View Full Version : Tow hardware removal
John Skiba
06-22-2006, 04:20 PM
Have any of you guys done it yet on your TBSS? I'll never tow with the TBSS and the area may make for nice center exhaust exits ala SRT8 G&C.
I took a quick glance underneath and it looks like it's bolted to the side frame rails on the ends but didn't look enough to see the bumper metal above it and how it's attached to the truck.
My Envoy also has a tow hardware so that doesn't help me. Anyone have pics of a trailvoy and what it looks like under the rear without the tow hardware?
03slt_soccal
06-22-2006, 04:23 PM
i have no pics but the hitch just unbolts and comes off. why would you want to mimic a Jeep?
Fishhunter911
06-22-2006, 04:34 PM
If he isnt going to tow, the hitch prolly wiegh 60 to 80lbs. Makes for more speed!!
John Skiba
06-22-2006, 04:41 PM
If he isnt going to tow, the hitch prolly wiegh 60 to 80lbs. Makes for more speed!!
Hmmm, never thought about the performance benefit. ;) :p
03slt_soccal
06-22-2006, 05:03 PM
true just don't do the exhaust out like the Jeep. fill in the space and run duals out each side in the rear.:m2:
John Skiba
06-22-2006, 05:24 PM
true just don't do the exhaust out like the Jeep. fill in the space and run duals out each side in the rear.:m2:
Don't worry, it's about weight. ;)
I just wanted to make sure that it is just bolt in removable and the bumper metal isn't part of it or GM doesn't replace it with another bolt in piece.
My only concern is that GM did the tow package standard on the TBSS as frame reinforcement for the platform to handle the additional power.
Thats why I was looking for picks of a trailvoy without the tow hardware to see if there is anything in that exact location.
I'll fill in the empty spot with matching stock mesh.
03slt_soccal
06-22-2006, 05:30 PM
Don't worry, it's about weight. ;)
I just wanted to make sure that it is just bolt in removable and the bumper metal isn't part of it or GM doesn't replace it with another bolt in piece.
My only concern is that GM did the tow package standard on the TBSS as frame reinforcement for the platform to handle the additional power.
Thats why I was looking for picks of a trailvoy without the tow hardware to see if there is anything in that exact location.
I'll fill in the empty spot with matching stock mesh.
cool i'm pretty sure i is not structural. isn't it still and option on the SS?
ScarabEpic22
06-22-2006, 06:42 PM
cool i'm pretty sure i is not structural. isn't it still and option on the SS?
Nope, the tow package is standard on every TV. The only thing is some of the very base LS models didnt have the 7pin connector and you had to buy a $20 piece that connected and gave you the 7pin connector.
All TBs come with it and so do the SSs as well.
I have never seen a TV without a hitch, although lt_xtrm has a rear valence cover over his. I dont know if he removed it or not though.
John Skiba
06-22-2006, 10:50 PM
Heh, standard on all TV's? Why did GM do this?
hmmm....
John Skiba
07-15-2006, 11:25 AM
Took a look at it and it looks like the bumper support is welded onto the tow hardware. Looks like if I unbolt the 6 bolts for the tow hardware, the bumper support will come off with it.
Hmm, a little fab work needed..
John Skiba
07-15-2006, 12:21 PM
http://www.trademotion.com/schematics/images/G/GN02450.gif
#13 Impact bar
ontogenesis
07-15-2006, 05:22 PM
Looks like some custom fab to make a replacement impact bar and a grinder to the frame and you could do a rollpan...:undecided If you've got the time to fab something up, let me know, i might just get you to make two...
02redhawk
07-15-2006, 08:20 PM
Yep, John, that schematic is correct.
The tow pkg is 100% integrated with the rear bumper support - completely structural.
If you would like to have a "spare" to play around with (a little hacking 'n whacking, experimentation), I have a complete bumper support (#13) in my basement.
Shipping on it would probably be pretty portly, unless you're close to me (I forget....)?
Gnfanatic
07-16-2006, 12:09 AM
I wouldnt f@#k with it, the frame/body was built wiht it in mind. Plus it protects many things from a rear end collision. if you take that off and car rear ends you I bet they will go into your hatch and screw up lot of things.
StreetBlazer
07-16-2006, 12:41 AM
Don't know about the SS but it was definitely welded on to the bumper on my LS. I cut off the middle section and welded on a piece of plate so that I could still stand on it. Why? So I could run a center exhaust. Probably not everyones cup of tea but I like how it came out. :)
http://gallery.trailvoy.com/showphoto.php?photo=3989
Not the best pic, I will put up a better pic shortly.
vetruck
07-16-2006, 02:21 AM
I wouldnt f@#k with it, the frame/body was built wiht it in mind. Plus it protects many things from a rear end collision. if you take that off and car rear ends you I bet they will go into your hatch and screw up lot of things.
Yep it sure does. A guy hit me last week at a speed that I was sure the bumber and paint were f...ed up :cry: . Nope, he hit the hitch receiver dead on and screwed up his bumber (Grand Prix) pretty good. Only two tiny scratches on my TB :) . Not that that is a great reason to keep 60# of useless weight on the truck but I'm glad it was there.
John Skiba
07-16-2006, 10:21 AM
Yep, John, that schematic is correct.
The tow pkg is 100% integrated with the rear bumper support - completely structural.
If you would like to have a "spare" to play around with (a little hacking 'n whacking, experimentation), I have a complete bumper support (#13) in my basement.
Shipping on it would probably be pretty portly, unless you're close to me (I forget....)?
What does it weight?
John Skiba
07-16-2006, 10:23 AM
Don't know about the SS but it was definitely welded on to the bumper on my LS. I cut off the middle section and welded on a piece of plate so that I could still stand on it. Why? So I could run a center exhaust. Probably not everyones cup of tea but I like how it came out. :)
http://gallery.trailvoy.com/showphoto.php?photo=3989
Not the best pic, I will put up a better pic shortly.
I actually like that. Nice work. BTW, what did the center section that you cut out weigh? :)
Gnfanatic
07-16-2006, 10:26 AM
well now I know why it weighs so much. I thought it was jsut a bar bolted to frame.
vetruck
07-16-2006, 05:31 PM
Don't know about the SS but it was definitely welded on to the bumper on my LS. I cut off the middle section and welded on a piece of plate so that I could still stand on it. Why? So I could run a center exhaust. Probably not everyones cup of tea but I like how it came out. :)
http://gallery.trailvoy.com/showphoto.php?photo=3989
Not the best pic, I will put up a better pic shortly.
I didn't notice your link before but I really like what you did. I almost looks like it could be OEM and the slot is a perfect size. Good work with that :) BTW, it does look like you pipes are a little off but it might just be the light :undecided .
02redhawk
07-24-2006, 08:17 PM
What does it weight?
Probably about 65-70lbs as a full assy, using my calibrated elbows as a gauge (my scale is on the fritz right now). The hitch section makes up for about 50-60% of that weight.
Red SS
07-24-2006, 09:04 PM
so for cliffs on this thread, the hitch isn't removeable?
FattyTBEXT
07-24-2006, 09:24 PM
so for cliffs on this thread, the hitch isn't removeable?
Not without a sawzall.
capriceguy
07-31-2006, 11:52 PM
Heh, standard on all TV's? Why did GM do this?
hmmm....
The trucks are pushed down the assembly line with the trailer hitch. Its the easiest way to move the frame around.
FattyTBEXT
08-01-2006, 06:41 AM
John, are you gonna be at Carlisle? If my dad hasn't taken my old bumper support to the dump yet, I'll bring it for you. I can call him and see if it's still at his house. Shipping would be hell, though.