A new hitch on an old Ford

[Sonora Iron]

Tension rating for 1/2-inch grade 5 bolt is 18,139 pounds. Tension for 1/2-inch grade 8 bolt is 22,674 pounds. You can always go with some 1/2-inch MP35N Super Alloy 1/2-inch bolts where the shear is 30,770, and tension is 39,302. Before you strip four of these bolts that Ford will need a good set of tires!

[Sberry]

I have seen a couple of failures, they use a smaller tube than 3 inch and were rusty 20+ years and severely overloaded in a big way. I wouldn't lose any sleep over this thing especially for occasional use on trucks lighter than 350 class and decent size trailer. It would drive a lighter truck into the ground especially with less than 24/7 use. One of my trucks has a brace but the truck weighs 20K and my daily has a tube bolted to a step bumper similar to that one with the exception of new brackets going to the frame replacing the stamped factory stuff. I even rode those until signs of fatigue.

[m.k.swelding]

looks real good. to bad its going on a junk ford.

[tom37]

I used to be partial to Chevy, but I guess the older I get I figure as long as it eats gas like candy and starts every day that I am good to go. Oh ya and it was cheep. If it makes it a few more years I'll be happy. Then maybe I can think about a diesel. A little better mileage, alot more power, and since my son starts college for diesel mechanic in the fall, maybe I wont have to pay top dollar to get the new diesel repair technology.

[Pass-N-Gas]

The nice thing about them old fords was they were dang neer indestructible and it did not take a computer to work on them.. I drove one "Hard" for 25 yrs before getting the two new Cummins

[gomoto69]

good job, you could probably hang your ford in a tree by that hitch! For the spare tire, go search the wreckers for a truck with a crank up winch type set up. Most japanese trucks have them, and i think even modern dodges have this. Best way ever for getting a heavy spare up and out of the way. I'm sure it wouldn't take much engineering to mount one to your ol ferd.

[tom37]

Yes Sir, I think that would be a spectacular idea for the tire. Ya know its the easy things that I sometimes seem to over look. UMM I guess I better leave the wifes Dodge alone! I'm not sure how soon I'll get it done, my mowing is kicking my tail right in the dirt. But its on the to do list for sure.

Thanks for all the great comments everyone.

[ligito]

Looks good and it should outlast the gas tank and frame.