I just got a hitch the other day off craigslist and have been looking around for the best install equipment. I will just be using the hitch for a bike rack right now. I have looked for the metal plates (with the square cut-outs) that are used to lock carriage bolts however have been unable to find anything. I also would like to avoid spending $30+ on nutstrips. Since this is just for a bike rack, would simple grade 8 bolts, and lock washers work? Thanks.

Oh yeah, and I have a single hook mounted on the drivers side, I assume that will have to come off or is there any way to keep it with the hitch? Something like this:

 

Go to a junkyard. They are like $4 for both if you pull them.

 

How ya gonna hold bolt to tighten ?

 

X2

 

I just installed mine the other day. One side had nut strips then other side in had to fish the bolts threw. Good luck finding what you need. I bought new for this reason. I wanted all the hardware and what not. Only paid 150 shipped with hardware and wiring harness.

 

The nutstrips are $16 at the dealership. You only need 1 as the passenger side should already have one.

You can put the tow hook back on if you want to but I wouldn't bother with it. The hitch makes a much stronger recovery point.

 

thats a 97+ thing.

they used the nutstrip to mount the rear exhaust hanger. earlier xjs do not have it there.

 

Yep and they're pop riveted into place.

 

If that's a factory hook might be one there also.

 

Chrylser shows yes for hook no for exhaust ....http://www.factorychryslerparts.com/...ukey_make=1064....

 

See if theres rivets in the frame there no8 on hook pic.