[QUOTE=yorkite;629008]I think this would be something that was intalled a long time ago, before the convenience of going down to wal-mart and picking up a bolt on receiver kit...this is a 1987 Jeep ya know. There are 2 additional bolts on the bumper too...
I sure that no hitch ever came as a weld on acc. even in 1987 Mr. wallmart I would think even way back in87 they still thought to bolt stuff on cause they did make bolts back then . And what I was saying to the op was if the hitch was on since 1987 the welds might be compromised with rust by now and also maybe theoo was a shotty welder too .

 

Had this problem on mine. Except I could have removed the hitch but said NOPE angle grinder cut the bolt and picked up a better grade 8 one from ace hardware.

 

I recently replaced the springs on our '98, and this isn't a problem if you pull the shackles, which IMHO you should be doing anyway, to change the bushings. Just my opinion here, not preaching, but why go to the trouble of upgrading your suspension just to leave old worn out bushings in there? I mounted the shackles to the springs, and once set in place (which wasn't difficult) it wasn't very difficult to muscle the shackle and front eye into position. I too would recommend replacing all the bolts. I got lucky, and the only bolt that broke was on one of the sway bar endlinks. I however, started spraying all the bolts with WD40 weekly about 2 months before starting... I didn't want to take any chances... Good luck with whatever you do...