Rusted F-150 Hitch Receiver - So Bad!! (Let's Fix It)

I overlooked this for a long time and it could have turned out badly! This truck is a 2004 F-150 FX4 with the factory tow package. The hitch receiver is integrated into the bumper, so aftermarket replacements will not bolt on. I highly recommend inspecting this area of your truck if you live in the rust belt.

[@seanhaney9792]

I love your cotter pin trust shirt. 👍

[@ShawnFerret]

It's a BlipShift t-shirt!

[@kylewoodward7078]

Damn, just moved my boat, and mine looks like your bad one. Need one now...shit...good video man. I thought the owner before me had did some shit rigging at first look at the weird design...wire brush it..lol😅

[@ShawnFerret]

Glad you found it sooner rather than later!

[@toddkratzer7953]

Shawn, they discontinued the 04 F-150 XLT Supercab 4x4 trailer hitch. I am in the same situation as you. I'm thinking of welding support pcs on, can't find a trailer hitch and bumper. Update: When searching for a new trailer hitch on TASCO I entered my make and model of truck, it showed discontinued. I decided to check with my Ford dealer, same thing popped up. I said do you want my Vin number? He said yeah let's try it. Here there's two trailer hitches for my truck, light duty and heavy duty. The light duty was discontinued and they still had 26 heavy duty hitches left in the USA and that is what my truck has. I have the new hitch and just waiting for a garage to install it for me. Use Vin number when looking for parts, not make and model.

[@ShawnFerret]

Todd, that’s too bad. Before I found the used replacement I was considering buying a universal hitch and just cutting/modifying it to work with the factory brackets.

[@alyent2000]

Hey Shawn, thanks for the help on 2005 F150 “Swiss Cheese” hitch. Mine looks exactly like what you had. Can you give me any help on finding that OEM receiver? Thanks for any help!

[@ShawnFerret]

Hey, Todd. I found mine used locally. Last I checked you could still find one from Ford for about $500. www.tascaparts.com

[@alyent2000]

Thanks Shawn, I did find what you were talking about, but was hoping to find one like you had for more like $200. Thanks for your help I really appreciate it!

[@daverarick7636]

Fords are notorious for the hitches blowing out. I put a Curt on my excursion and it was built like a tank.

[@ShawnFerret]

I bet that was a nice one.

[@JonahZuzan]

How long did this take you to do? I’m need mine fixed asap and idk if i’d be better off doing it myself or taking it to a shop

[@ShawnFerret]

It took about 2-3 hours with the welding. Best of luck with yours!

[@fbudd]

Dude. Where did you get the hardware? I am dong the same thing and I am having a hard time finding the nuts and bolts for the replacement. I was not able to save all the hardware from the old hitch.

[@ShawnFerret]

I got lucky and the hardware was attached to the bumper when I got it. I’m pretty sure you can still buy the hardware through Ford if you don’t mind paying.

[@stanleykouns1797]

What is the part number for the hitch that you have put on your 04 Ford f150

[@ShawnFerret]

4L3Z-17D826-BB

[@abelelmore2962]

where did you get the new hitch? I have the same problem and I need to change it, thanks 👍

[@ShawnFerret]

I found a whole bumper with the hitch attached used on FB Marketplace. You can still buy the hitch assembly new from Ford though. www.tascaparts.com

[@Angelchente1]

I have questions ?

[@grampskraka6976]

I have to replace my hitch as well. Can you do it without removing the entire bumper?

[@ShawnFerret]

It just depends what style of hitch you have. This factory hitch is integrated into the bumper so the whole thing has to come off. Other styles just bolt to the frame and drop right down.

[@grampskraka6976]

@@ShawnFerret I have the same exact one as you. Could you have replaced the hitch without taking the entire bumper off

[@ShawnFerret]

@@grampskraka6976 nope

[@christianlemus248]

Where do you get the bumper?

[@ShawnFerret]

I got it used. You can still buy them from Ford though.

[@defmachine77]

A couple layers of foil and some Steel it paint would make last another 100k.

[@ShawnFerret]

I’ll put it up on FB marketplace.

[@defmachine77]

Haha "$200, I know what I got"