Hitch Mounting ball...

pi3yeargrad · 03-16-2006, 11:32 PM

How do u guys remove the freakin ball to replace with another?? I bought the hitch reciever with the ball already mounted and now I wanna change out the ball but the nut holding it in place is huge...u guys use a special huge socket or a wrench?? The instructions for the new ball say it has to be torqued to a specific ft/lbs but do I just gotta buy a huge freakin socket to fit??

mjw357 · 03-19-2006, 12:02 PM

Well if you think you are ever going to need to switch back and forth, I would buy another receiver/ball so you can change it quickly without tools.

pi3yeargrad · 03-19-2006, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjw357

Well if you think you are ever going to need to switch back and forth, I would buy another receiver/ball so you can change it quickly without tools.

well nah, I just wanna change the rusted one out for a new one I got...the girlfriend thought it looked ugly and bought me a new one...lol...but when I got around to changing it I noticed it was a huge nut..

*glowinstrat* · 03-19-2006, 01:34 PM

use a wrench

MuskyHunter · 03-19-2006, 03:22 PM

...and apply "Never-Seez" to the threads. I just use a large adjustable wrench and measure torque from the amount of pain in my elbow.

4X4SoCalTitan · 03-19-2006, 03:25 PM

They sell a wrench to take that nut off at auto part stores, Wal Mart, etc. in their trailer/towing accessories area. I bought mine at Wal Mart. It is a good tool to have as the nut becomes loose over time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pi3yeargrad

How do u guys remove the freakin ball to replace with another?? I bought the hitch reciever with the ball already mounted and now I wanna change out the ball but the nut holding it in place is huge...u guys use a special huge socket or a wrench?? The instructions for the new ball say it has to be torqued to a specific ft/lbs but do I just gotta buy a huge freakin socket to fit??

pi3yeargrad · 03-19-2006, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4SoCalTitan

They sell a wrench to take that nut off at auto part stores, Wal Mart, etc. in their trailer/towing accessories area. I bought mine at Wal Mart. It is a good tool to have as the nut becomes loose over time.

Ive never ha d a problem with the nut becoming loose BUT also couldnt find anything at walmart...darnit...looked everywhere even where I got the ball...I was gonna try the autoparts store and see whats available...I got a torque wrench so hopefully I can find a socket big enough...

Bayou Titan · 03-19-2006, 03:53 PM

pi',

I've also seen ball wrenches at auto parts retailers and at Academy Sports. If you have to order through mail order, Northern Tool sells them for $13.00.

I torque the nut until I flatten the lock washer.

MuskyHunter · 03-19-2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Ive never ha d a problem with the nut becoming loose

I always ran into a problem where I couldn't get the nut off, hence the Never-Seez recommendation.

**helomech** · 03-19-2006, 05:31 PM

I put a hitch that you can change the balls out I have 1 and 7/8, and 2" balls. Just a half turn and a flip over lock to change the size.

pi3yeargrad · 03-19-2006, 10:18 PM

ok...this is what the ball I bought said for torque needed...

Torque nut to: 160 ft lbs for 3/4" shank., 250 ft lbs 1" shank and 450 ft lbs for 1 1/4" shank. Improper tightening may cause ball to loosen or fail...maybe thats ur problem socal titan...Ive never really heard of balls becoming loose...

4X4SoCalTitan · 03-19-2006, 10:25 PM

250 ft lbs? I better get some help!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pi3yeargrad

ok...this is what the ball I bought said for torque needed...

Torque nut to: 160 ft lbs for 3/4" shank., 250 ft lbs 1" shank and 450 ft lbs for 1 1/4" shank. Improper tightening may cause ball to loosen or fail...maybe thats ur problem socal titan...Ive never really heard of balls becoming loose...

pi3yeargrad · 03-20-2006, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4SoCalTitan

250 ft lbs? I better get some help!

lol...pretty crazy right...I only got a 150 ft lb torque wrench...asked my dad for some advice and he was like I doubt anyone does that...just go to where it wont go anymore...lol...

so I dunno....I bought mine attached already so Im thinkin its prolly pre-torqued...seeing how the ball cost bout 13 bucks and the set is about 25 I think Ill just return the ball and get the set...

ptgarcia · 03-20-2006, 11:43 AM

I bought a huge *** adjustable wrench from Sears to do mine. No need for a torque wrench. Just slip a pipe over the handle and crank with everything you got!

*TitanFan59* · 03-20-2006, 12:28 PM

I have a monster socket set that I use.