'73 to '97 Ford F Series & Bronco Hitch Installation

In this video I bring you along as I install a hitch on a 1990 Ford F-150. Its a 10k lb Curt hitch and the install is super easy. I also install a 4 prong trailer wiring plug.
-Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SouthMainAuto]

*Astro Tools TS29 Onyx 29pc TurboStep HSS Reduced Shank Mechanics Length 1/16" - 1/2" Drill Bit Set* : amzn.to/47cyPch *The Astro Store On Amazon* : amzn.to/3KoYO6c

[@sdwputnam]

The only question I have as an old school 70 yo guy is how would you sharpen the drill bits with those cutting points ? Nice job.

[@MichaelSteeves]

I'm more of a woodworking guy, but I had to drill some holes in my trailer frame to install a tire carrier. I tried 5 cheap HSS drill bits for the required holes before going out and buying a quality bit. I learned that you get what you pay for!

[@michaelblacktree]

I tried the Scotch Super 33 electrical tape, after seeing Eric talk about it. And it really is better than the cheap stuff. I'll never use HF electrical tape again.

[@breikowski]

So $500 on the Mac truck?

[@darrensnodgrass3725]

😂

[@mbuck3602]

Just ordered the Astros. My wife just rolls her eyes every time I say I need something Eric recommends!

[@rtumark]

We’re all married to same woman, they just look different

[@dougr.6734]

I was excited to take a look at 'em and then, as usual, that pesky spendy tag. I guess I'll stick with my DeWalt's until I can see further.

[@MrJoey1570]

For our OCD viewers! Thank you Eric 😂

[@davidrice136]

CDO…has to be in alphabetical order. 👍

[@dougr.6734]

I do the exact same thing. I will cut one off in a heartbeat if it doesn't face the same way as the others.

[@Polepubfa]

Electrician for 30 years here. I've used every brand of electrical tape known to man. NOTHING is better than 33+ except for 88, and 88 is just 33+ in a thicker mil.

[@snoopdogie187]

As a diyer I have mainly 33+ but keep a roll of 88 around for special occasions.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

You've got 6 yrs more experience in electrical than I, but I agree on the tape.

[@jerrylanderholm9906]

88 is easier to work with in cold weather. More flexible. For me, 33 gives a better wrap.

[@sargefreedom1578]

Wunderbar

[@jamram9924]

Super 88 for automotive repairs or electrical wire looms.

[@ron827]

I had a "pro-shop" install a trailer hitch on my 2023 Pacifica which required a powered converter box for the lights. After paying the bill of $600 and arriving home, I checked the lights and they did not work. The converter box power lead was connected to the negative battery terminal. So much for a professional installation. As a professional, Eric checked the lights before releasing the vehicle.

[@daedalus_20v]

A wise old man once told me "professional" just means somebody got paid to do it.

[@Joserocha-wm9de]

We don't care if it's an easy or a hard job Mr O , it's always a pleasure to watch a professional working 👌

[@Huffy_Turns_a_Wrench]

uh.... ok..... @repentandbelieveinJesusChrist1

[@defendermender4959]

Thanks Eric, reminded me I need to restock my super 33- I only use the 88 in kidnapping situations 😅 and keep some of the Harbour freight style stuff for when people ask me to “borrow” some tape 😇

[@tyree9055]

How did Eric find an ancient survivor that hasn't completely rusted away yet? IMPOSSIBLE! 🤣👍

[@flyboy2610]

Back in Sept. of 2007 I installed a DrawTite hitch on my 1969 Ford F250 Camper Special. My 7 year old son helped me with that project. We had a great time together. Now he's 23 and made a grandpa out of me! I no longer have the truck, but I've still got my son, and that's all that matters!

[@Tedybear315]

That has to be the cleanest undercarriage I've seen in NYS for an F150 in decades! Most of the ones we found while looking for a 4x4 where swiss cheesed. Really good advertisement for fluid film/oil based undercoating...

[@larrysmith9359]

Especially as old as it is!

[@joshballou8432]

Either that vehicle was stored in a bubble, or it's a southern transplant.

[@nicholasashley457]

That tape is a necessity in any first aid kit!

[@peetky8645]

when my dad passed i got his 95 OBS bronco. every time i drive it it is like visiting him.

[@mdlee52]

Lol, that was an outstanding zip tie initial cut. When I used to frame houses and we crowned joists or studs we'd run into one of those he/shes every once in awhile. They usually get cut down or culled. Enough said. I don't care what the literature said, you're always a pro in my book.

[@DietBajaBlast]

what do you mean?

[@thomash1923]

Good Morning all. It’s going to be a SMA day!!!

[@WilliamMulligan]

Those Astro drill bits are amazing!

[@kevinoscarson2941]

Many years ago I installed the same hitch on my 1994 F150 Lightning. Exactly the same hardware. I miss those trucks.

[@ralphwatten2426]

A '90 that still has a frame. Wonders will never cease to amaze!

[@farmerfb]

Posting videos on the old stuff has value, I mean I found this channel years ago because you were showing us how to fix some old piece of junk I was working on, think it was a Cherokee 4L.

[@TheJmich2001]

I wish I lived 10,000 miles closer to your shop!!!

[@randyjohnson321]

I am not a mechanic and barely a DYI'er but you explain everything that I can understand and also what to watch out for so I "don't screw it up too bad". Thanks to you, Josh and Mrs "O".

[@jonnyrockets4756]

Always nice to have a second set of hands. We install hitch and wire kits all the time at our shop and I can say I've never done an older truck like that . Nice to see. Well done , even though I haven't finished the video yet, love your content.

[@ddg2256]

I always love seeing a classic still being used for its intended purpose

[@michaelyount3176]

Thanks for the drill bit tip Eric. Somehow for 55 years I've been trying to punch holes in stuff with regular store bought bits. I had to drill a couple of holes in a pinion flange to accommodate a different bolt circle yoke flange on the driveshaft (couldn't replace the flange). I bought a set of the Astro bits -- the 21/64th was a perfect fit to use the yoke flange holes as a guide. The Astro went through like butter - and doesn't even look like the bit has been used. A big win - another pro tip from a pro!!!

[@shadetreemech290]

I don't have a job, so I enjoy watching someone else work.

[@AzrockOmegaMan]

"Somebody may wanna know someday" Like me... I never knew that this is 100 tkmes easier than I ever thought. Thank you Mr O! Also, That is the most awesome drill set I ever saw! Imma goin git me one!

[@robfl07]

We had one of those on our Ford Bronco of the same vintage when I was growing up. I’m pretty sure we used the 10K weight capacity on the hitch as a goal and not a limit… regardless of what the truck’s manual stated…. Those were the days of towing whatever didn’t drop the bumper to the ground.. lol

[@jasoncassidy2517]

Sooooo much easier than drilling semi truck frames.

[@fatcat-hc4pj]

Super 33 is definitely the best electrical tape

[@billziegmond4943]

I wish I had those drill bits when I installed my hitch. It was on a 1970 CHEVROLEEEEY! Impala convertible.

[@imacgst27]

Eric O your videos are never silly and I can probably speak for most of your loyal viewers in saying, we would watch you read the paper or make a grill cheese sandwich and enjoy it!

[@scottritter2827]

Scrolling through and the captions said 1990 and I didn’t see any rust. I didn’t believe it so I had to watch😂. Where did that truck come from? Good to see a survivor! 🛻

[@dmakk861]

It went north to die, obvio3

[@curtisj2165]

Must nave come from a southern state. Northern cars have no frame left to bolt anything to after five years

[@fredflintstone8048]

The underside of the truck is amazingly rust free. I use the pronouns, 'Innie, and Outie'. I use an official tywrap tensioning / cutting tool. You can set the torque. It cuts the typwrap while under pull pressure so the cut edge falls below the surface of the 'innie' side protecting the next poor slob from being able to get cut by the protruding cut edge. After decades of wiring experience of all sorts they're the best tool for the job bar none.

[@paulstan9828]

A Ford 0:02 trailer hitch brings back bad memories. I have a 2023 bronco sport. I bought a OEM hitch to put on it surprised to find out the 4 dealerships I took it to nobody would install it because Ford doesn’t tell them how much to charge me. The 4 th dealership said they would do it for $1200. I finally installed it myself took me two hours Was not a big deal. Thanks Ford! (Sarcasm)

[@donaldmickunas8552]

Thanks for the scotch 33 electrical tape tip. I’ve been looking for good tape for longer than I want to admit. I ordered it today. Another great video.

[@gregjohnson2073]

You never cease to amaze me with your vocabulary. "Vampire connectors". lol

[@jaypartington6893]

A good tip I learned about electric tape or any tape for that matter is that you should never stretch tear your tape end as it spreads the adhesive out and causes you tape end to unravel prematurely. Always cut your tape end with scissors and or a knife and this won't happen. Just thought I'd share this tip. Love your videos and have for years. I've learned so much from you and your experience and knowledge. Thank you so much. Jay.

[@Alboalt]

I've installed hitches on four different kinds of cars over the years, in my driveway, on jackstands. Sure looks a lot easier with a lift!

[@kevinkoepke8311]

Good morning! That truck must be a summer driver. Thanks Eric!

[@Ungood-jl5ep]

Yep. That thing is in great shape.

[@mc2whls]

Retorque the hitch bolts after you pull the trailer for the first time. Also grease the inside of the receiver or the drawbar will eventually "rust jack" and will be stuck inside the receiver.

[@robertheinkel6225]

Fluid Film

[@MazichMusic]

I've seen recommendations to grease your ball, too.

[@davidpotter7484]

@@MazichMusic always grease your ball. Friction is a real thing. Every guy should know that

[@leftyo9589]

@@davidpotter7484 sometimes spit just aint enough! LOL

[@happycommentator6773]

​@@leftyo9589😂😂😂😂That's what she said!

[@brianmason8400]

Just watched you do something I've already done on the wife's Suburban....but still enjoyed every moment!

[@Danzilly]

Morning Eric! Thanks for wrenching on some older stuff!

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Old vehicles like that are so much nicer to work on, especially when they're not all rusted to hell

[@torquewrenchdaddy8032]

I hope you are happy …. You made me buy those drill bits.

[@vwwrenchie314]

What a treat to work on that piece of old iron Nice to see the old stuff back when they made it right😎👍🇨🇦

[@peterhodgkins6985]

Nawww... You're still a pro. The 'little over a half hour' time is because you were distracted jabbering and photographing for us! I'll bet a few viewers' blood pressure started to rise a bit when you demonstrated how to cut off the zip tie! ;) Great work as always Mr. O! That's a darned nice truck!

[@tomlewis3658]

One thought about overloading a circuit if there are a lot of lights on the trailer - that might be a perfect time to change those trailer lamps to LED's, and reduce the current load.

[@jsh6952]

It is crazy how many years of Ferds are covered by that kit. It might even fit 1966 to 1978 LTDs and wagons. I had a Reese on my 76 LTD wagon and it used the same tailpipe as the Econoline vans of that era.

[@rayjburkhart1752]

Cut😂the zip ties at a nice angle leaving a really sharp point ! Who needs skin on your forearms anyway ? It’s the little funny things Eric that keeps me tuning into your educational videos. And, by the way, thanks for the 33 tip, I got that from you years back.

[@jonclark1288]

I installed that exact hitch on my '94 Bronco several years ago. Pretty easy job, although on the Broncos, the gas tank is right there in between the frame rails, so getting the bolts between the frame and the tank might be tricky. I had to replace my rusted out tank anyway, so I installed the hitch while the tank was out. My Bronco oddly came with a factory 7-way round wiring plug, so I didn't need to do any wiring.

[@konradhittner4668]

Krown, or whomever’s, oil spray has certainly done its work for that vehicle.

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Sorry Eric I laughed when you hit your finger, other peoples pain is our pleasure, super post Eric

[@dougwalker4947]

The 33 is good but I prefer the 88. The 88 is less susceptible to UV rays and is a little thicker for better abrasion resistance.

[@ralphsullender2474]

Love the plug and play wiring. Bought a F150 wired with twist caps that lasted one summer.

[@FrankCaruso-ho1xr]

every now and than an easy one can be a mini vacation !

[@lyndonsia5868]

The is your specialty. Keep the good work. Thanks.

[@michaelfasciani537]

I'm an electrician contractor and the best way to deal with zip ties is take some pliers and twist them off so they end up almost shredded looking then cut.. even when youcut them flush there's still sharp edges

[@jimh.412]

Better late then never I guess for finally putting a hitch on a 32 year old truck 😁

[@randydeboer2023]

Very interesting. Now I know what bits to buy too. Thanks for everything you always show.

[@robertmazzawy8322]

This is a great video to share. In addition to tips like offset drilling of rear hole, one can learn about the TurboStep drills plus the bonus of an amusing comment about OCD viewers!!

[@joeymeyer3653]

NACHI is the world's best drills on the planet, Lol. You rule Mr. O

[@lint2023]

I put a class 3 hitch on my Saturn Vue (3500lb towing capacity Saturn) not because I expected that need or capability. The hitch had nice sweeping lines and looked very good as compared to all the others and it was only $20 more cost. I amortized that to $1.21 extra cost for each year I drove that fantastic vehicle.

[@lasermike2147]

I have to smile when I read the comments about installing this exact same hitch on an "older" '90's truck. I had to loosen the bumper bolts on my '74 F250 SuperCab to get the rear bolts in just like Eric. I did have to splice into the factory wiring and I added both a 4 prong and a 7 prong with additional power from relay switched and fused sources. My truck has about the same level of rust showing but then I live in the PNW so no salt and not all that much snow either. I usually use a Panduit wire tie tool to cinch and cut ties but if it's nowhere to be found, I use side cutters but not like every one else. I cut the tie across it's width instead of across it's thickness. My way does not leave the razor sharp wrist slitter stub.

[@lvsqcsl]

I think the Panther chassis uses the same hitch from 1979-2012. It has the holes already drilled in the frame. GREAT VIDEO!

[@RS-qp4bp]

I got your message, I will cease and disist. Keep up the good work.

[@jeffelliott689]

Man I sure could have used that drill set years back when I was working. If I'd gotten a dime for all the scratches an cuts I got from zip tye ends I could have retired alot sooner...lol!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Not a bad hitch install pretty easy Peasy 15:15 good video Eric O @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@williamkraft5574]

I'm glad you did this video. I like the '92-'96 body style on these older Fords.

[@VacationGetaways]

Unbelivable how clean that is underneath., mine is a 2004 and rusted to sh*t in the state of NY

[@jser4822]

Oil is your friend when drilling steel Mr O

[@BG-vq9fd]

I put 1 on an 84 Monte Carlo. It worked well.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Good job, Eric! Always easy to do add-ons on a vehicle without modules :-)

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

I just remembered that people used to use the bumper ball to tow stuff when I was young. I now feel old.

[@josephgolden1868]

Here in Michigan, similar climate as your PRNY, I have had good luck using liquid electrical tape over connections and taped areas on wires.

[@Huffy_Turns_a_Wrench]

Damn Sam.... you have sold me more tools than my tool truck dudes..... I no longer turn a wrench as a pro....(I now sell Liquor)..... but I do work on my own vehicles and am in the process of restoring a 48 Willys.... I'll be buying the matco cobalt hyper steps..... I did buy the tiny astro 1/4 air ratchet, and the vacuum coolant filler, and a bunch of other crap that I probably didn't need but it makes my neighbors feel smaller..... based on your recommendation ! Keep up the great videos!!!

[@jimmuehlberg2153]

I literally read your mind after you said Scotch 33 - I thought "Don't buy that Harbor Freight stuff"! And then you said exactly that. Apparently, I watch too much of you, and also, I like good stuff.

[@awaara24]

you forgot to mention how good that tape smells :)

[@velcroman98]

That hitch assembly looked like a good place for some Threadlocker!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Because deformed locking flange nuts are not enough?

[@lrrromicronpersei8294]

I purchased some of that scotch super 88 tape a few years back after a video of you singing its praises and I can confirm it’s good stuff…

[@jamesbruno5896]

Thanks for the video & have a good weekend!

[@brittmrmanly4982]

Spot on comment about Harbor Freight electrical tape. My father used some of that cheap crappy electrical tape from Harbor Freight and it started coming unstuck within a day or so. Scotch Super 33+ is the bee's knees.

[@JimLambier]

I decided to be cheap once and but some dollar store electrical tape. It seemed to work OK for the first few inches and then it switched around and the adhesive was on the top side of the tape. It's like those adhesive lint rollers. The Scotch stuff is great and stands up over time. We used it at work and never had any issues.

[@robinwright2300]

OCD viewer here saying thanks for that.

[@YardDart63]

Even though the bumper is strong enough, I'm going to put one of these on my '78 F150 when I eventually put it back on the road. Our cops down here in Louisiana have a "pattern or practice" of stopping and searching people in pickup trucks, for having a bumper-mounted trailer ball "obscuring" the license plate.

[@richwoodcock637]

For Eric that's a walk in the park and a change of pace for him.

[@jaystevens3548]

You and Rainman Ray must have taken the same class on tip tie cutting

[@rbjr.8106]

A while back,you plugged super 33 electrical tape. I went out an bought a roll. Used it a few times, and now I have 8 rolls..... Awesome tape is an understatement... Oh, and I never thanked you for that. Here I am, paying my gratitude... THANK YOU Mr O

[@Ricky-pi9kk]

Awesome Job Keep The Install Video,s Comeing...

[@abw121]

Eating lunch on the patio! Watching SMA and the semi pro, DIY, wizard of Rust hooking up a hitch to drag a Boat! My Friday is complete! Now what’s for Supper? Thanks Eric!

[@stevew9247]

One of the cleanest undercarriages I've ever seen on your show.

[@G31mR]

Would it have been easier to install the electrical adapter BEFORE installing the hitch? I like these vids that show jobs us DIY'ers can tackle; thank you!

[@mistersnapon]

Very informative...not a silly video!!

[@randybeard6040]

At the Power Plant where I worked for many years--Scotch 33 Electrical Tape was the only Brand Used simply because it was by far the Best...

[@ronwatson4902]

Those are my favorite trucks of all time. Thanks

[@MazichMusic]

I had a hitch installed on my Pacifica van by a national chain this spring. The 3 holes are there on each side, but the hardware has to fished through the frame rails. The muffler has to be dropped and the heat shield trimmed for the installation. This is what I noticed on their video. There was no way as a DIY'er that I would tackle it. My strength and stamina is not what it used to be... So, it sure seems a lot easier to do on a truck.

[@MazichMusic]

The big companies make all kinds of mounts for connectors. I ordered different types after my Pacifica install and one worked out the best with my hitch.

[@tattoochef]

Eric O out here doing the lords work. Go forth and break no blots

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Thanks for the tip: ASTRO PNEUMATIC TS29 ONYX 29pc TurboStep HSS Reduced Shank Mechanics Length 1/16" - 1/2" Drill Bit Set - they’re surprisingly proud of them -$170-ish, but I figured “do you wanna save money, or do ya wanna drill holes?” I’ll definitely be buying a set!

[@bigchevy350boy]

Great install video! Thanks for sharing 😎

[@donwarren6486]

Scotch® Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88 is also rated 600 Volt A.C.

[@marksd5650]

I’m definitely buying those drill bits. Thanks for that tip

[@stevehovey70]

The hitch makes it handy for the junkyard to drag it to the shredder.