losing my mind on a hitch
#1
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Year: 1999 Sport Road Rash Monstaliner
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine
losing my mind on a hitch
I picked up a hitch from Uhaul last week (#75054) and was going to have them install it. Turns out they couldn't because of this nutstrip in the passenger side frame that was bent all to hell; not to mention rusty. They said I needed to go to the dealer for this one. Not going to happen.
I couldn't get to it to see what was going on so I took apart the rear bumper (a REAL bear since just about every bolt broke off). Now that I can see it it doesn't look too bad; and by that I mean it is still intact, but I can't thread the bolts that came with the hitch because the nuts on the strip are - surprise, surprise - rusted.
So, after throwing about every tool within arms reach, I need to locate a tap and I have a couple of questions before I throw some more. What size do I need for those nuts? More importantly, Should I just remove this piece of *** and use the blocks? If I go that direction, how do I remove it? I tried prying it out with vice grips but it's being held in there from what feels like behind where the exhaust hanger bolts to. Finally, Can I install the hitch before reinstalling the bumper or will I run into more trouble?
I'm so sick of this install. It should have taken an hour or 2. I'm on number 8
I couldn't get to it to see what was going on so I took apart the rear bumper (a REAL bear since just about every bolt broke off). Now that I can see it it doesn't look too bad; and by that I mean it is still intact, but I can't thread the bolts that came with the hitch because the nuts on the strip are - surprise, surprise - rusted.
So, after throwing about every tool within arms reach, I need to locate a tap and I have a couple of questions before I throw some more. What size do I need for those nuts? More importantly, Should I just remove this piece of *** and use the blocks? If I go that direction, how do I remove it? I tried prying it out with vice grips but it's being held in there from what feels like behind where the exhaust hanger bolts to. Finally, Can I install the hitch before reinstalling the bumper or will I run into more trouble?
I'm so sick of this install. It should have taken an hour or 2. I'm on number 8
Last edited by terzdesign; 05-27-2014 at 09:20 PM.
#2
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
You can get nut strips from JCR Offroad, they use 1/2 nuts I believe. Better and safer alternative than dealing with old rusted out crap imo.
#4
I just put a hitch on my 2000 a couple months ago. You must remove both exhaust hanger bolts in order to remove the nutstrip. Mine was rusted and got all bent to hell and it took me a while to get it out of the frame rail. I used vice grips to pull it out and removal of the rear bumper was required. My new hitch came with bolts and large square plates that take the place of the factory nutstrip. Here's a very informative video about the install. I highly recommend etrailer also as I received my hitch in one day for a great price. Good luck
Last edited by rnmcguire; 05-27-2014 at 10:16 PM.
#7
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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