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s79vette's avatar
s79vette
Explorer
May 20, 2013

Jjeep Cherokee hitch

Totaled our Liberty last fall and picked up a 2004 Jeep Cherokee with 4.0. Got looking on Craigs list for a trailer hitch and found one that was taken off a 2004 like car that was being parted out a/c of front end damage. Only paid 40 dollars for it about 50 miles from home. saw the car it was taken off from and other than being green it looked exactly like ours. Today one of my sons and I decided to install it. Took out six bolts from the frame holding the tank skid plate in place and lifted up hitch to bolt in place using same bolt holes and bolts and it's about 4 inches too short without removing the skid plate. I'm guessing some Jeeps came with skid plate and some not. Back to the drawing board.
  • handye9's avatar
    handye9
    Explorer II
    May 20, 2013
    That's odd. I've been looking for a hitch for an 03 Laredo 4.0. Everything I've seen, 99 - 2004 all use same hitch. The online instructions don't mention any difference with, or without skidplate.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    May 20, 2013
    Are you sure it is a Cherokee or is it a Grand Cherokee? '04 i think was only Grand Cherokees.
    You might look at Drawtight or etrailer to get installation instructions.
  • PapPappy's avatar
    PapPappy
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    Not sure if it's worth the time or money, but you could probably have a welding shop make the adjustments for you, or get you two 2" shims and some longer bolts...if everything else seems to be OK.

    What do you plan to tow with this vehicle? For a utility trailer, it probably wouldn't matter, but if you plan to tow a 30' TT, you may want to rethink it, and make the investment!
  • s79vette's avatar
    s79vette
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    I'm sorry I wasn't more specific, my duh! it's a Grand Cherokee and hitch came off a Grand Cherokee. The hitch is a snug fit along side skid plate, built like a tub to guard fuel tank and spare tire. All bolt holes line up with existing holes and bolts in frame and square tubing of hitch appears to be in correct orientation if only hitch would reach the frame.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    May 20, 2013
    s79vette wrote:
    I'm guessing some Jeeps came with skid plate and some not. Back to the drawing board.


    Per Blue-OX instalation instructions: Yes, they did.

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