I made these little "nut blocks" at work. I slid them in the frame one at a time then bolted the hitch from the underside. One at a time seemed like it would be easier than using a " nut strip".

The hardest part was putting the bumper back on. It was about a 2 1/2 hour job, start to finish



I guess I could have just cut holes in some 1/2 steel blanks and tapped the holes, but using nuts lets the bolts start in the threads a bit easier, in my experiences.

If I were to do it again, I would tig washers to the nut, and cut a box end wrench from steel that would fit in the frame channels. I would make the box end so that the bolt would pass thru but the nut would stay captured in the box portion of the wrench. Then slide the nuts/washer thingy in place while "captured" in the box wrench.

 

Nice!!

What seems to take the longest is removing and reinstalling the bumper bolts. No room!!

 

Absolutely lovely work; wish I could do that! About to finish my ‘96 hitch install; Bumper goes back on later this week. I’ve got a hack to share too. Great pictures - thanks so much! 👍👍

 

What I should have said was " I had one of the draftsmen draw these, then had the laser operator cut them, I then asked one of the welders to TIG them for me." I did how ever go to the parts bin and get the nuts!