I want to add the Ford trailer hitch receiver to my 1998 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L extended cab truck, but am not getting consistent information on fitment. In looking online, I am finding XL5Z-17D826-AB as the current part number (previously XL5Z-17D826-AA and 6L5Z-17D826-AA). However, when I go to my local Ford dealer they say that those part numbers are correct but only for 1999 and newer. In fact, they don’t show that a trailer hitch receiver is even an option for my VIN. This seems unlikely, but the parts guy showed me the computer screen.

Attached is a pic that shows what it supposed to come with the kit. No drilling or welding is required, so the instructions in the kit should show where the existing holes are on the truck frame. Can someone post those instructions so I can look for the holes and get the kit if fitment looks right?

Thanks,
Robert

 

I just wanted to circle back on this and share my experience in case it helps others.

XL5Z-17D826-AB
This hitch receiver fit my 1998 even though the instructions say 1999+. My experience was a little different than the instructions in one place. In Step 3, two bolts need to be loosened to clear a path for the angle bracket to be positioned. However, it is the underneath rear bolt rather than the forward bolt that needs to be loosened and then tightened in Step 8. This issue doesn’t depend on whether you are viewing it from the left or right because the two bolts that need to be loosened are almost vertically aligned. Also, in Steps 7 and 8 I’m hoping the torque range is foot-pounds rather than the foot-inches listed. Using a T55 socket on a torque wrench was a bucket list item so I got one more checked off.

XL54-15A416-CA
I topped it off with this wiring kit. My experience was that the bracket in Figs. 1 and 2 was too tall to fit where it was supposed to be and butted up against the underside of the stock bumper. I could have filed off some of the top and would have fit, but having the bracket exposed on the outside of the hitch receiver didn’t look that great and reversing it would mean the connector for the trailer wiring would be hard to access. So, I just wedged the connector in place and I’ll keep an eye on it to see if it comes out. Also, when I removed the round cap in Fig. 3 it immediately broke off from the tether. I guess it somehow got brittle after 26 years in the Arizona heat.