Cooler Interference with the Curt Front Mount Hitch # 31310 on a 1997 Ford F-250 7.3L Diesel

Updated 05/03/2013 | Published 04/30/2013

Question:

Ordered up a front trailer hitch for my 97 Ford F-250 part # 31310 and upon receiving it , took it out of the mangled box and crawled under the truck to see if it matched up and it looks as if my inter cooler is in the way. Does this part not work on a 7.3 Diesel? Or has a previous owner changed the inter cooler when he put a Banks system on?

asked by: Craig B

Expert Reply:

If your 1997 Ford F-250 7.3L Diesel is 4WD, then a cooler should not interfere with the installation of the Curt Front Mount Hitch, # 31310. This hitch installs on the frame brackets that support the bumper. It may be possible that a previous owner installed an aftermarket cooler. It is common to find certain aftermarket coolers attached to frame rails because they provide a concealed and secure mounting point.

I spoke with my contact at Curt and he assured me that there will be no factory installed components that should interfere with the installation of this hitch.

If your truck is 2WD, then this hitch will not work. Instead, you will want the Curt Front Mount Hitch, # 31311. This hitch installs on the underside of the frame rail at the stabilizer bar.

expert reply by: John H