Removing Factory Integrated Xj Trailer Hitch, How?

[onlyinajeep726]

Does anybody have any insight or experience removing the factory, integrated trailer hitch from an '88 XJ?  It's the kind that bolts to the rear bumper, in addition to the frame rails (see below).  I want to put a standard 2" Reese hitch and use a drop shank to accommodate my lift, but I'm kind of stumped on how to remove this one.

 

[yellaheep]

Um...... you remove the bolts holding it on?   :dunno:

 

What's it look like from underneath?

 

Can't tell from the pic what's got you stumped.

[onlyinajeep726]

Well duh.... hahaha.

I'll take some better pictures tomorrow... I'm about to head to work till late.

I guess the biggest thing I'm concerned about is having to remove the rear bumper.  That would be a PITA considering the tire carrier.  Also, there appears to be a few unibody tie-in brackets that look rather difficult to get to.
 

[yellaheep]

A blue tipped wrench should make short work of the removal of said hitch. :thumbsup:

[HOrnbrod]

Also, there appears to be a few unibody tie-in brackets that look rather difficult to get to.

Those should be nutstrips that slide into the unibody frame strut. At least that's how the factory hitch was mounted on an XJ that I used to have.

[dankicksass]

Last XJ hitch I put on used two bolts per side straight up from the bottom.

[HOrnbrod]

This is how the factory XJ hitch mounts. #2 are the nutstrips I referred to in my previous post.

 

[mvusse]

Those same nut strips are used for the factory gas tank skid plate.

[Wiggilez]

were they all bolted in from the factory, because the one on my 90 parts XJ appearers to be welded to the subframe? 

[dankicksass]

were they all bolted in from the factory, because the one on my 90 parts XJ appearers to be welded to the subframe?

That doesn't sound factory.

[Automan2164]

You are going to have to remove the rear bumper to put nut strips in anyway. There is a nut strip on the RH side for the exhaust brackets, but nothing on the left unless you have a factory tank skid.

 

Nut strips go in from the back.

 

Rob

[onlyinajeep726]

 

 

Got it removed today.  Went fairly smooth, other than having to cut off one bolt and running to the parts store to purchase a T-55 torx drive.

 

Getting ready to install this Class II receiver I pulled off of another XJ.  Freshly painted and ready to go.  Just need to find or make some nut strips...

[HOrnbrod]

http://www.quadratec.com/products/72016_8101.htm

 

Left side:   

[onlyinajeep726]

I guess I can't make my own very easily... What's up with all those funky bends?

[fatboyadams]

I guess I can't make my own very easily... What's up with all those funky bends?

To follow the lines of the unibody rails. I got mine from JCR.

[onlyinajeep726]

Was looking at the JCR ones, but $50 after shipping is a bit steep for a strip of metal with some nuts welded on... Although, I don't have a metal bender, so making some of my own is likely out of the question.

[Strokermjcomanche]

When I put a new Hidden hitch on my 99 xj the hitch was bolted on with bolts and large square spacers for reinforcement . The kit came with peices of mechanics wire that the bolts threaded onto so the wire could be fed into the frame holes , pulled through and nuts and lock washers were used on the bottom . Iirc there were 4 on each side.

[onlyinajeep726]

Yea, I saw those too.  Upon further research, I decided against that method based on people having them rip through the frame rail.  Nut strips spread the force of the load more evenly.  Plus, no fishing of bolts.  Just shove your nuts in and screw it.

[HOrnbrod]

Yea, I saw those too.  Upon further research, I decided against that method based on people having them rip through the frame rail.  Nut strips spread the force of the load more evenly.  Plus, no fishing of bolts.  Just shove your nuts in and screw it.

 

Very true. Do it right.  :thumbsup:

[Strokermjcomanche]

Oh ok . The kit came with the square washers when I bought the hitch new . Not saying the strips aren't better but I've towed 4 quads at a time ,vehicles etc.. with no problem . I'm wondering if the've ever been sued for the spacers ripping through the frame?

[onlyinajeep726]

I'm wondering if the've ever been sued for the spacers ripping through the frame?

 

I'd be interested in knowing that too.  I guess I'll have to suck it up and buy the JCR ones and call it done.

[onlyinajeep726]

I just found the pair of Crown Automotive ones on Amazon with free shipping for ~$33.

Does anyone know the size and thread pitch of the bolts I need?

[HOrnbrod]

Factory is M12x1.75 x 40. Should be the same with the Crown strips.

[onlyinajeep726]

Factory is M12x1.75 x 40. Should be the same with the Crown strips.

 

Thanks Don, you've been a great help. :cheers: :bowdown:

[Eagle]

 

Also, there appears to be a few unibody tie-in brackets that look rather difficult to get to.

Those should be nutstrips that slide into the unibody frame strut. At least that's how the factory hitch was mounted on an XJ that I used to have.

 

That's correct. Each frame rail has a metal strip inside with nuts welded onto it. The bolts go up through the hitch and into the nut strips. On my '88 there were also two (I think) torx bolts through the bumper. They went to a separate bracket that was easy to unbolt.

 

 

Part #15 in the diagram is the mount for the rear exhaust hanger.