I got me a hitch!

[cwatson]

$100.00 off craigslist. The guy never had it installed, the wiring bag is still sealed shut. Looks like I'll be spending some time here:
http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26895&highlight=hitch

Anyone know if I'll be able to get this in by myself, or am I gonna need someone to crawl under there with me?

 

[ptsb5a]

Way easier with three arms. Get help. I did mine on my own and probably looked like a ****** doing it. Kinda glad no-one was around to watch. It's not heavy or anything, just awkward to do alone. Imagine lying on your back with one side of the hitch in one hand, a wrench in the other and one foot holding the other side up so you can get a bolt started. Weird.

 

[mag03kj]

I did mine by myself after a day of cuttin trees so i was wore out and damn i got it up and then it feel on me....but ya one person can do it but its safer with 2 ppl.

 

[RageOfFury]

You will need to clean out the holes in the frame. Some PB Blaster and a plumber's brush does the trick. You can also tap the holes if you have the tools for it. Make sure you use some loc-tite on those bolts and torque em down to specifications.

You'll need some help to lift the hitch in place and to pull the tailpipe to the side to get that last bolt torqued up.

 

[mag03kj]

And some will say to get grade 10 but i didnt i used grade 8 which is what came with it and i just lock washers...so if i want to take it off i can.

 

[ptsb5a]

My mopar hitch came with 10.9s. Just saying.

 

[mag03kj]

I got hidden hitch...but the grade 8 bolts are strong enough i will not ever tow anymore then 3000lb if that much so the grade 8 is fine with me....lol some ppl just like to do what other ppl tell them to..

 

[ptsb5a]

My mopar gas tank skid came with 10.9s. Just saying..... so, looks like I've a half dozen 10.9 M12x1.75 sitting around doing nothing.

 

[tjkj2002]

I got hidden hitch...but the grade 8 bolts are strong enough i will not ever tow anymore then 3000lb if that much so the grade 8 is fine with me....lol some ppl just like to do what other ppl tell them to..

You can't have grade 8 bolts holding your hitch up.Grade 8 is a SAE fastener,the bolt holes in the KJ for the hitch are metric.So you would have had to cross thread SAE bolts to get them in there since.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

A jack (or jack stands) would help ya hold up the hitch....

 

[bmrrwolfe]

You can't have grade 8 bolts holding your hitch up.Grade 8 is a SAE fastener,the bolt holes in the KJ for the hitch are metric.So you would have had to cross thread SAE bolts to get them in there since.

X2 they are metric M12s which metrics run a 8.8 10.9 and i think even a 12.9? Someone correct me if im wrong?

 

[mag03kj]

well the 8.8 is what i used and is good ducking enough bc my jeep will never pull any more then 3000lb...and the guy at fastenal "If you step up to a grade 10.9 it will brake easier then a grade 8.8 bc 10.9 is a harder bolt so there is no give and also how ever made the hitch used that bolt in mind for the hitch to stay mounted to the vehicle" now troy didnt you tell me to go to fastenal to get 10.9?

 

[tjkj2002]

well the 8.8 is what i used and is good ducking enough bc my jeep will never pull any more then 3000lb...and the guy at fastenal "If you step up to a grade 10.9 it will brake easier then a grade 8.8 bc 10.9 is a harder bolt so there is no give and also how ever made the hitch used that bolt in mind for the hitch to stay mounted to the vehicle" now troy didnt you tell me to go to fastenal to get 10.9?

Yes,but like stated before you will break/shear a 8.8 well before you even start to damage a 10.9.

Again look at the sepcs between the 8.8 and a 10.9...........

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[mag03kj]

Ok well how about this ill change the bolts since it seems like the smart thing to do and ill stop being bullheaded about it too...but how about i go to an aviation bolt..i can get any grade for free from the base here that my brother-in-law takes classes at...and they use them on the air planes!

 

[ptsb5a]

Ok well how about this ill change the bolts since it seems like the smart thing to do and ill stop being bullheaded about it too...but how about i go to an aviation bolt..i can get any grade for free from the base here that my brother-in-law takes classes at...and they use them on the air planes!

Aircraft hardware is cool, drilled for lockwire and cadmium plated, but it's also in std sizes and fine thread. So go ahead and try a 1/2 NF32, it'll be tight going in but it'll fit. No, don't you dare. I was kidding. Get some 10.9 M12x1.75s in an appropriate length, like 40/45mm

 

[mag03kj]

Why hell i thought if they are strong enough for air planes for armed forces they would be good enough for my hitch!

 

[ptsb5a]

Why hell i thought if they are strong enough for air planes for armed forces they would be good enough for my hitch!

They are good enough, maybe too good. They just won't fit. There, that should be clear enough.

 

[mag03kj]

They got ever size you could ask for.Bc he used them on this truck hitch!

 

[tjkj2002]

They got ever size you could ask for.Bc he used them on this truck hitch!

Some hitches use bolts that go threw a hole in a frame and uses a nut.The KJ has a nut welded in the uniframe which happens to be M12x1.75 metric pitch.So just get six M12x1.75x40mm(or 45mm) bolts in 10.9 hardness(stamped on the head) and you will be good to go.

 

[RageOfFury]

Some hitches use bolts that go threw a hole in a frame and uses a nut.The KJ has a nut welded in the uniframe which happens to be M12x1.75 metric pitch.So just get six M12x1.75x40mm(or 45mm) bolts in 10.9 hardness(stamped on the head) and you will be good to go.

+1
Don't forget to use the washers and some red loc-tite.