Aftermarket hitch installation issues on 4th gen (2008)

I was able to finish the installation last night. It turns out that I did not need the longer bolts after-all. It was obvious that I could use the included bolts after fishing one through. Of course this means that I would need to remove a perfectly good bolt in order to use the shorter one lol. I think I am becoming an expert with using magnets to remove bolts and washers inside a closed frame. :biggrin2:

In hindsight, this is a very simple job. It appears to be overwhelming when you think about breaking bolts, tapping threads and fishing and removing bolts inside a frame with very little access to get in. There is NO need to even think about cutting or enlarging access holes in the frame. I ended up using a grinder to put a slit at the end of the bolt in order to hold it in place with a screwdriver when tightening it down. My main reasoning behind this was to give myself or someone the chance at removing the hitch as opposed to having to cut the bolt off from damaging the threads by using a vice grip to hold the bolt in place.

Special thanks to everyone who made suggestions and commented! It gave me the extra push to get it done.

Btw, just a comment regarding the hitch electrical harness for those who are wondering where that goes when dong this. I was able to mount it by moving it over and using one of the screws to secure it in place. Seems sturdy enough this way. I should have enough clearance to access it when the time comes.

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I was able to finish the installation last night. It turns out that I did not need the longer bolts after-all. It was obvious that I could use the included bolts after fishing one through. Of course this means that I would need to remove a perfectly good bolt in order to use the shorter one lol. I think I am becoming an expert with using magnets to remove bolts and washers inside a closed frame. :biggrin2:

In hindsight, this is a very simple job. It appears to be overwhelming when you think about breaking bolts, tapping threads and fishing and removing bolts inside a frame with very little access to get in. There is NO need to even think about cutting or enlarging access holes in the frame. I ended up using a grinder to put a slit at the end of the bolt in order to hold it in place with a screwdriver when tightening it down. My main reasoning behind this was to give myself or someone the chance at removing the hitch as opposed to having to cut the bolt off from damaging the threads by using a vice grip to hold the bolt in place.

Special thanks to everyone who made suggestions and commented! It gave me the extra push to get it done.

Btw, just a comment regarding the hitch electrical harness for those who are wondering where that goes when dong this. I was able to mount it by moving it over and using one of the screws to secure it in place. Seems sturdy enough this way. I should have enough clearance to access it when the time comes.

Looks good! :thumb:
 

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