© 2005, 07, 09 Blue Ox
Page 1 of 2
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.
