INSTALLING THE HITCH:

Jack up the rear of the Miata. Be sure to support the car with sturdy jack stands. BE CAREFUL!!!!

M1 – Remove the rear tie-down hooks and save the attaching fasteners. Install the hitch in place of the tie-downs using the OEM tie-down fasteners.

M2 - The hitch will mount between the tie down loops welded under the rear of the car. Remove the bolts, washers and backup plates attached to the hitch, pay attention these parts go on the car just as they are assembled for shipment.

Push the hitch up until the mounting brackets are approximately even with the bottom of the structure to which the tie down loops are welded. Check clearance under the bumper and using the hitch as a template mark the chassis for the 8 holes to be drilled. Take the hitch back down and drill 3/8" holes at the previously marked spots. Depending on the type drill you are using it may be helpful to remove the heat shield over the muffler. Put the hitch back in position and push a bolt through on either side to hold it in place.

Slide the backup plates into place. The outer plates go inside the square "hole" just inside the tie down loops. Align the plates and start all bolts before tightening any. Tighten the bolts to 35-40 ft lbs (the bolts will seem hard to tighten because of the self locking nuts used on the backup plates).

Updated June 22, 2003 10:17 PM