Torque spec for receiver hitch bolts?

[Chris B.]

I took off the hitch from my 1997 GMC Sierra to take off a bit of rust and re powder coat it. It is on a half ton Z71 and the hitch is rated to 10,000 lbs. Does any one know what I should torque the bolts to?
Also can I smear grease on the bolts, threads and frame/reveiver contact point to help keep rust away? Would that be safe and effictive?

 

[GMBoy]

Chris -

According to the GM service information, the Factory hitch bolts are to be torqued at 100NM which is 74 ft.lbs.

I would not coat the bolts with anything as that would effect the torque readings. Just clean them and reinstall. You don't want anything that could allow the bolts to loosen up.

 

[The motor guy]

You can put grease on after you torque them down. Not before or it will cause you to overtighten the bolts.

 

[meep]

I've seen 65 for a couple aftermarket hitches.

Firm believer in lockwashers here!

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Chris B.
I took off the hitch from my 1997 GMC Sierra to take off a bit of rust and re powder coat it. It is on a half ton Z71 and the hitch is rated to 10,000 lbs. Does any one know what I should torque the bolts to?
Also can I smear grease on the bolts, threads and frame/reveiver contact point to help keep rust away? Would that be safe and effictive?


On a side topic, how does one powder coat something as large as a hitch. I have a hitch on my 1993 Suburban that has some surface rust but its maybe 3 1/2' wide.

 

[Chris B.]

Thanks guys! I'm having a local powder coat shop sand blast and recoat it for under $100.

 

[Chris B.]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Chris -

According to the GM service information, the Factory hitch bolts are to be torqued at 100NM which is 74 ft.lbs.

I would not coat the bolts with anything as that would effect the torque readings. Just clean them and reinstall. You don't want anything that could allow the bolts to loosen up.


My hitch is an after market Sure Pull brand hitch. I bet 74 ft-lbs would be good to go on it. What do you think?

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: Chris B.
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Chris -

According to the GM service information, the Factory hitch bolts are to be torqued at 100NM which is 74 ft.lbs.

I would not coat the bolts with anything as that would effect the torque readings. Just clean them and reinstall. You don't want anything that could allow the bolts to loosen up.


My hitch is an after market Sure Pull brand hitch. I bet 74 ft-lbs would be good to go on it. What do you think?



I agree, heck go to 100 even

I'm sure it uses the same or similair mounting holes and methods.