I thought I'd just post up some pics of my front hitch. I spent a long time at the local junkyard, looking for a hitch that would fit without modifying to much. I finally found one from a 80s chevy van. Paid $24. I just needed to make a simple bracket made out of 1/4 plate to bolt it up to my tow hooks. Here is a previous post on my custom tow hook install. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ml#post1424515

Now I can use that nice bike rack I made up front. Once some extra money comes in I'm buying a nice 9,000lbs winch. Now I can use it up front or out back. I also want to make a nice gear rack for it. For now it serves as a nice step to get into the engine bay. And a great tree killer when I go offroading so I don't kill my bumper, on the lower stuff. And it adds more strength to the tow hooks.















As a note for others, there is no kit for 1st Gen. Dakota. But for 2nd Gen. Dakota there is. If 1st Gener wants to try it here it is. http://www.autoanything.com/towing/6...79975&kc=AFFCJ
Or you can try a 2nd Gen. front hitch. I don't know how much more customizing you might need to do to make it work.
http://www.etrailer.com/fmr-2000_Dodge_Dakota.htm
http://www.realtruck.com/product/108...tch_31097.html


Here is pics of one. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ok-talk-2.html

 

That's really cool, sounds like you've got about as much time on your hands as i do, AND it's spent wisely

 

Looks good.

 

does it fit with the skid-plate (is that custom or did you buy that?) or do you have it off for other reasons?

looks good, i wish i could add goodies... but ill be chalking this one up to the list of things to get in the future. the only issue I could ever see with this would be if I wanted a plow (would be convenient, and possible winter money maker...) though im sure for the effort of having a plow, I could just remove it in the when needed.

oh yeah... that a standard receiver? or was that actually a front hitch when you found it on the van?

 

Thanks guys!

Ya accully it does fit with the skid plate. The skid plate that I have is custom made, I made it. The skid plate is on in the middle picture. Its dark in that area so its hard to see.

The hitch was a rear hitch. It is a standerd class 3 hitch. This one was perfect because all the ones I could find the brace went backwards. I needed one that went up. This one goes up. And perfect width.

 

that is pretty cool crazy! i am building some bumpers for my suzuki and i am welding a 2in reciever to the bottom of them for the same reason.

 

looks nice, the fab work is great.

 

Nice fab. That is what I like to see, a new custom tool and not just a peace of chrome to look good in the drive way.

 

Wow,

I have always wondered about doing something like this but never went into the design process. That would also make getting a tow a lot easier. Assuming you can find another truck that high :P