Drop hitch installed (Pics)

[Tim240Z]

Before I say anything else, I want to give a public thanks to Brian (Board name: Joeys Toy , from Midland, Texas). From this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=197736, I was asking for options to lower my hitch for a small trailer. Brian sent me a 6" drop hitch for free, and rushed it without even asking for shipping $$. I sent $$ anyways, but it goes to show that there are still some really good folks out there!!!

Now on to the subject at hand:
I installed the drop plate to the bumper. I had to drill 2 extra 3/4 inch holes to mount it, which meant removing the bumper and placing it on the drill press. Bit of a chore, but I think it would have taken much longer trying to do it with a hand drill. I think it will do the trick nicely, plus, it provides a nice step up to the tailgate. It is now held to the bumper with 2 x 3/4" grade 8 bolts and 1 x 7/8" grade 8 bolt. I think it should be plenty strong enough!!






Thanks again Brian!!!

[Palf70Step]

Looks like that will do the job for you. Lot of good folks on this board that have helped me out, I hope I'll be able to repay all these folks back someday. I'm trying in my limited ways, but I'll get there.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Looks good. I just built one today, I'll take a pic of it tomorrow. It's made out of 7/16" steel plate, just like the one for the receiver hitch I made. This one is a lot stronger since it has full side braces welded on it and I still need to weld a plate on the back of it so it won't twist under a load. It's 12" long from left to right and uses the three bolt holes on the bumper, 6" wide front to back, and drops a little over 6". I cut one hole in the bottom plate for a 2 or 2 5/16" hitch ball with a 1" shank. It's big enough to use as an extra step to get into the back of the truck with the tailgate up too.