Maintenance
Replacing Receiver Shank on Shocker Hitch
Instructions on how to change the receiver shank on your Shocker Air and Cushion bumper hitch.
Published · Updated
Follow the steps below or download the printable instructions for replacing the receiver shank on your Shocker Hitch.
Receiver shank replacement instructions (PDF)Shocker Air Bumper Hitch
- Start by loosening the jamnut from the top bolt using a 1-1/8" wrench on the bolt head and an impact wrench with a 1-1/16" socket (or equivalent) on the jamnut. Once loosened, pull the bolt, bump cushions, and washer apart from the main hitch frame and set aside for later installation.
- Loosen the pivot bolt nut using an impact wrench with a 1-7/16" socket (or equivalent). Once loosened, pull out the bolt, remove the washer from the main hitch frame and remove the receiver shank. You may need a rubber mallet to get the pivot bolt to slide out.
- Take the new receiver shank and add a generous amount of grease to the inside where the pivot bolt sits. Do the same for the pivot bolt.
- Once greased, line the new receiver shank up with the pivot bolt hole on the main hitch frame and the air bag paddle. Insert the pivot bolt through these holes with the flat head sitting on the welded tab. Install the washer, finger thread the nut, and tighten with a 1-7/16" socket until the nut is snug against the washer.
- Assemble the bump cushion assembly by inserting the top bolt through the backside of the receiver shank and hitch frame, with the bigger bump cushion between the receiver shank and main hitch frame. Slide the smaller bump cushion and washer over the bolt, add a small amount of thread lock to the jamnut, and finger thread it (see Figure 1).
- Finish by tightening the jamnut until there are 2–3 threads of the bolt showing the other side (see Figure 2). The receiver shank frame should be perpendicular with the hitch frame.
Do not overtighten the pivot bolt nut — it may damage the main hitch frame. If you are changing your receiver shank from a 2" to either a 2-1/2" or 3", you will need to remove the spacer block with a 7/32" allen wrench.
Shocker Cushion Bumper Hitch
- Start by loosening the rear nut from the top bolt using a 1-1/8" wrench on the bolt head and an impact wrench with a 1-1/8" socket (or equivalent) on the nut. Once loosened, pull the bolt, cap, and bump cushions apart from the main hitch frame and set aside.
- Loosen the pivot bolt nut using an impact wrench with a 1-7/16" socket (or equivalent). Pull out the bolt, remove the washer and remove the receiver shank. You may need a rubber mallet to get the pivot bolt to slide out.
- Take the new receiver shank and add a generous amount of grease to the inside where the pivot bolt sits, and to the pivot bolt itself.
- Line the new shank up with the pivot bolt hole on the main hitch frame. Insert the pivot bolt with the flat head sitting on the welded tab, install the washer, finger thread the nut and tighten with a 1-7/16" socket until snug against the washer.
- Assemble the bump cushion assembly by inserting the smaller bump cushion into the cap and the top bolt through both. Insert the bigger bump cushion between the receiver shank and main hitch frame, slide the bolt through the front of the hitch frame and bigger cushion, add thread lock to the rear nut and finger thread it (see Figure 3).
- Finish by tightening until 1–2 threads show past the nut (see Figure 4). The receiver shank frame should be perpendicular with the hitch frame.
DO NOT overtighten the nut on the bump cushion assembly. This can prevent the hitch from pivoting and stop it functioning properly.
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