In Over My Head?

[2001_Exploder]

I was able to get my hands on a fairly decent hitch from a 2002 Sport Trac but I have a 2001 Explorer XLT and was trying to put it on today and noticed it was right up against my rear bumper and it was about an inch to an inch and a half away from my rear shackle.

Is this hitch mean't only for the Sport Trac? The bolt pattern is the same but it seems to fir weird AND is the bumper bracket supposed to go between the frame and the plate on the hitch or is the hitch supposed to be right up against the frame with the bumper brackets on the out side?

I'm sorry for the n00b questions!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

The sport trac hitch is different than the explorer hitch. The hitch can bolt up, but will hang below your bumper. Your best bet is to buy a hitch made an intended for an Explorer. With it, you won't have to move the bumper at all.

 

[2001_Exploder]

Thanks for the help!!!

In that case, I have one for sale in great shape!!!!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I found out the sport track hitch didn't work after I tried to install one accidentally. It was labeled "Ford Explorer Sport" - the "Trac" portion of the label had been accidentally rubbed off. I bolted it up, removing the bumper, but it hung way down below the bumper- unacceptable to me. I checked the part number on the hitch label to discover that it was intended for the Sport Trac.