What hardware do I need for a hitch?

[CdnJeeper]

I bought a used hitch for my 99 xj that was taken off a 1988. It is in good shape but it is smaller than hitches found at local stores. My hitch only has two mounting bolts per side vs 4 at the store but mine has 3 bolts along the back bumper where store hitch doesnt have any.

Does anyone know what hardware I will need to install this? I was told the nut strip uses M12-1.75x40. I've read that bolt plates are possibly needed or is there another way? I measured the 3 rear bolts and any 3" bolt should work.

If anyone with some expertise on the subject please let me know.

Cheers.

[prerunner1982]

You will need nut strips that go along the inside of the "frame" rail.
Not sure if JCR Offroad ships to Canada, but that is where I would get the nut strips. They come with bolts.

[4.3LXJ]

If you have a gas tank skid plate, you already have the nut strips. Just remove the bolts for the skid plate and bolt on the hitch. Just about any bolts will work on the bumper

[XJ Wheeler]

The only hitch I know of that only bolts to two per side and is small is the 1 5/8" hitch. If so, you may want to consider getting a 2" hitch instead. They are stronger and more versatile as most hitch attachments are for 2". Just trying to save ya some headache.

As far as the hardware nutstrips are the best way to go because they distribute the load. Crown, JCR Offroad, and Rustys (which are crowns) are the only I know of for sure.

[CdnJeeper]

The only hitch I know of that only bolts to two per side and is small is the 1 5/8" hitch. If so, you may want to consider getting a 2" hitch instead. They are stronger and more versatile as most hitch attachments are for 2". Just trying to save ya some headache.

As far as the hardware nutstrips are the best way to go because they distribute the load. Crown, JCR Offroad, and Rustys (which are crowns) are the only I know of for sure.

Thanks for the tips everyone, can anyone confirm the bolt size is m12x-1.75x40 for the nut strip?

And yes it is a small hitch but I paid $20 and only intend on using it for strengthening and protecting the rear end and as a cheap recovery point when/if needed. There is actually not even a receiver on it, there's an odd mounting plate with 4 bolt holes.

[prerunner1982]

There is actually not even a receiver on it, there's an odd mounting plate with 4 bolt holes.

Something like this?

http://www.okoffroad.com/gifs/stuff/pintle-mount-a.jpg

[CdnJeeper]

Something like this?

http://www.okoffroad.com/gifs/stuff/pintle-mount-a.jpg

not really, imagine that plate with the 4 holes cut in half. Then weld the skinny side to the hitch so the bolt holes line up 2" apart. I don't have the hitch here atm otherwise I'd take a picture but it's very odd.

[prerunner1982]

Yes please take a picture when you can. My first thought was a pintle hitch mount.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H2v53TiYL._AA220_.jpg

[gary63]

how good are thous to use I know a guy that has 5 or 6 laying around and I might pick up 1or2 for use on the trail pulling a trailer.

[prerunner1982]

They are good, not as restrictive as a ball type trailer. They also make a better recovery point than a ball hitch.

[4.3LXJ]

They rattle, but are super strong.

[prerunner1982]

Yeah.. they do clunk around a bit when a trailer is attached.

[CdnJeeper]

Here is a picture of my hitch... thoughts? Also, I tried M12x40 bolts and they don't stay tight, I can literally pull them through.. is the nut strip striped out? How else can I mount this?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a210/CraigSt3r/10463877_10152095691566441_90886705082746490_n_zps 0303f564.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/user/CraigSt3r/media/10463877_10152095691566441_90886705082746490_n_zps 0303f564.jpg.html)
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a210/CraigSt3r/10361335_10152095691711441_829561582382282330_n_zp s7d78fdcd.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/user/CraigSt3r/media/10361335_10152095691711441_829561582382282330_n_zp s7d78fdcd.jpg.html)

[prerunner1982]

AHHH ok, I mis-understood. Those are to hook your safety chains to.

As far as the nut strips..did you buy some or did you have a gas tank skid?

To my knowledge XJs didn't come with them unless it had the skid and/or hitch, so you may just not have anything in there to bolt to. I know mine didn't.

[slvmart]

OK. Call me a hitch snob, but personally I wouldn't go with anything less than Class III 2" receiver that's rated at least a 5k lbs. Especially for a recovery point.
If you add this : Amazon.com: Rampage 8610 Black D-Ring Universal Shackle Kit: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ngfVfB5lL.@@AMEPARAM@@41ngfVfB5lL
which is rated at 10k lbs, I don't think you will ever have any concerns about 3 bolts per side being enough.
Just my opinion.

Oh ! And don't forget that all your hardware should be rated Grade 8 or the metric equivalent, believe that's 9.4.