Hitch will not line up

[Steve Heim]

I bought a hitch from a member and it will not line up. Will a hitch from an 04 fit an 01? Can anyone measure the space between the holes on thiers and get back with me.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Same same.

01 to 05 all the same...



What holes are not lining up?

 

[Todd Z]

You have to really beat the thing on there.. Mine was a Pain to install.. Useda car jack to force it on...

The 01-05 are the same..

DID you remove the correct bolts??

Todd Z

 

[Steve Heim]

I removed the the two that are connected by a piece of metal. I thought the other hole was one already in the frame.

 

[TRACket Paul]

Remember to re-align your bumper to the body before final bolt tightening.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Mine had three on each side.

 

[Steve Heim]

It seems the bolt hole are too far apart.

 

[George C]

Make sure you are using these 3 holes...

There are a few more pics in my library.



George



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[Steve Heim]

My two bolt holes on mine are a much greater distance apart. At least 7 inches.

 

[Thomas Church]

Steve -

here's the website I bought the hitch from, perhaps you can reach them for install instructions as I can't find the ones I had.



the hitch was on my 2004 ST for almost 2 years so I know it has to fit somehow...



http://www.besttruckaccessories.com/receiverhitches/index.htm

 

[Todd Z]

Did the member actually have the hitch installed???...

It could be the wrong one...

Todd Z

 

[Richard L]

Yes,

Perhaps the hitch is mismarked and does not fit a 2001-2005 Sport Trac. It may be for 2002 or later Explorer?? The previous owner may have encounter the same problem and so they sold it?



It's also possible that your bumper slipped when you removed the bolts and now the holes do not align properly?



All the Sport Track hitches I have seen require 3 bolts/nuts on each side, so that's why I think it may not be for a 2001-2005 Sport Trac and the member who sold it may have not been aware of that if they never tried to install it?



...Rich

 

[Steve Heim]

He had it mounted. I found the right holes but they are different than the ones shown in the projects portion. The hitch has a cut-out to go around the two bumper bolts. I have to use the one hole on the frame and there is another on on the bumper bracket. Just looks like it is going to be a tight fit to get around the rear shackle.:wacko:

 

[Kris Gau]

I had to jack mine up to let the shackle drop out of the way to make it slide in place.

 

[Thomas Church]

I'm the one who sold the hitch and it does fit, I had it on my 04 for over two years with no problems. It was a snug fit getting it installed but it will fit.

 

[Steve Heim]

That what I had to do also. I will be submitting a new project soon. Thanks Thomas for you help.

 

[Rick T 2]

I installed a Canadian made "Hidden Hitch" that has two holes and a notch to mount it to the frame. I reversed one bolt to hang the notch on.

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I could hang the hitch on the 2 notches and swing it up for the other two bolts.

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