C: Replace the Trailer Hitch Assembly (P/N CBCB8722)

NOTE:
Only those trucks that have cracked trailer hitch assemblies, as determined by the inspection in Section "A," require replacement. Very few trucks are expected to require trailer hitch assembly replacement.

1. Support the trailer hitch with a suitable device.

2. Remove the trailer wiring and connector from the trailer hitch.





3. Remove and discard the six (6) original nuts that hold trailer hitch to the frame (Figure 5).

4. With the help of an assistant, carefully remove and discard the original trailer hitch.

NOTE:
Remember to transfer any receiver/ball, cover, etc. to the new trailer hitch.

5. Remove and discard the six (6) original flag bolts that are located in the frame (Figure 5).





6. Install four (4) new flag bolts (two per side) into the frame rails as shown in Figure 6.

NOTE:
Do not install a new flag bolt in the center hole on the frame rail as there is no hole at this location on the new hitch.

NOTE:
Some hitch packages may contain standard bolts instead of flag bolts.

CAUTION:
Do not apply any type of lubricant or anti-seize to the bolt threads.

7. With the help of an assistant, lift the new trailer hitch assembly into place and install the new retaining nuts. Tighten the nuts to 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm).





8. Using the new trailer hitch as a template, center punch the location for the additional frame rail-to-trailer hitch mounting hole (Figure 7).

9. Using a 3/16 inch (4.76 mm) diameter drill bit, drill a pilot hole using the center punch mark as a guide.

NOTE:
To make drilling easier, use hardened drill bits or a 3/16-1/2 inch step drill (UNIBIT(R), etc.) If using a step drill, a 3/16 inch pilot hole is still required.

10. Enlarge the hole to 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) diameter using the pilot hole made in Step 9 as a guide.

11. Apply a coat of zinc primer (P/N 4443636) to the bare metal inside of the new hole.

NOTE:
Hitch packages that contain standard bolts instead of flag bolts will require holding the bolt with a wrench to tighten the retaining nut.

12. Install a flag bolt into the 1/2 inch diameter hole. Install the retaining nut onto the flag bolt and tighten the nut to 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm).

CAUTION:
Do not apply any type of lubricant or anti-seize to the bolt threads.

NOTE:
Hitch packages that contain standard bolts instead of flag bolts will require holding the bolt with a wrench to tighten the retaining nut.

13. Repeat Steps 8 through 12 on the left side of the vehicle

14. Install the trailer wiring and connector onto the trailer hitch.

15. Lower the vehicle from the hoist.