Front hitch for 2004 Ranger FX4 II

caver · #1 11-25-2011, 01:28 PM

Hello from SW MO. Starting to do some minor mods to my FX4 and was hoping to get a lil advice. My immidiate need is setting up for self rescue. (stuck it big time last mushroom season) My initial thought is to get a front hitch so i can set up a winch from front or back. I've looked and cannot find a "bolt-on" front hitch where the receiver would be in between the tow hooks. Does anyone make something on that line? Or a reasonable bumper with a winch mount?

Thnx

brinker88 · #2 11-25-2011, 02:08 PM

Have any welding experience or someone that can weld for you? I made this one for around $30

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pootnranger · #3 11-25-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brinker88

Have any welding experience or someone that can weld for you? I made this one for around $30

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sel him one hahha

Mikerider · #4 11-26-2011, 01:41 AM

this is from my build thread.

The over all width is 32in, minor width is 26in (between frame rails)

Holes are all 1/2in (hitch requires 4 grade 8 flange head bolts and nuts)

Remove tow hooks, then elongate the uppermost tow hook bolt hole 3/16-1/4 (red circles) in this is so the hitch brackets can fit between the cross-member and tow hook.

Bolt hitch in between frame and tow hooks using stock bolts then drill bottom of the frame and bolt in. (green arrows)

Hope this gives you some idea. The tow hook brackets can be bolted on but welding is easier also good to weld up the ends of the hitch after you cut the L shape to add some more rigidity.

Cut, Painted and Installed

Front end back on

all done

Rubber Duck · #5 11-26-2011, 05:41 AM

not to hijack this topic, but would it be the same idea to make this for a non-FX4 ll 2wd truck?

Mikerider · #6 11-26-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rubber Duck

not to hijack this topic, but would it be the same idea to make this for a non-FX4 ll 2wd truck?

if you have the front cross member yes its the same. if you don't then some additional support brackets will be needed.

caver · #7 11-27-2011, 06:22 AM

thanks for the fabrication ideas guys ....... looks like i'll see if my buddy needs a new welding project

number19 · #8 12-27-2011, 01:55 PM

Is there any chance at all to get some dimensions and locations from your design? or perhaps even the CAD files you used to make it?

Mikerider · #9 12-27-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by number19

Is there any chance at all to get some dimensions and locations from your design? or perhaps even the CAD files you used to make it?

the locations for the front tow hook mounts depend on where you want the hitch to sit so it will be different depending on what you use for a donor hitch.

like I said a 3x3 hitch works well then just weld on the brackets and drill some holes. I would have to build another one to get exact measurements.

llcooljake · #10 04-09-2015, 10:46 PM

Hey! I know this is a 4 year old post. When you bolted the hitch to the frame, what did you use to hold the nuts still while they were inside the frame? Isn't the gap too small to fit a socket wrench?

Mikerider · #11 04-10-2015, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llcooljake

Hey! I know this is a 4 year old post. When you bolted the hitch to the frame, what did you use to hold the nuts still while they were inside the frame? Isn't the gap too small to fit a socket wrench?

a 3/4 box wrench will fit into the end of the frame rail or use a nut plate to connect the 2 nuts so you don't need the wench. Or you can drill a big hole and weld the nuts in. Lots of options

Caroush · #12 04-20-2015, 09:57 PM

Will this work for a body lifted truck too. Looks like it might be a little low

Redneckstone · #13 04-21-2015, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caroush

Will this work for a body lifted truck too. Looks like it might be a little low

For a body lift yes his is to low. You will need to run something in the location if where mine is. Here is the link
Front hitch fabrication and winch mounting Pics....