just picked up a 2004 quad cab 4.7 with a "towing package" . only problem is , it doesn't have a reciever hitch. it's just the wiring for the trailer and the factory installed bumper support for a ball. so i went to the boneyard and picked up a 2002 ram full setup with the welded receiver and the works. am i correct to assume, that i have to lift the bed up on the truck to get this thing in there? with the back bumper off, it doesn't seem like it'll come off without lifting the bed 1-2 inches in the back? advice?

 

My advise would have been to get the hitch that you install with 4 grade 8 bolts. It is rated same as the welded on ones and takes 20 minutes to bolt up. I have ne experience with a factory installed swap as you have described. The Mopar wiring kit is also very easy to install. It took me about 1.5hours to do it. This is because I was very meticulous about it and soldered the connection and rewrapped everything really well with high quality electircal tape. The longest part was running the wire loom to the front and securing it to my satisfaction! I know it wasn't what you wanted to hear, but it is just my 0.02

 

sux because i paid 100 bucks for this thing , and i am doubting they'll take it back.....

 

What are you towing?

Most "towing" bumpers I know have a 2000lb towing capacity. This means that you don't need a reciever setup just a ball on thr bumper. If you are towing something larger, I recommend going to a towing specialty shop, i.e. Franklin Trailers in NJ andhave them install a class 3-4 hitch.


my $.02

 

towing a car trailer 4,500 lbs total. guessing i jumped the gun by buying the whole thing from the boneyard when i coulda got something cheaper and easier to use. but now i am in a bind cuz i am not going to get my money back on it, and i dont' want to shell out more $.....

 

i have a stock hitch i got from the dealer , very easy to install , small , and it was about $75. does what i need i to do. sorry for your possible mistake .

 

Attached are the directions for removing/installing the factory tow hitch.

From the 04 service manual

 

wow, guess i was right about the picking up of the bed. well good news though, the boneyard took it back and refunded my $$$, so now i am looking for the best possible receiver to bolt on to my existing hitch. anyone have any suggestions?

 

If your truck doesnt have a receiver then you dont have the tow package. The package comes witht eh receiver and has more to it than the hitch. It has a better batter (more CCA), a higher output alternator, tranny cooler, hitch and wiring (both inline 4 and 7pin) and wirinf harness for the brake control. Check to see on the tranny cooler if you have one. If you can get a class 3 hitch for 75 then I would go for it. Most of the hirches I have seen are more around 100-150 new but I am sure that if you shop for it then you can maybe do better. Uhaul has always been best around her if you want it installed and cheep. Usually around 125 to 150 installed. I have seen some places that weld the hitch on for better permanent use.

 

Go to your local dealer and get the mopar hitch for under $100 or you can use one of the vendors here. The factory bolt on hitch is a class IV hitch that is rated at 600/6000 and 1200/12000 with a WD system. It is really easy to do. Don't cut out the holes it tells you to, just pop up the plastic on the bumper. You'll understand what I mean if you see the Mopar instructions. If you go to the dealer, ask for a discount. 4 pin is standard on all the trucks.