Gas Tank Skid (and Tow Hook) Bolt Size?

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:07 pm

So I was about to install my receiver hitch, but discovered that I don't have the right socket size. 17mm is too small, 19mm is too large. 11/32" is too small, 12/32" is too large.

I went to Home Depot to get an 18mm socket, but sure enough, 18mm sockets don't exist (which explains why I can't find one).

I opened up the 2005 KJ Parts list to find what size the bolt is. It's listed as an "M12x1.75x40".

Does anyone have any idea what that means? I can probably make it work with a 19mm socket, but I'd rather use the right size considering how much I'm going to have to torque it to get the bolts off.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:33 pm

I have a couple of 18mm sockets in the garage. I can take pics to prove it. :lol:

Who said they do not exist? You must have an 18mm to install a lift too.

BLANCK88 · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:41 pm

i just installed a rear tow hook in my 05 liberty
i have the ratchet in the jeep. ill look tomorrow.
also, when you install it would yo ube able to send me your extra nutzert/unut from teh hitch.
there is already one in place from the hook. it is located on teh frame, the closest to the rear on the left hand side, if you are looking at the liberty from standing behind it. the hole is too big for the bolt without this piece.

thanks
bryan

dkcase · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:41 pm

I went to look for what I used to install mine. Not sure.

I don't remember getting an 18mm socket. Should be available at Sears or an auto parts store. There are all varieties of 18mm sockets at Sears website.

Looks like a 23/32 will work, but I don't have that either I think. I probably used a 19mm.

M12x1.75x40
Metric, 12mm diam; 1.75mm thread pitch; 40mm length

The ones I bought for my tow hook are M12x1.75x35

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:50 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

I have a couple of 18mm sockets in the garage. I can take pics to prove it. :lol:

Who said they do not exist? You must have an 18mm to install a lift too.

Oops, I accidentally believed a Home Depot guy!

I figured that the logical sizes for metric were odd numbers, because that's what was on the shelf at home depot. I had figured that 18mm or 23/32 would work, but couldn't find either of those sizes. I guess it's time to go to a real tool store...

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:52 pm

dkcase wrote:

I went to look for what I used to install mine. Not sure.

I don't remember getting an 18mm socket. Should be available at Sears or an auto parts store. There are all varieties of 18mm sockets at Sears website.

Looks like a 23/32 will work, but I don't have that either I think. I probably used a 19mm.

M12x1.75x40
Metric, 12mm diam; 1.75mm thread pitch; 40mm length

The ones I bought for my tow hook are M12x1.75x35

I found the M12x1.75x40 size, but I didn't know how to get from 12mm diameter to the metric socket size. I guess it's ~18mm

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 11:03 pm

Stupid home dePOT guy. Made you make the trip there for nothing!

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Thu Mar 09, 2006 11:26 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Stupid home dePOT guy. Made you make the trip there for nothing!

I did pick up a locking hitch pin, though. Paid too much for it, too!

I seem to be disappointed every time I go there.

kickit_in4wheel · **Posted:** Fri Mar 10, 2006 1:19 am

Hey guys, while we are on the topic of trailer hitch bolts, does anyone know if DC switched bolt sizes at some point? What size bolts does the average Liberty take for the trailer hitch/tow hook?

I have a 2002 Limited 4X4, and I have ordered 2 accesories that bolt into the those rear holes- my dual exhaust, which is made by Borla but sold through Chrysler, and my HiddenHitch class 3 receiver. Neither kit came with the right size bolts. I checked and double checked, the supplied bolts were just too large. I went to the hardware store, and the ones that ended up fitting the threaded holes underneath the Liberty fit into a 5/8" socket. The supplied bolts fit into an 18mm. The actual threaded portion of the bolts ae very close to the same, but the ones that fit are smaller. It's not rust or dirt, trust me. Any insight? I'm nervous because I don't know if the hitch will be as strong if the bolts are smaller than everyone else's.

Rick

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:07 am

While we're in the discussion, I'm curious:

How does M12 translate to 18mm?

M12 = 12mm nominal diameter. This is the diameter of the threaded portion, I am fairly sure. So how does this tell me how large the head of the bolt is? Isn't it possible to have more than one size head with the same threading on it?

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:10 am

kickit_in4wheel wrote:

Hey guys, while we are on the topic of trailer hitch bolts, does anyone know if DC switched bolt sizes at some point? What size bolts does the average Liberty take for the trailer hitch/tow hook?

I have a 2002 Limited 4X4, and I have ordered 2 accesories that bolt into the those rear holes- my dual exhaust, which is made by Borla but sold through Chrysler, and my HiddenHitch class 3 receiver. Neither kit came with the right size bolts. I checked and double checked, the supplied bolts were just too large. I went to the hardware store, and the ones that ended up fitting the threaded holes underneath the Liberty fit into a 5/8" socket. The supplied bolts fit into an 18mm. The actual threaded portion of the bolts ae very close to the same, but the ones that fit are smaller. It's not rust or dirt, trust me. Any insight? I'm nervous because I don't know if the hitch will be as strong if the bolts are smaller than everyone else's.

Rick

Just make sure they are Grade 8 bolts. You should be fine if they are.

chefdab · **Posted:** Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:15 pm

The bolts that came with my mopar skid and with my hidden hitch both used a 19mm socket. The trickiest one was on the passenger side near the exhaust. Make sure you jack that side up when you do the install and either let the tire droop or remove it and you can get to the bolt through the fenderwell.

Gas Tank Skid (and Tow Hook) Bolt Size?

Who is online