Front Mount Hitch for a 1998 Ford F-150 2WD

Updated 06/01/2018 | Published 05/31/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(4)

$234.37

Bulldog Winch Standard Series Off-Road Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 8,000 lbs

(54)

$423.06

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch License Plate Holder

(72)

$78.62

Curt Trailer Hitch Electric Winch Mount Plate

(50)

$143.26

Question:

Im looking for relatively inexpensive front towing possibilities for a 1998 Ford F-150 4x2. The back has a full hitch with electric brake assist. It seems as I shop around for products for the front though that a 97 - 04 4x4 is not an issue, neither is a 99 - 04 4x2. Not sure why my 98 4x2 is a problem child. The guy who had the truck before me ripped the valance off from below the front bumper see pics because he wasnt set up right. Anyway, Im considering options from a $10 tow hook to a bull bar with a winch. It would just be for rare occasions. I just cant seem to find any bolt on products.

asked by: Ted S

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt who said that your 2WD 1998 Ford F-150 doesn't come with the tow hooks which is why their front mount hitch # 31049 will not fit. When I asked if the hitch could be installed if you purchased and installed the front tow hooks he said it would be compatible then. So the reason you have been having trouble is because of those tow hooks not existing on your pickup.

Sometimes the license plate mount part # C31002 will need to be installed as well but it doesn't look like you live in a state that requires a front license plate so you should be good to go. The installation instructions have been linked for you to check out as well.

This will then allow you to install the Curt Trailer Hitch Electric Winch Mount Plate # C31010 and use a recovery-type winch like the Bulldog Winch # BDW10041.

I reached out to our bull bar manufacturers and they couldn't confirm if their bull bars would fit your F-150 if you installed the tow hooks.