So the 2" square tube hitch is rusted into the bumper's receiver, pretty well frozen. I managed to get the hitch pin out with a little hammering. The back side of the receiver is open, so I have access to that side as well.

I've been soaking it with rust penetrating lube for a few days...


This is what it looks like from the back side...


I've tried hitting it with a hammer (regular hammer, not a sledge type BFH) & brass punch from the back side but it's not budging. What to do? Just keep soaking with the rust lube and hammering till it pops out? I was thinking an air chisel might help but I don't have one of those. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Whatchyall think?

Tried a torch? Heating along different points could cause it to shift around a smidge & break itself loose. But watch out, most penetrating fluids are highly flammable! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Either get another chunk of receiver stock and a bigger BFH than you have and beat it from the back side to force it out or hitch up to a heavy immobile object, get the revs up to about 3k and dump the clutch. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I would personally go with plan A. If you decide on plan B please let us know if it worked or what broke. In the future it is a good idea to put some grease on the receiver so this does not happen in the future. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

If you go with plan B, plz have someone video tape it.

I've personally always done plan B, but I've never had one rusted in there like that! I wonder what would give 1st? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

I would back up to a light pole or any other thing that isn't going to move. Put a chain on the ball and pole...put it in gear and go. Should come out really easy...or maybe ease your way forward...should come out. That is what I would do.

Yeah I already though of that, but then I thought better of it! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> That's part of a Smittybilt bumper that is fairly well anchored to the frame, so the potential for catastrophically tweaking things is a little to high for my liking.

I'll probably try heating & beating. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> Propane torch (with a fire extinguisher nearby <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />), and a bigger FH. Where would one purchase a hunk of bare receiver stock?

I also though of putting my post Thanksgiving Harbor Freight specials to work (the $9 angle grinder and $15 sawzall) but I'd like it to come out intact if possible.

Keep those suggestions coming...

What kind of Penetrating oil are you using? Get some PB Blaster or Koil if you can. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I had the same issue with the same bumper. I had to beat on the draw-bar for 45 minutes with a 10lb sledge to get that sucker out.

Have fun

Marc M

Heat the outside with a torch or heat gun and spray PB Blaster while doing that(rules out the torch). As the outside expands the heat will pull the PB Blaster on up into the gap. I used this method to separate a turbo housing from the center section. It took time, but it worked. I've also used this method to separate exhaust pipes.