2005 Hitch Install Problem

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I have a 2005 Outback Sedan... basically a jacked up Legacy.

 

Here how my failed install went down:

 

Hitch Install Instructions HERE

 

I decided that instead of messing with the exhaust cans, it would be easier to unbolt them at the flange and just drop them out of the way... took about 15 minutes to do that. So far, so good!

 

Then I followed the directions provided

On the wagon models, remove the forward most bolt (one per side) on the bracket that is bolted to the underside of the frame at the back of the vehicle. Note: on the sedan and wagon you will need to remove the plastic plugs covering the weld nuts in the vehicle frame.

Well I have the Outback Sedan, and had to remove the forward most bolt on the brackets, or it wouldnt have even come close to fitting.

 

So after the forward most bolts were removed, I TRIED to move the hitch into place, and there is NO way in hell that its going to fit. The hitch rubs WAY to much on the brackets that are on the vehicle.

 

I tried bolting on one side of the hitch and then raising it into place on the other side and it was SOOOOOOOOO tight - TOO TIGHT!! I was getting pissed off so I used the scissor jack to try to force the hitch into place, but no go. Just too tight. I'm calling etrailer.com this morning to see what I can do about getting a new hitch sent to me. Here are some pics of the failed install.... total time - about 2 hours.

 

Got drivers side started - but could already see something wasn't right:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3787/img1390g.jpg

 

Trying to raise and force the passenger side into place - at this point, I could see that the hole that lines up with the tow hook would have matched so I knew I was in the right position:

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7991/img1395k.jpg

 

It just rubbed too much to even force it - Pic of passenger side interference:

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2639/img1388.jpg

 

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3633/img1393w.jpg

 

Does anyone know what that rusty bracket is? It is MAJORLY messing with my trailer hitch install. Etrailer.com has been kind enough to send me a new hitch, but its the same exact thing I returned to them, so clearly its not going to fit either.

 

Anyone know?

 

Thanks guys!

[Bdubs]

Alright. It's been a very long time since I installed/uninstalled my Hidden Hitch, and reinstalled the OEM hitch. But, as far as I recall, I actually removed plugs in the body in order to attach the hitch correctly. It looks as if you have to do the same, but that heat shield is in the way.

 

That rusty bracket isn't what you should be using. Under the heat shield, there should be two of those black plugs on each side(one is present in your pictures) Behind those are threaded holes, and that is where the hitch should be placed.

 

So, for the hell of it, could you try and remove the heat shield and see if it fits? I can't see why you couldn't then just drill a hole in the shield, and place the hitch on that.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

There is a bolt that goes through the rear tow hook on the car into a hole in the hitch just behind the 1-1/4 receiver. That bolt location won't allow the hitch to move forward or backward at all.

 

 

 

However I did just receive a reply on SubaruOutback.org...

 

Originally posted by Wagondude:

That is the tie-down bracket for the transport from the factory to the dealer. Some, but not all aftermarket hitches require the brackets to be removed. I removed mine and just put the bolts back in the unused holes.

 

So I guess I'm going to look into just removing it.

 

 

 

Can anyone confirm that brackets use?