BLUE OX BX3816 (01) PDF Document

The following tools are required for installation:

13MM Socket

Torax T45 Socket

Torax T27 Socket

Torax T25 Socket

Loctite

Utility Knife

Long Extension

Phillips Screwdriver

To prepare the vehicle, follow these steps:

1. Open the hood and find the plastic release handle that is behind each blinker assembly and release it. Slide each blinker out.

2. To remove the plastic bumper molding, remove the T25 Torax head bolts. There are five inner Torax bolts. Remove the two rubber pieces from the top of the bumper molding, being careful not to break the release handle. Note regarding the handle: You may want to remove the latch release handle by removing the center pin and pulling the handle off the latching bracket.

3. Remove the six T25 Torax head bolts connecting the fender well molding to the bumper molding. Pull the fender well molding back and remove the T25 Torax head bolt from each corner.

4. Remove the three flat head screws from the bottom of the bumper molding. You should now be able to pull the plastic molding from the frame. Note regarding the metal bumper: An option that might make it easier to install the baseplate is if the metal bumper is removed. To remove the metal bumper, remove the 10mm bolts holding it to the frame brackets.

Notice and remove from each side the three T45 Torax head bolts on the flat bumper brackets. These bolts will not be used for the baseplate installation. Hold the baseplate up to the bolt holes and use the 8mm-1.25 x 45mm bolts and lock washers. Use Loctite to ensure the bolts do not loosen while the car is being towed.

Dimensional variations between otherwise identical cars can be considerable. While the location and size of the holes in the baseplate were designed to allow for easy installation, it may be necessary to file a hole slightly.

1. Hold the bumper up to its original position and mark areas needed to be trimmed to allow the attachment tabs to extend through the grill.

2. Replace the bumper molding, the upper rubber pieces, and the latch release lever.

Install the tow bar and safety cables according to the instructions included in their packages. Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost.

It is the installer’s responsibility to watch for:

Oil cooler and air conditioner lines

Electrical wires and hoses

Missing parts or attaching points on the frame

If the baseplate is improperly installed and is against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after the actual baseplate installation.

Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. Their function is to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose if the connection between the frame and baseplate fails.

The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle’s frame.

Do not mount the permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines.

These cables should remain installed as long as the baseplate is installed on the vehicle.

Permanent baseplate safety cables are to be used in conjunction with, and NOT a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.

It is the owner’s responsibility to inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip.

Be sure to use Loctite® Red on all bolts and tighten to the recommended specifications.

It is the owner’s responsibility to hook up all towing equipment per manufacturer’s instructions/recommendations.

Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable).