B & W Hitch Installation

bensrudy · 04-07-2008, 07:22 PM

I just bought a B & W hitch and was getting ready to install it, but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on to cut the heat sheild or remove it completely. Also does anyone have any pictures of the underneath side of the bed after or during the install. I don't have a problem drilling a hole or turning a wrench, I just have a problem cutting or drilling into a bed and then having it in the wrong place. I also don't really want to have someone else install it esp. when it is something I can do.

PVNISHER · 04-07-2008, 07:57 PM

I install about 4 B&W hitches a week in my shop, we cut the heat shield completely out, and as far as cutting the hole, just hook the end of your tape measure on the lip of the bed and measure what the destructions say for your length bed. You can be a little off but not much at all. oh yea and when your drilling the hole HOLD ON TIGHT.

loboboy · 04-09-2008, 04:39 PM

The heat shield can be removed by the screws that hold it in place, I am planning on just cutting out the section that needs to be removed. I have a small air scroll saw that should do the job just right. I should be doing this install this weekend and will try to remember to take pics.

**05_LLY** · 04-09-2008, 05:41 PM

I just cut the of the sheild out where the hitch goes. I also always put some black silicon between the hitch and the hole to keep dirt and other stuff u might haul (mulch, hay, gravel)from getting between there!

bensrudy · 04-16-2008, 06:46 PM

Well after 4 hours the hitch is installed. For some reasons I read or heard 1 1/2 hours to install all I can say that is with the bed removed and a lot of experience. Loboboy, thanks for the pm with the hints. Here are some hints for anyone else installing one:

make sure you follow the directions and measure 3
or 4 times before you drill the hole. I almost drilled my hole 1/4
inch off. The other thing is once you get the support bars over the frame
rails and the center section in place, make sure you center everything
and square it up as best as possible before you tighten all of your
bolts.

One other thing is you will have to cut out a section of the heat
shield and if you have an air saw it works wonders on it. Mine cut thru it
like butter since the shield is only aluminum. Also pull the exhaust out
of the hangers at the aft most end and then the next one fwd so the
pipe will drop down a bit this will help with positioning the center
plate in place. The center plate will need to go in towards the passenger
side first then slide it up above the fuel tank on the left side, it
will be a little difficult but trust me it will go.
Once you have the hole drilled you will need to set a ladder across the
bed rails and drop a strap thru the hole so once you position the
center plate you can have someone hook the strap to the pin inside the
center plate to hold the plate up in position while you install the bolts
thru the center plate and the cross bars. I used a 2x4 with padding across the bed and it works great.

Also you better have some good handcleaner handy because the rubber undercoating crap that GM used is like GOO and gets everywhere!

loboboy · 04-16-2008, 07:15 PM

LOL I forgot to warn you about the black goo under the truck. I always wear gloves so I didn't have it everywhere this time. 4 HRs is about usual if you do it yourself because you are up dwn up down doing stuff, I have done one in 1 1/2 hrs with some help so it can be done.

Glad the tips helped and I always go thru and retighten everything after the first pull with the hitch just to make sure nothing came loose after.