Draw-Tite 36529 FRAME HITCH - Manual (Page 2)

Installation Instructions
Ford Escape
Part Numbers:
Note: recommend 2 people for hitch installation.
1. Lower the exhaust. Remove the two fasteners on exhaust hanger brackets each side of the frame. Remove the
rubber isolator hanger forward the suspension for additional room. See Figure 4. Spraying a lubricant or soapy water
on the metal hanger rod and the rubber isolator helps removal.
2. Loosen and trim the heat shield. On the drivers side remove fastener in forward location measure and mark the area to
be trimmed. See Figure 2. Trim passenger side heat shield as shown in Figure 3. After trimming re-secure the heat
shield on the drivers’ side with the fastener removed earlier.
3. Enlarge the access hole using a file or grinder to allow carriage bolt access.
4. Install hardware into the frame rails, by feeding the pull wire(coiled end) into the hole inside the frame and feed it out
the modified access slot attaching the required fastener and pull them into position (leave pull wires attach). Starting
with the rear side frame rail(items 1 & 2), the rear attachment horizontal slot (items 1 & 3) see Figure 6. Install
remaining 7/16 fasteners (items 1 & 2) using the reverse pull wire procedure. See Figure 6
5. Push side fasteners with pull wires attached back into frame as shown. See Figure 7
6. Slide the hitch into position, starting with the driver’s side, sliding from the passenger side up over the exhaust then the
passenger side into position. Note feed the pull wires through the slots as needed.
7. Attach the rear horizontal 7/16 fasteners using the flat washer, lock washer and hex nut to help support the hitch.
8. Install (item 13 & 9) M8-1.25 x 40mm bolt and 5/16 flat washer thru the bracket tab at rear of the hitch. Attach the (3)
5/16” flat washers to item 13 on both sides, then push the hitch rearward toward the end frame. Feed the fasteners
through the end frame and bumper plate attach the 3/8” conical washer and M8 hex nut. See Figure 8
9. Pull the fasteners thru the vertical slot on the side attachment, place the conical washer on carriage bolt and remove
pull wire and attach hex nut.
10. Attached the rest of the fasteners as shown and hand tighten only at this time.
11. Reattach exhaust hanger brackets using the fasteners as shown.
12. Tighten all fasteners to the required torque specification.
13. Reattach the rubber isolator hanger.
© 2013 Cequent Performance Products, Inc Sheet 2 of 6 36529N 5-21-13 Rev. A
Tighten all M8 CL8 fasteners with torque wrench to 18 Lb.-Ft. (23 N*M)
Tighten all M8 CL10.9fasteners with torque wrench to 27 Lb.-Ft. (37 N*M)
Tighten all 7/16 GR5 fasteners with torque wrench to50 Lb.-Ft (68 N*M)
Note: check hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and ball are properly tightened. If hitch is removed, plug all holes in trunk pan or other body panels to prevent
entry of water and exhaust fumes. A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Observe safety precautions when working beneath a
vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.
This product complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and
SAE J684.
Form: F205 Rev C 9-17-2012
Kink Pull wire
to keep spacer
independent of bolt
Example of pull wire procedure
Rubber isolator
hanger forward
Reverse pull wire procedure
Pull wire (6)
Figure 5
Figure 4
Figure 6
Passenger side heat shield trim
hatch area
1”
Remove
fastener
Figure 3
Figure 2
Figure 7
Access slot
to be
modified
Printed in Mexico
Driver side heat shield
trim hatch area
36529, 90230,
06156