Hitch removal question.

[apache67]

Guys,

Trying to remove my rear hitch without removing the rear bumper. Are the hitch bolts threaded into the frame or is there a bolt on the backside of the 4 screws?

Thanks!
G

 

[robtmc]

Assuming they did not change the hitch from the 4th generation, The bolts only go into captive nuts welded to the cross member. Good luck getting the upper ones out, i had to pop the bumper off to get to them with enough force.

 

[apache67]

Assuming they did not change the hitch from the 4th generation, The bolts only go into captive bolts welded to the cross member. Good luck getting the upper ones out, i had to pop the bumper off to get to them with enough force.

Yeah, it's not possible without removing the bumper. There's a total of six bolts. At first, I thought there were 4, but there is indeed 6.

 

[robtmc]

i was able to unpop one ide of the bumper, remove all the screw under the hatch, and GENTLY swing the bumper out enough to access the big bolts, supporting the unattached side.

That really helped popping the bumper back in place with no damage.

Believe me, I did not want to remove it, bet there is no other way to get a wrench up there.