shop around for products for the front though that a 97 - 04 4x4 is not an issue, neither is a 99 - 04 4x2. Not sure why my 98 4x2 is a problem child. The guy who had the truck before me ripped the valance off from below the front bumper see pics because he wasnt set up right. Anyway, Im considering options from a $10 tow hook to a bull bar with a winch. It would just be for rare occasions. I just cant seem to find any bolt on products.
asked by: Ted S
Expert Reply:
I spoke with my contact at Curt who said that your 2WD 1998 Ford F-150 doesn't come with the tow hooks which is why their front mount hitch # 31049 will not fit. When I asked if the hitch could be installed if you purchased and installed the front tow hooks he said it would be compatible then. So the reason you have been having trouble is because of those tow hooks not existing on your pickup.
Sometimes the license plate mount part # C31002 will need to be installed as well but it doesn't look like you live in a state that requires a front license plate so you should be good to go. The installation instructions have been linked for you to check out as well.
This will then allow you to install the Curt Trailer Hitch Electric Winch Mount Plate # C31010 and use a recovery-type winch like the Bulldog Winch # BDW10041.
I reached out to our bull bar manufacturers and they couldn't confirm if their bull bars would fit your F-150 if you installed the tow hooks.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Front Receiver Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Front Mount Hitch
- 500 lbs Vert Load
- 9000 lbs Line Pull
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Square Tube
- CURT
more information >
Bulldog Winch Standard Series Off-Road Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 8,000 lbs
- Electric Winch
- Truck Winch
- Recovery Winch
- Jeep Winch
- 3-Stage Planetary Gear
- 5.0 HP
- 6001 - 8000 lbs
- 71 - 80 lbs
- Medium - 5 to 9 fpm
- Plug-In Remote
- Wire Rope
- Bulldog Winch
more information >
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch License Plate Holder
- Accessories and Parts
- Front Receiver Hitch
- License Plate Holder
- CURT
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Electric Winch Mount Plate
- Accessories and Parts
- Electric Winch
- Mounting Hardware
- Plates
- Without Handle
- CURT
more information >
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on Tow Hooks
