Da'Lan Hitch

Kirv · 07-20-2006, 04:38 PM

How to install Da'Lan (aka Dalan or Curt) Hitch. Install time about an 1 hour.

I've done lots of research trying to figure out if there is a way to install a hitch with aftermarket exhaust without LOWERING the exhaust using longer exhaust hangers. I wanted to keep the exhaust (COBB in my case) tucked up nice and close to the bumper because it just looks good.

*** The short answer is that you need the long exhaust hangers ***

The most accommodating hitch for the STi with aftermarket exhaust is the Da'Lan hitch for the 03 - 06 impreza sedan. So that's what I bought from http://www.izoomgraphics.com/index.p...products_id=32 . This hitch has a nice hump to fit around the exhaust.

The COBB exhaust tip hangs about a 1/2 inch from the frame. The Da'Lan hitch sits about 5/8 inches from the frame, so the COBB exhaust presses against the hitch, which is why you need the long hangers.

1) Installing the hitch: It's really pretty easy, I was able to do it solo. Get the car up on ramps or stands. There are four bolts to remove. Spray down these bolts with WD-40 and let soak for a while. http://www.hitch-web.com/hwpdf.asp?tgs=3azyitz55%2Fkugs6je2%3B%3D71%3F4tdm. The only trick is that you need to remove the bracket / spacer things (sorry, don't know what they're called) that are between the hitch mounting points and the frame (spray with PB Blaster if they feel stuck). If you don't take out the spacer, the bolts through the hitch won't reach the threads.

THE EXHAUST CLINK

I installed the Da'Lan hitch with the stock hangers and my COBB exhaust was pressed up against the hitch, it made a nasty clink-clink every time I hit a bump, this lasted only one day because Kartboy long hangers were waiting on the shelf.

2) Solution for Clink - the kartboy long hangers. You only need to install two long hangers, the one just forward of the muffler, and the one in the back towards the center of the car. You don't need to install a long hanger on the rear driver's side, this will make the exhaust hang to the left, making you look like a ricer.

The trick to getting on the hangers is to use WD-40 on the hangers and exhaust hanger brackets, and just a good grip to bend, align and squeeze the hanger into place, maybe some tapping with a hammer. The hangers go on pretty easily if you lube them.

I don't know if this install is worth pics, I'll post some if asked.

Hope I save some of you autocrossers and jetskiers (or any other hitch users) a couple hours on your hitch install.

TRM 24-AUG-2006: added to the How-To Catalog sticky

gregginns · 08-11-2006, 10:33 PM

Nice write up, I will be installing this same hitch with cobb exhaust this
weekend. What did you do for the wiring part for the trailor brake lights?
Thanks

**TRM** · 08-24-2006, 03:28 PM

Kirv, nice job. i added your How-To to the catalog sticky.

WolfPlayer · 08-25-2006, 05:29 AM

Please post pics. I was considering this hitch for my car and want to see your clearance so I can try to determine if my APS exhaust *might* work.

t

gregginns · 08-25-2006, 09:22 PM

Any idea where and how to hook up the trailer light wiring?
Thanks

rexrocker · 09-18-2006, 08:16 AM

Great info. I'm interested in seeing pictures of this setup.

Kirv · 09-30-2006, 11:32 AM

pics on the way, going outside now to snap a few. Sorry won't have actual pics of the install.

UPDATE**
Here are pics of the Da'Lan hitch, with COBB exhaust. This should give you an idea of how things look...

Stock hangers, COBB exhaust, Da'Lan hitch. This is no good, notice how the exhaust touches the hitch.

The cut notch under the bumper for the hitch to fit. I just used a utility knife.

The center of the hitch sits at the same level as the center of the exhaust.

Close ups.

Standing rear view. The hitch is tough to see, look inline with the white parking stripe.

Totally OFF topic, but this is why I need the hitch. Stg2 STi ~ 9.15 lbs/hp. Built freestyle Yamaha Superjet ~ 2.2 lbs/hp = FUN

Kirv · 09-30-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfPlayer

Please post pics. I was considering this hitch for my car and want to see your clearance so I can try to determine if my APS exhaust *might* work.

t

If the APS hangs 5/8" from the frame, then you *might* be able to install the dalan hitch without long hangers. The COBB was hanging just over an 1/2" from the frame, and was just barely pressing against the hitch with stock exhaust hangers.

your mileage may vary, depends on how tight the tolerances are with all of these various parts, one dalan hitch might work with stock hangers, the next one might not, same goes for exhaust...

mach85 · 05-19-2007, 06:34 PM

Bump for the wiring question above. I was told I need the battery wire "modulator" or I'll fry a diode in the dash....? How did you guys wire it?

neosomatic · 05-19-2007, 07:57 PM

I ran a wire from the battery, as I was installing an AMP at the same time.

Colors for wires to tap as follows:

Function Harness Wire Color Car Wire Location / Wire Color / Stripe
Right Turn Green Right Tail Light / Mint Green/ Black
Stop Red Left Tail Light / White / Black
Left Turn Yellow Left Tail Light / Black / Green
Tail Lights Brown Left Tail Light / Red / Yellow
Ground White Left Tail Light Screw (Grind Chassis Paint)

I have an 07 with the Da'Lan Hitch, there was no way to reinstall the diffuser with the hitch in place.

In case you mess up the treads you need a 12x1.25 tap for the hitch bolts.

07-20-2006, 04:38 PM	#1
Kirv Professional STI Racer Car: 05 STi Silver Fav Mod: Rumble + Torque = COBB Stg2 Location: CT Posts: 727 Join Date: Aug 2005 Trader Rating: (8)	Da'Lan Hitch How to install Da'Lan (aka Dalan or Curt) Hitch. Install time about an 1 hour. I've done lots of research trying to figure out if there is a way to install a hitch with aftermarket exhaust without LOWERING the exhaust using longer exhaust hangers. I wanted to keep the exhaust (COBB in my case) tucked up nice and close to the bumper because it just looks good. * The short answer is that you need the long exhaust hangers * The most accommodating hitch for the STi with aftermarket exhaust is the Da'Lan hitch for the 03 - 06 impreza sedan. So that's what I bought from http://www.izoomgraphics.com/index.p...products_id=32 . This hitch has a nice hump to fit around the exhaust. The COBB exhaust tip hangs about a 1/2 inch from the frame. The Da'Lan hitch sits about 5/8 inches from the frame, so the COBB exhaust presses against the hitch, which is why you need the long hangers. 1) Installing the hitch: It's really pretty easy, I was able to do it solo. Get the car up on ramps or stands. There are four bolts to remove. Spray down these bolts with WD-40 and let soak for a while. http://www.hitch-web.com/hwpdf.asp?tgs=3azyitz55%2Fkugs6je2%3B%3D71%3F4tdm. The only trick is that you need to remove the bracket / spacer things (sorry, don't know what they're called) that are between the hitch mounting points and the frame (spray with PB Blaster if they feel stuck). If you don't take out the spacer, the bolts through the hitch won't reach the threads. THE EXHAUST CLINK I installed the Da'Lan hitch with the stock hangers and my COBB exhaust was pressed up against the hitch, it made a nasty clink-clink every time I hit a bump, this lasted only one day because Kartboy long hangers were waiting on the shelf. 2) Solution for Clink - the kartboy long hangers. You only need to install two long hangers, the one just forward of the muffler, and the one in the back towards the center of the car. You don't need to install a long hanger on the rear driver's side, this will make the exhaust hang to the left, making you look like a ricer. The trick to getting on the hangers is to use WD-40 on the hangers and exhaust hanger brackets, and just a good grip to bend, align and squeeze the hanger into place, maybe some tapping with a hammer. The hangers go on pretty easily if you lube them. I don't know if this install is worth pics, I'll post some if asked. Hope I save some of you autocrossers and jetskiers (or any other hitch users) a couple hours on your hitch install. TRM 24-AUG-2006: added to the How-To Catalog sticky This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by Kirv : 11-09-2007 at 05:54 PM. Reason: wordsmithing

08-11-2006, 10:33 PM	#2
gregginns Junior STI Driver Car: 05 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Cobb TBE Location: Connecticut Posts: 117 Join Date: Apr 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Hitch Install Nice write up, I will be installing this same hitch with cobb exhaust this weekend. What did you do for the wiring part for the trailor brake lights? Thanks

08-25-2006, 09:22 PM	#5
gregginns Junior STI Driver Car: 05 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Cobb TBE Location: Connecticut Posts: 117 Join Date: Apr 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	The Wiring Any idea where and how to hook up the trailer light wiring? Thanks

09-30-2006, 11:32 AM	#7
Kirv Professional STI Racer Car: 05 STi Silver Fav Mod: Rumble + Torque = COBB Stg2 Location: CT Posts: 727 Join Date: Aug 2005 Trader Rating: (8)	pics on the way, going outside now to snap a few. Sorry won't have actual pics of the install. UPDATE** Here are pics of the Da'Lan hitch, with COBB exhaust. This should give you an idea of how things look... Stock hangers, COBB exhaust, Da'Lan hitch. This is no good, notice how the exhaust touches the hitch. The cut notch under the bumper for the hitch to fit. I just used a utility knife. The center of the hitch sits at the same level as the center of the exhaust. Close ups. Standing rear view. The hitch is tough to see, look inline with the white parking stripe. Totally OFF topic, but this is why I need the hitch. Stg2 STi ~ 9.15 lbs/hp. Built freestyle Yamaha Superjet ~ 2.2 lbs/hp = FUN Last edited by Kirv : 11-04-2006 at 03:12 AM. Reason: Hotlinked in the photos

05-19-2007, 06:34 PM	#9
mach85 Amateur STI Driver Car: '07 WRB STi Posts: 21 Join Date: Feb 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Da'Lan Hitch Bump for the wiring question above. I was told I need the battery wire "modulator" or I'll fry a diode in the dash....? How did you guys wire it?

08-24-2006, 03:28 PM	#3
TRM uh, whut? Car: 04 STi Fav Mod: wdb Location: Eastern PA Posts: 2,207 Join Date: Oct 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Kirv, nice job. i added your How-To to the catalog sticky.

08-25-2006, 05:29 AM	#4
WolfPlayer Moderator & ECU Tech Car: 05 CGM STI Fav Mod: mo boostaz Location: Fredneck, MD Posts: 3,703 Join Date: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (6)	Please post pics. I was considering this hitch for my car and want to see your clearance so I can try to determine if my APS exhaust might work. t

09-18-2006, 08:16 AM	#6
rexrocker Amateur STI Driver Car: 06 STi Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 16 Join Date: Aug 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Great info. I'm interested in seeing pictures of this setup.

05-19-2007, 07:57 PM	#10
neosomatic Amateur STI Driver Car: 2007 WRB STI Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Da'Lan Hitch I ran a wire from the battery, as I was installing an AMP at the same time. Colors for wires to tap as follows: Function Harness Wire Color Car Wire Location / Wire Color / Stripe Right Turn Green Right Tail Light / Mint Green/ Black Stop Red Left Tail Light / White / Black Left Turn Yellow Left Tail Light / Black / Green Tail Lights Brown Left Tail Light / Red / Yellow Ground White Left Tail Light Screw (Grind Chassis Paint) I have an 07 with the Da'Lan Hitch, there was no way to reinstall the diffuser with the hitch in place. In case you mess up the treads you need a 12x1.25 tap for the hitch bolts. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.