warn 25855 front receiver on 1973, anyone

[swissarmychainsaw]

I want to put a front receiver on my 1973 Suburban, so I purchased what I think it the only option available:
Warn 25855 front receiver
1981-1987 PICKUP 1/2, 3/4, 1 TON; 1981-1988 PICKUP 1 TON; 1981-1991 BLAZER, JIMMY, SUBURBAN, 1 TON R/V PICKUP

Has anyone mounted on of these on an older Square?

The issue is that the front of the frame cups around, which prevents the hitch from slipping in from the front.

Here is the Ideal installation, Note how the front of the frame rails are "open" and you can just slide the receiver between the rails from the front:



Here is what the front of my frame looks like (this is not my truck!), see how the end of the frame rails are cupped:



Is it stupid to "trim" the front of the frame to get this to fit?

thanks
Nick

[enaberif]

Frame rails are different between 73-80 and 81-87. That is why that hitch only works on the 81-87 trucks.

You could knock of the curved bits on the 73-80 frame but then you would need to come up with a way to mount your bumper.

[Tucson38]

Just installed this same hitch in an '85 GMC, the front horns on mine were bolted on so didn't have the same problem. It looks like you'll have to cut the front of the frame off to get in place. I had read your OP just before I installed mine so I tried to place the receiver in the frame with only one horn removed, couldn't do it. Had to have both of them off.

Other than that, it went in pretty easily other than trying to access a few of the bumper bolts. Have you come up with a solution yet? I don't think the cupped sections of the frame have any real importance other then offering a place to mount the bumper.

[Dead Parrot]

If there is a custom hitch place near you, might check with them before you start cutting. I had a custom rear hitch made for my 75 and it was $120 installed. I had the bumper off and spare tire removed before taking it to them.

[swissarmychainsaw]

I decided not to use the Warn unit, and went with TNA's winch cradle ( Darren was really great to work with, fast good communicator, etc.)

I had him add a 2" receiver for the front. I'm VERY happy with how easy this was, it fit great, and grade 8 hardware was included.

I think he's rebranding to CFM industries, but TNA is still his site:
https://www.totallynakedauto.com/K5_...inchcradle.htm

I hated cutting the frame but so far it's working great.







Primer - this cradle mounts to the sway bar mount (4 bolts), and top bumper mount (2 bolts) and where the stock recovery hooks mount ( 2 bolts).
These are designed for 81-87, but I mounted it without drilling anything so far.

Yes you have to trim the frame but that seemed inevitable. I might drill one more hole so I can mount the stock recovery hooks again, just cuz I like 'em.



the cut





Mock up



angle check:

[RADustin]

so you don't run a bumper anymore?

[swissarmychainsaw]

Originally Posted by RADustin

so you don't run a bumper anymore?

I just finished the install of the cradle, I do plan to put a bumper on.
My kid likes a tube style, but I like a stock one. Might try to cut a painted stock bumper, and see it it will fit.

[57NAPCO]

Just curious why people need a front hitch? I have one on my 76 1 ton.

[mrtoni]

Launching boats without backing

[swissarmychainsaw]

It's really good to "back" a trailer into a tight spot, but mostly I like it for a bike rack or motorcycle carrier. Also one of those basket cargo carriers. And you can use them with a "portable winch" (you can then use it in front or the rear).

[RADustin]

I'll be fabbing one this weekend for my round eye. Mostly for a carrier on the front of the truck for when the gooseneck is attached.

[abig84]

I put a front hitch on my last 3 truck for the winch. It's great especially if you have a rear hitch and need to go backwards, sometimes you get stuck and going forward is not a option. Also another great thing I use it for is I have a insert I put in the front hitch that is the length of the bumper so I can stand on it while I work on the engine