OutdoorEnvy 1,165 #1 Posted January 24 So I've been wanting a 2 inch rear hitch receiver for the tractors and came across a hitch receiver off a 97 F-150 that looked like a perfect modification project for this end. It is straight square tubing and nice long mounting brackets. Got it cheap enough and decided I'd have a go at making it fit. The 312-8 will be the fitment rig. It'll also get used by the C-100. after some measuring it was time to cut it down to size and remove the clevis hitch all work was done with an angle grinder and drill. But this wasn't too complicated a project. So I trimmed down mounting brackets and used that to replace the top mount bracket from my plow mount. Measured all holes out and then drilled holes for the receiver part to fit. It's not the most precise cutting as this was free hand but it'll do the job. I'm going to weld in some some coupons on the square tube ends to close it up and paint it all regal red. But for now I'm pleased with it and it's perfectly functional. Just in time for possible snow too! So this now has the 2" front and rear receivers. Should make it easier to add some weight down the road as well. I'll do an update when it's painted. thanks for looking! 6 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 52,532 #2 Posted January 24 12 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said: I'm going to weld in some some coupons on the square tube ends Good work, that thing is tough looking! What are coupons? I’m sure it’s an auto correct flub, but I’m stumped! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,165 #3 Posted January 24 Just now, Pullstart said: Good work, that thing is tough looking! What are coupons? I’m sure it’s an auto correct flub, but I’m stumped! Thanks! They're little square or rectangle pieces of metal for welding. Usually what people practice with or use to make tabs or gussets, etc. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 52,532 #4 Posted January 24 I’ve been welding a long time. I’ve never heard that one. I learned something today! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 5,844 #5 Posted January 24 2 minutes ago, Pullstart said: Good work, that thing is tough looking! What are coupons? I’m sure it’s an auto correct flub, but I’m stumped! The word "coupons" is usually used to define a sample for testing, I think he is referring to gussets. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,165 #6 Posted January 24 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Pullstart said: I’ve been welding a long time. I’ve never heard that one. I learned something today! Well the guy who showed me a little about welding called them that...so you know how that goes...maybe it's a regional slang? Edited January 24 by OutdoorEnvy 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 55,233 #7 Posted January 24 Excellent work there. I'd like to add something on the fitment here having done this myself in the past. I've built one hitch and modified another and they were both for eight speeds. When I went to install it on the 1975 Automatic last year it did NOT fit. Automatics are a little wider than the manuals. I've kept a bad Automatic casing set aside with my old three speed. Both had bad outer bearings and were shredded. They will be used as a jig to be able to use to make my future hitches. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,165 #8 Posted January 24 @ebinmaine Thanks Eric. That's good to know. Both my rigs are 8 speeds so should in the clear on this one. But my friend has a 417-A that I probably would've assumed matched as I may make up one for him if I find another hitch receiver. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 55,233 #9 Posted January 24 Just now, OutdoorEnvy said: @ebinmaine Thanks Eric. That's good to know. Both my rigs are 8 speeds so should in the clear on this one. But my friend has a 417-A that I probably would've assumed matched as I may make up one for him if I find another hitch receiver. If you get to that point just let me know and I'll snap some pics and measurements on the core transmission I have. You can find those receivers by themselves on the interwebs for less than 20 bucks. After that, cross pieces and braces depends on what you have laying around. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 5,055 #10 Posted January 24 5 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: After that, cross pieces and braces depends on what you have laying around. ...and your ability to lay a weld bead with the worst of them !! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 631 #11 Posted January 24 I did the same setup on one of my tractors but I mounted the receiver upside-down to give me a little more height for moving a small landscaping trailer around and still have the smaller hitch that came on the tractor to move my small yard trailer and lawn roller. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 55,233 #12 Posted January 24 1 hour ago, moe1965 said: I did the same setup on one of my tractors but I mounted the receiver upside-down to give me a little more height for moving a small landscaping trailer around and still have the smaller hitch that came on the tractor to move my small yard trailer and lawn roller. We did that on Trina's Military Tribute Tractor, 856, "Millie". Originally I did it so she could use the Single Ripper Spike but I came home one day to find the Monster Splitter in a different place. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 5,250 #13 Posted January 25 Two receiver hitches is better then one. The top one is braced to the top of the transmission. The bottom one hooks on to the top one and is held in place by the WH hitch pin it's easily remove. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 5,250 #14 Posted January 25 On 1/24/2023 at 12:19 PM, ebinmaine said: Excellent work there. I'd like to add something on the fitment here having done this myself in the past. I've built one hitch and modified another and they were both for eight speeds. When I went to install it on the 1975 Automatic last year it did NOT fit. Automatics are a little wider than the manuals. I've kept a bad Automatic casing set aside with my old three speed. Both had bad outer bearings and were shredded. They will be used as a jig to be able to use to make my future hitches. The clear space between the two axle mounts on a auto needs to be 12". The 8 speed 10 1/2" will clear the cast triangle reinforcements. If you have snow blade bracket on the tractor you need to make the mounting holes match up. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,165 #15 Posted February 6 Well got the ends welded up and painted it Regal Red! First time filling gaps welding and it was a learning curve. So don't expect to see a pretty bead on them. But they'll do the job. Looks much better than rusty black! Thanks for looking! 2 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonytoro416 552 #16 Posted February 7 Looks like it will hold up just fine. I have learned when welding and doing fab work FIT UP is everything. I learned to spend more time getting things to fit really nice rather than trying to fill gaps with weld. I am definitely still learning. Also weld coupons are a thing. Can be found on the internet. As someone said generally they are precut piece intended for welding tests and certifications. Good job man looks pretty good 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
