Removing Metal Skid Plate to Identify Crossmember on a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT

Updated 02/27/2019 | Published 02/26/2019

Question:

I know the metal skid plate has to come off to install curt front mount receiver C31063 but does the metal skid plate have to come off to see the cross member? Is there a way to tell if the cross member is there? Im disabled and slow. thank you.

asked by: William P

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the metal skid plate on the 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 needs to be removed when installing the front mount hitch part # C31063. The metal skid plate will not be re-installed. After doing research on OEM metal skid plates on a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 you will need to remove the skid plate to see if there is a crossmember present. There is a chance the metal skid plate will cover the crossmember if your vehicle came with one.

I have attached a photo of what the crossmember will look like on the Ford Ranger. If your Ford Ranger does have a crossmember you will not be able to install part # C31063.

expert reply by: Heather A