FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Installing OEM hitch

Hey Everyone,

I bought a new OEM hitch and installed it on my '12 FJ today, but somehow couldn't get one bolt to get in all the way. I even followed the directions that came with it, putting bolt #1 first, bolt #2 second, etc. No matter how much I try, it tightens before the whole thing goes through. It's not misaligned or anything. It's the hole on the bottom left (not the ones below the hitch). Anyhow, it's still sticking out about half way out. I'll try again next weekend, but has anyone dealt with a similar problem?

Thanks!

Alex

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bz on January 17, 2012 at 12:22am

there is welding slag in the threads and you'll need to get a tap and run it through before you can get the bolt in

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Permalink Reply by NestahEdition on January 17, 2012 at 1:29pm

Re-tap or use a good thread cutting oil.

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Permalink Reply by Dominator! on January 17, 2012 at 10:31am

Hey I am thinking about doing the same. Any tips or things to look out for before I start that you could pass down would be greatly appreciated!!

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Permalink Reply by SJFJ 4x4 on January 17, 2012 at 9:15pm

Thanks Bz and NDA431FJr for the tips!

Dominator, other than what Bz and NDA suggested, I think the install was pretty straight forward. If you plan on taking the bumper off yourself, I would leave the middle bolt last so when you remove the bumper, it won't just fall off. The only thing I would be careful with are the blue clips when you remove the stock fascia to put the new one on. I accidentally pulled it too hard and broke 1 of the four clips.