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© 2005, 07, 09 Blue Ox  

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292-2291 Rev. B 

10/27/09

BX1625 Installation Instructions

1998-04 Chevrolet S10 Pickup 2WD

1998-03 GMC S15 GMC Sonoma 2WD

Utilization of Blue Ox baseplates with any tow bar not approved by Automatic Equipment Mfg. Company 

invalidates the limited warranty.

Installation of this baseplate requires drilling 17/32” holes in the vehicle’s frame.

1.      Read the General Instruction Sheet included with this baseplate.

2.      The baseplate bolts to the bottom of the frame behind the bumper using six bolts supplied with  

         the baseplate.  Use of Loctite to secure the bolts is highly recommended.  The vibrations and  

         stresses of towing can cause bolts to loosen even with lock washers in the assembly.

3.      There are two frame rails behind the bumper that run the length of the pickup.  The front 10” of  

         the frame angles up.  At the point where the frame levels out there is a hole in the bottom of the  

         frame.  This hole will match up to the rear hole in each arm of the baseplate.  In the inside wall of  

         the frame rail there are several oblong openings.  These will allow you to insert a nut into the  

         frame and hold it in position with the attached wire.

4.      Insert a nut into the frame on each side and position it over the holes located in Step 3.  With an  

         assistant, hold the baseplate in position and start two 1/2 x 1 1/2 bolts and lock washers into the  

         nut in the frame.  Apply Loctite, but do not tighten completely.  The attachment tabs for the tow  

         bar should protrude from under the bumper plastic and will angle up slightly.  The up angle is  

         intentional and normal.

5.      On the driver’s side the vertical bracket should align with a hole already in the frame.  Adjust the  

         location of the baseplate to align the hole.  Tighten the rear bolts completely.

6.      Drill out the hole in the frame on the driver’s side to 17/32”.  “Fish” another nut into the frame and  

         install a 1/2 x 1 1/2 bolt, lock washer, and flat washer.  Apply Loctite and tighten completely.

7.      Using the baseplate as a template, drill the remaining two holes and complete bolting the 

         baseplate to the frame.

8.      The dimensional variations between otherwise identical cars can be considerable.   

         While the location and size of the holes in the baseplate were designed to allow for 

         easy installation, it may be necessary to file a hole slightly to allow a bolt to clear.

9.      Install the tow bar and safety cables according to the instructions included in their 

         packages.

10.    Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost.

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