let me put it this way. I own cars that I am not Interested in losing them to hitch trouble. I have a 1997 dodge 3500 5 speed I bought new with 64000 miles, so I am not buying another truck. The. hitch I want fits 2003 up. I am just looking to see if someone has used a 2003 up hitch on there older dodge I have a chance to buy a new xtra heavy hitch for 100 dollars. I am looking to see what would work or will not work. I am on my third hitch NO welding or cutting Its for safety