Hidden Hitch HELP !!! *** Ok its on now :)

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 10:42 pm

I got my front hitch today, and let me tell you I was excited..... Until I saw how I needed to install it. Where the bolts go in the frame there is no access unless I drill some holes, which is fine except I dont have bits that big to make the bolts and spacer nuts fit thru. And that metal isnt weak by any stretch. I need some advise so I dont have spend a wad of cash to have it done in a shop somewhere. ANYONE have any ideas that I may be missing ???

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 11:01 pm

Doc, your hidden hitch should have instructions that show how to get the bolt plate in, mine came with them.

But since you asked,

You must remove the plastic bumper cover, then that will expose two endcaps for your "frame rails". They are retained by a 10mm bolt on one side and a tab that slides into the front of the crosspiece on the other side. You will have to drill one hole on each side, as the hidden hitch has 3 bolts on each side, and the frame only has 2 holes predrilled for the front tow hooks.

If you need more help, just ask.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 11:11 pm

here is more

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=170

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 11:17 pm

USAFCOP wrote:

Doc, your hidden hitch should have instructions that show how to get the bolt plate in, mine came with them.

But since you asked,

You must remove the plastic bumper cover, then that will expose two endcaps for your "frame rails". They are retained by a 10mm bolt on one side and a tab that slides into the front of the crosspiece on the other side. You will have to drill one hole on each side, as the hidden hitch has 3 bolts on each side, and the frame only has 2 holes predrilled for the front tow hooks.

If you need more help, just ask.

Well according to the instructions I dont need to remove the bumper. But if I do, I noticed that there are metal rivets there as well Where do I get new one to replace those?

nevermind I clicked on your link :oops:

The link shows an 02 or 03 KJ is the bumper on the 06 attached the same way?

pixeldzn · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 11:19 pm

The metal riviets are there to hold the innder bumper to the outer. Those don't need to be removed to take off the bumper.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 11:24 pm

Is yours the 2 piece hitch or the one piece hitch?

There may be a trick I do not know about if you have the 2 piece and it says you do not need too...

Mine was the one piece type, had to remove cover for it... but I know a guy that built a bumper instead so I sold it.

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 11:43 pm

ok I got the bumper off, I report back if anything new arrises ... Thanks everyone you guys ROCK !!!! its a 2 piece HH brand...

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 1:35 am

Okay with everyones advice, plus I called Pixldzn, I figured out the bumper thing

I found these little covers and to my suprise an access point for the bolts

here is a shot just before tightening everything up

here it is with the bumper back, I kinda goofed when I trimmed around the hitch opening, Ill clean it up tomorrow... Thanks again everyone, it just goes to show that the LOST group is the best out there...

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 4:44 am

Looks good. I have heard those little covers are called crush cans. After removing and trimming my bumper cover I believe that those crush cans are the only thing that absorbs an impact since there is nothing I'd call a bumper under the cover.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 6:09 am

Blue KJ in PA wrote:

Looks good. I have heard those little covers are called crush cans. After removing and trimming my bumper cover I believe that those crush cans are the only thing that absorbs an impact since there is nothing I'd call a bumper under the cover.

No.

Those little cans keep the humps in the bumper from just getting pushed in. That big metal white thing that those crush cans are on in those pics, thats actually the bumper.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 11:09 am

Ahhh! I see Meguiars!! I guess someone knows what they are doing! Is that 3 step? I see 2 bottles. :wink:

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 2:43 pm

The 3rd one is just out of the way, but its there, along with the clay... :wink:

Hidden Hitch HELP !!! *** Ok its on now :)

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