u/Krymsyn__Rydyr

Hi all, long time lurker here. I have a question for the masses… How does anyone go about changing out their hitch receiver? I have a 2008 Limited. The 1-1/4 hitch is a welded square tube, that has been incorporated into the rear frame cross member. The two options that I can see are 1) cut the 1-1/4 out, notching the cross member to accommodate a 2” receiver, then weld it in… or 2) purchase a traditional aftermarket unit, that bolts to bottom of frame. The issues I see , are that the cross member is an integral component of the frame. It is not heavy steel like the bolt on products, it is fairly thin rolled square tube. I’m hesitant to cut and weld that. As far as bolting an aftermarket receiver, such as Reese or Curt, none of them seem to offer a kit for this Sport Trac. Has anyone in this community had any success with either of these options?