Rear Bumper Removal / Hitch Mod (for oversized spares)

[Matt]

http://www.rockcrawler.com/techrepor...ners/index.asp

If I'm not mistaken, this is showing that each of the 1/2" bolts can take 14730 lbs shear capability, if that's the case there should be nothing to worry about correct? A hemi is only rated to tow 7200 lbs, and I understand force is different than dead weight so starting and stopping will put a larger force than the weight of the trailer. But in theory one bolt should be enough to handle the full towing amount. (Obviously I'm not recommending that, just a point of discussion and I'd like to feel safe towing..)

Yes/No... it gets a bit more complicated when you start taking into account fatigue cycling and other factors.

Did you replace all 4 bolts with grade 5 carriage bolts? If so, I'd probably swap them out for the grade-8s i linked for peace of mind. If you only replaced the center two, don't sweat it but it couldn't hurt to throw those better bolts in there.

From your own link:

“When in doubt, make it stout!”

[hoaxci5]

Ugg.. once I get my replacement spare tire winch I'll have to take a look and see if the two outer bolts would hit or not.. I might just put the originals back in.

[Matt]

What size spare are you running? I recall seeing that for the outer two you just need to cut off the excess bolt to fit a 265/70/17 in there...


Edit: and another idea for those who can weld... clean up the area and throw some fillet welds around there to add support. Dont see a reason you'd want to permanently remove the hitch (and even if you did, you could grind the welds off)

[hoaxci5]

255/75/17

My welder (and skill) isn't good enough to trust for a project of this importance.. so I'll check it out and update once my winch is here which should be Tuesday.

[Matt]

I meant welding in addition to the bolts.

[hoaxci5]

Yes I know, but my welder is only a 90 amp cheapy that makes bird sh** splatter welds. So I don't think me running a crappy bead is really going to make any difference. So I'll either pay someone to weld it, or if the bolts aren't in the way put the original 2 back in.

[Matt]

Yes I know, but my welder is only a 90 amp cheapy that makes bird sh** splatter welds.

LMAO that is by far the best analogy i've ever heard


How often are you towing max capacity? I don't think you have much to worry about man.... throw the factory bolts back in before you sell it.