Raising hitch after body lift

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 5:49 pm

I swore there was a post on this , but couldn't find a specific post.

The three piece hitch, either GM factory or Valley Industries are easily raised after a body lift. Just drill the three holes on each side , approx. 1.5" higher and raise the center section. (You can not go the full 2" since the top hole needs room for the bolt head.)

This leaves a nice place to mount two recovery hooks too.

Mike H. · Post by **Mike H.** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 6:08 pm

I'd swear there was one too. I raised mine. It's looks much better that way.

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 6:11 pm

too bad I have the Hidden Hitch class 3 -- it's all one piece

I'll figgure something out

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 6:37 pm

Mike H. wrote:I'd swear there was one too. I raised mine. It's looks much better that way.

I'm pretty sure it was buried deep in a post of another topic

( 2" BL, part II and Questions about 2" body lift and Towing with body lift )

adrenalnjunky wrote:too bad I have the Hidden Hitch class 3 -- it's all one piece

I'll figgure something out

You can always do what Melloyellow did, scrap it and buy a new one

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 7:32 pm

umm ok -- I knew I planted that money tree in the back yard for a good reason

"Stand back -- I have a welder and I (kinda) know how to use it!!!!!!"

melloyellow · Post by **melloyellow** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:55 pm

Got it done today. Drilled the 3 holes on each side and put in the new hitch. Went off without a hitch.

Looks good. Also got the side bars raised today. Just another day of mods.

proroc · Post by **proroc** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 7:41 am

Mellowyellow, would you mind posting whuch hitch you bought? Do you have a link? Thanks!

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 7:45 am

Also -- Henry and Mello -- How did you go about raising your step rails?

I got a set of Westin rails for Christmas and hate the way they look with the bodylift, but the way they mount to the body mounts doesnt leave any room to raise them.

Pics would be really nice

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 7:55 am

I used the GM hitch kit w/wiring harness part# 12496770 list $144.00 (I paid $120) .

As for raising the step bars. There is some info on my "page"- ThunderII
Pictures of the mounts- Mounts and a thread on the subject- 2" raised Westin Signature Series step bars

big_jav's99 · Post by **big_jav's99** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 8:08 pm

the way i was able to take advantage of the bumper brackets was by notching the bottom inside rails of the bumper

sonomadude4x4 · Post by **sonomadude4x4** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:59 pm

under the vally industries hitch which one do i pick when it says model? sonoma p/u or sonoma p/u highrider?

Post by **HenryJ** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:00 pm

Highrider is the GMC with the RPO ZR2 package. Crewcabs do not have the ZR2 offroad package.

sonomadude4x4 · Post by **sonomadude4x4** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:42 am

can some one send me the link to the vallyindustries 3 piece hitch...i found it online but couldnt find a place i could buy it

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:55 pm

Everything I see now is a new design. You may have to buy the receiver hitch from GM. The part number is listed above and cost is still $122

sonomadude4x4 · Post by **sonomadude4x4** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:41 pm

the link didnt work for me .....can u send me a link for any 3 piece hitch? cause im getn a body lift next week and i need the hitch cause i tow a boat every weekend

Post by **HenryJ** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:01 pm

The part number is above. Visit your GM dealer, or one of the online GM retailers.

sonomadude4x4 · Post by **sonomadude4x4** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:02 am

is that a 3 piece hitch?

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:36 am

Mine was.

If you are looking for a guarantee that you will get a three piece hitch that matches the one pictured above, I can not give that to you. These trucks have been discontinued for over four years now. You are looking for NOS (new old stock). They may now be carrying a different brand or updated model.

That part number WAS correct for the three piece hitch made by Valley industries. Right now it looks like your best shot at finding a "new" one.

You might try a walk through the salvage yards. There should be some there now. they usually run $50 used around here.