Removing the rear bumper of a MCI 9.

[johns4104s]

I am ready to have my friend build a robust rear trailer hitch, I it difficult to remove the bumper and any problem driving the bus without it?
Thanks

John

[John316]

Looks

[gumpy]

Rear bumper blade is held on with 2 bolts, one on each side. Easy to remove if not too rusted.

The spreader beneath is held on with 5 bolts each side. Again, easy to remove.

No problems driving without it, other than you risk getting pulled over for not having a bumper.  I've not had a bumper blade on
mine since I bought it. I usually tow a toad, so has not caused a problem. Someday I'll either find a good bumper to put on, or
I'll break down and build one.

If you tie the hitch into the triangle supports, make sure they are in good condition. They have a habit of rusting away from the inside out. If they
are not in good condition, have the builder cut them out and replace them.

[NJT5047]

One other tidbit of info is be sure that whatever hitch is attached, can be easily removed.  Gotta get it out of the way to remove the engine/cradle assembly. 
Nothing permanent between the cradle supports.
As Gump says, check whatever you attach a "robust" hitch to.  Most older MC9s have no "robust" points beyond the rear suspension.
The cradle supports are famous for cracking.  So are the SS tubes that form the cantilever. 
How much weight do you plan to pull?  A toad won't be a problem, but a heavy tongued trailer may be.
Cheers, JR

[johns4104s]

JR,

I have a 2500Ib low boy plus a 3000IB vehical 5500Ibs total

John

[NJT5047]

Well, that's about enough weight for sure.  People are towing that much with '9s. 
I'd recommend steam cleaning all the engine supports and check for cracks.  Repair anything that looks suspect. 
The rear of an MC9 isn't supported by a main 'frame'...the tail, including the rear of the cradle, is 'hanging' on the area above the radiator supports.   Those vertical members are going to absorb the load. 
I've never heard of anyone losing anything, but MCI once offered a set of plans for a hitch for the 9s.  It was used for mail trailers.  They removed the hitch from the public.  Decided that most MC9s were not in good enough mechanical condition to accept the load of a hitch.
I know of people towing upward to 10K behind MC9s.  As long as your SS in the engine compartment is in good condition, you probably won't have any problems.
Keep the hitch as high as possible.  Thru the bumper will be better than below the bumper. 
However, don't situate the hitch where it'll centerpunch the harmonic balancer on the crankshaft if you get rearended.   The hitch will drag due to the overhang.  Mine does and it's right against the bottom of the bumper. 
JR