Equalizer hitch questions

I just added a washer on my EQ and I left the bottom through bolt in and only pulled out the top bolt. This allowed me to tilt the head back enough to pull out the "thingy" that the washers go on. I added the washer, put the top bolt back in, tightened the set bolt underneath then re-torqued the upper and lower through bolts. Check the set bolt frequently as they are known to loosen up.

1) I put the bars in the front pass through storage area.

2). I removed the large bolts that hold the hitch head to the shank. I would think you would have to back the bolt under the hitch head way out to get the hitch to angle back far enough to get the rivet the washers go on out of the hitch head. Seemed more trouble than it was worth.

1. I leave them in the drawbar.

2. Depends on number of washers. I always end up removing the large bolts. Remember to torque to 320 ft lbs, or bribe a truck shop to do it WITH A TORQUE WRENCH.