I just bought a 2006 dakota,, under and behind the step bumper, there is a hitch,a very strong hitch, with a ball going thru the step bumper connecting to this hitch, am I ready to tow? or do I need to change this hitch?

Post a picture please.

If it's simply the ball bolted through the bumper, that will not be sufficient.

the ball passes thru the bumper, but, is connected to the hitch, so, the ball has no real contact with the bumper, it appears to be a hidden hitch, I shall post photos , soon, Im sure other dakotas have this set up,