Will A Hitch Receiver Off A 1996 Ford Ranger Work On My 1985 Ford Ranger?

Updated 11/07/2016 | Published 11/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(172)

$190.82

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.62

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(2621)

$15.90

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-3/16" Span

(2933)

$3.56

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2-1/4" Drop - 7-5/8" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3843)

$27.84

Question:

I have a hitch receiver on a 1996 ranger I want to put on my 1985 ranger, will it work?

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

If you have the Curt Class III Receiver Hitch, # 13019, then the hitch receiver is a confirmed fit for both year models of Ford Ranger trucks. If you have a different model of hitch receiver, it may or may not be compatible. There are models of hitch receivers from the same company that are not compatible between these two year models.

To add a ball mount for towing, I suggest the Curt Ball Mount for 2 Inch Hitches With 1 Inch Rise and 2-1/4 Inch Drop, # C45030. You'll also want a 2 inch hitch ball like Tow Ready's # 63845 or a 2-5/16 Inch ball like # 63847. You will also need the Pin and Clip for your receiver like # C21500.

To add wiring to your 1985 Ford Ranger, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Connector, # 118313. This is a harness that will simply plug into existing wiring with no splicing required. The plug is located beneath your vehicle along the drives-side frame near the rear bumper. I'd recommend adding a mount like # 18144 to keep the connection secure.