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Blue Ox
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2002 - 2007 Subaru Impreza
Confirmed to Fit
2002 - 2007 Subaru Impreza
Confirmed to Fit
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{'key': 'Custom Design', 'value': 'Each Blue Ox BX3609 Tow Bar Bracket is custom designed for a specific towed vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Finish: Powder Coat
Mounting Type: Bolt On
Mounting Hardware Included Yes/No: Yes
The Blue Ox BX3609 Tow Bar Bracket is meticulously designed to provide a custom fit for your specific towed vehicle. Fabricated from high-quality steel, it ensures exceptional durability and robustness. This tow bar bracket comes in a sleek black color and features a powder coat finish that enhances its resistance to rust and other environmental elements. The bracket is designed for bolt-on mounting, making it a cinch to install. It comes complete with all necessary hardware and a comprehensive installation guide, allowing for a seamless do-it-yourself process.
Blue Ox is known internationally for recreational and commercial towing products, manufacturing in Pender, Nebraska since 1925. The line covers tow bars and vehicle-specific baseplates for flat towing behind a motorhome, sway control and weight distributing hitches, supplemental braking accessories and towing wiring, backed by patented designs and long-standing customer service.
Blue Ox has manufactured since 1925 and is recognised internationally for towing products and customer service. The company operates from Pender, Nebraska, where it grew out of Automatic Manufacturing Co., a business that started with cattle oilers and developed into agricultural equipment, tractor accessories and trailer towing hardware. That agricultural engineering heritage still shows in how the towing products are built, and the company holds patents across weight distribution, fifth wheel and tow bar designs.
Flat towing is the discipline Blue Ox is best known for. Towing a car with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome demands a system that stays rigid under braking, articulates properly over uneven ground, and connects to the towed vehicle at points strong enough to take the load. Blue Ox tow bars handle the first two, with self-aligning arms that latch under tension and release without a struggle when the load is off them. Vehicle-specific baseplates handle the third, engineered per make and model to tie into structural mounting points behind the fascia.
The wider flat towing range covers supplemental braking systems, safety cables and the accessories that make a complete legal setup, along with baseplate wiring and dinghy towing harnesses that pass lighting signals to the towed vehicle without back-feeding its electrical system.
For conventional trailer towing, Blue Ox weight distributing hitches with integrated sway control transfer tongue load onto the tow vehicle's front axle and resist the yaw that crosswinds and passing trucks induce.
The company describes its foundation as customer service, designing around what owners actually ask for, and it runs an RV park adjacent to the factory where customers can stay. Sister operations at the same Nebraska site include Automatic grain roller mills and MAD-RAMPS pivoting ramp systems.
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2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2007 | Subaru Impreza | Comes with Standard Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Requires Some Trimming of Bumper Fascia/Plastic/And/Or Grill Minor Drilling Required Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation |
| 2002 - 2007 | Subaru Impreza | Sport Comes with Standard Attachment Tabs Install Rating 3 Bumper Fascia Must Be Removed/Replaced During Install Requires Some Trimming of Bumper Fascia/Plastic/And/Or Grill Minor Drilling Required Headlights Must be Removed and Replaced During Installation |
Yes, the BX3609 is designed for 2002–2007 Subaru Impreza Outback models, including Sport and WRX variants. The baseplate attachment tabs are 24 inches center to center with a height of 14 inches. Installation requires removal of the front fascia, metal bumper, and headlight assembly, and involves drilling and trimming of the fascia.
Yes, the BX3609 fits 2004 models. However, 2004 models follow a different installation path than 2002–2003 models. For 2004 models, the metal bumper does not need to be removed (step 12 applies instead of steps 8–11). You will replace a factory metric bolt with an 8MM-1.25 × 30MM Hex Bolt (Grade 8.8) on the metal bumper.
Required tools are: 10MM socket, 12MM socket, 14MM socket, 9/16" socket, 13/32" drill bit, 1 1/4" hole saw, 13/32" transfer punch, vise grips, and Loctite Blue. A socket wrench or ratchet is implied but not explicitly listed. Professional-grade drilling equipment and a drill press or hand drill capable of accurate hole placement are recommended.
It depends on your model year. For 2002–2003 models, yes—the metal bumper must be removed (steps 8–11). For 2004 models, no—the metal bumper stays in place and you proceed directly to step 12. In both cases, the front fascia and headlight assemblies must be removed.
You must remove: the front grille (4 clips), outer grille supports (2 push pins on top, 1 behind), 5 push pins from the top side of the fascia, headlight assemblies (3 metric bolts per side, 10MM socket), push pins under headlight assemblies (both sides), 2 phillips-head push pins on the fascia (one forward of front tire, one inside wheel well), 2 wing bolt push pins on the underside of the fascia, and 1 center push pin on the underside. For 2002–2003 models, the metal bumper is also removed.
Yes. Drilling is required on the frame rail and metal bumper. For 2002–2003 models, you will drill a 1 1/4" hole into the lower chamber of the frame end (both sides) and drill out existing holes with a 13/32" drill bit on the frame rail. For 2004 models, you will drill out existing holes with a 13/32" drill bit on the frame rail if needed. A 1 1/4" hole is also drilled in the side of the metal bumper (both sides). Trimming of the fascia is also required.
Yes. The manual states that trimming is needed on the fascia. In step 17, you hold the fascia into place, mark the trim line, and trim before reinstalling the fascia, headlight assemblies, and grille.
A 1 1/4" hole saw is used. For 2002–2003 models, it is used to cut a hole into the lower chamber of the frame end (both sides) in step 9, and to drill a hole in the side of the metal bumper in step 15. For 2004 models, it is used to drill a hole in the side of the metal bumper in step 14.
A 13/32" drill bit is used. It is used to drill out existing holes on the frame rail (step 10 for 2002–2003 models, step 12 for 2004 models), to drill the support brace hole (step 11 for 2002–2003 models), and to drill remaining holes while the baseplate is attached to the metal bumper (step 14 for 2004 models). A 13/32" transfer punch is also listed as a required tool.
1. Remove grille, outer grille supports, fascia push pins, headlight assemblies, and bumper fasteners (steps 1–5). 2. Hold baseplate to align with existing holes on the metal bumper and insert bolt plates (item 2) with bolts and lock washers (steps 6–7). 3. Remove outer bumper bolts and nuts, and set bumper and baseplate aside (step 8). 4. Drill 1 1/4" hole in frame end (both sides) and 13/32" hole in frame rail (step 9–10). 5. Insert nut plates (item 3) and fasten (step 10). 6. Align and drill support brace hole, insert nut plate, and fasten (step 11). 7. Drill remaining holes using baseplate as template and drill 1 1/4" hole in bumper side (step 14). 8. Insert nut plates and whiz nuts into holes and fasten (steps 15–16). 9. Reinstall bumper and fasten (step 16). 10. Mark and trim fascia, then reinstall (step 17). 11. Install tow bar and safety cables (step 19).
1. Remove grille, outer grille supports, fascia push pins, headlight assemblies, and bumper fasteners (steps 1–5). 2. Hold baseplate to align with existing holes on the metal bumper and insert bolt plates (item 2) with bolts and lock washers (steps 6–7). 3. Replace factory metric bolt with 8MM-1.25 × 30MM Hex Bolt (step 7). 4. Insert side brace on metric bolt, hand tighten, align with frame webbing, mark and drill 13/32" hole, insert 3/8-16 bolt and fasten (step 13). 5. Drill out existing frame rail hole with 13/32" drill bit if needed and insert whiz nut (item 4) with bolts and lock washers (step 12). 6. Drill remaining holes using baseplate as template and drill 1 1/4" hole in bumper side (step 14). 7. Insert nut plates and whiz nuts into holes and fasten (steps 15–16). 8. Reinstall bumper and fasten (step 16). 9. Mark and trim fascia, then reinstall (step 17). 10. Install tow bar and safety cables (step 19).
Yes. Loctite Blue must be applied to all bolts before tightening. This is stated in steps 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 16. The manual emphasizes this requirement multiple times throughout the installation process.
The BX3609 includes: 2 bolt plates with wire (item 2), 10 nut plates with wire (item 3), 4 whiz nuts with wire (item 4), 12 3/8-16 × 1 1/2" Hex Bolts Grade 5 (item 5), 14 3/8" lock washers (item 6), 4 3/8-16 hex nuts (item 7), 2 support braces (item 8), 2 #12-14 × 1" self-drilling screws (item 9), 2 #10-32 hex nuts (item 10), 2 #10 lock washers (item 11), 2 #10-32 × 1/2" slot round-head screws (item 12), 2 4-way connectors (item 13), 2 8MM-1.25 × 30MM Hex Bolts Grade 8.8 (item 14), 2 8MM flat washers (item 15), 2 8MM lock washers (item 16), 2 8MM-1.25 hex nuts (item 17), 2 side braces (item 18), 2 36" Class III baseplate safety cables, and 4 3/8" zinc-plated quicklinks.
Item 2 is a bolt plate (61-5676) with wire for 3/8-16 bolts—used to align the baseplate with existing holes on the metal bumper. Item 3 is a nut plate (61-5208) with wire for 3/8-16 bolts—inserted into drilled holes in the frame and bumper. Item 4 is a whiz nut (61-4978) with wire for 3/8-16 bolts—used on 2004 models in the frame opening and on the metal bumper. All three are fastening components but serve different mounting points.
The manual does not provide torque specifications. However, it emphasizes that all bolts must be tightened and that Loctite Blue must be applied before tightening. The manual also states that owners must tighten bolts to recommended specifications and use Loctite Red on all bolts before each towing trip. Contact Blue Ox directly at 402-385-3051 or www.aemfg.com for specific torque values.
For 2004 models, the factory metric bolt on the metal bumper is replaced with an 8MM-1.25 × 30MM Hex Bolt, Grade 8.8, zinc-plated (part number 201-0446). This bolt is used with an 8MM flat washer (203-0107), 8MM lock washer (203-0102), and 8MM-1.25 hex nut (202-0118). Loctite Blue must be applied before tightening.
The primary 3/8-16 fasteners are 3/8-16 × 1 1/2" Hex Bolts, Grade 5, zinc-plated (part number 201-0440). They are used with 3/8" lock washers (203-0010) and 3/8-16 hex nuts (202-0003). The manual also includes 3/8-16 nut plates and whiz nuts with wire. All bolts must have Loctite Blue applied before tightening.
The attachment tabs are 24 inches center to center with a height of 14 inches.
Permanent baseplate safety cables are strongly recommended when towing a vehicle with a tow bar. The BX3609 includes 2 baseplate safety cables (36" Class III, part number 226-0046) and 4 quicklinks (3/8", part number 229-0359). The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member of the vehicle's frame. They must not be mounted against wires, hoses, or brake lines. These cables are supplementary to, not a replacement for, legally required safety cables attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
The installer must watch for: oil cooler and air conditioner lines, electrical wires and hoses, and missing parts or attaching points on the frame. If the baseplate is improperly installed against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after installation. Do not mount permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines.
Remove the attachment tabs when not in use (if applicable). This is the owner's responsibility.
It is the owner's responsibility to inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts before each towing trip. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended specifications and use Loctite Red on all bolts.
Before each towing trip, inspect all towing equipment for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Tighten all bolts to the recommended specifications and use Loctite Red on all bolts. If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use a replacement bolt of the same grade (usually Grade 5; refer to the parts list). Use only genuine factory replacement parts. Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. Register your product online at www.blueox.com to receive alerts about product offerings, updates, upgrades, maintenance and safety bulletins, and recalls.
Yes, the BX8869 Bulb and Socket Kit is available for the BX3609 baseplate. The manual references a location diagram for the BX8869 on page 4, but specific installation instructions are not provided in this manual. Contact Blue Ox at 402-385-3051 or www.aemfg.com for installation details.
Do not substitute other devices if the tow bar pin and clip are lost. Obtain genuine replacement parts from your nearest Blue Ox dealer or distributor. Contact Blue Ox at 402-385-3051 or www.aemfg.com.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. If a bolt is lost or needs replacement, use a replacement bolt of the same grade (usually Grade 5; refer to the parts list). Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest Blue Ox dealer or distributor.
Yes, the BX3609 fits 2002–2007 Subaru Impreza Outback models, including Sport and WRX variants. Installation requires removal of the front fascia, metal bumper, and headlight assembly, plus drilling and trimming.
Yes. You will drill a 1 1/4" hole in the frame end and metal bumper (both sides) and 13/32" holes in the frame rail. Trimming of the fascia is also required.
Required tools: 10MM, 12MM, 14MM, and 9/16" sockets; 13/32" drill bit; 1 1/4" hole saw; 13/32" transfer punch; vise grips; and Loctite Blue. A drill and socket wrench are also needed.
Yes. Loctite Blue must be applied to all bolts before tightening during installation. Before each towing trip, use Loctite Red on all bolts.
Yes. Two 36" Class III baseplate safety cables and four 3/8" quicklinks are included. The cables must be connected from the baseplate to the frame rail or cross member and are supplementary to legally required safety cables.
Before each towing trip, inspect for cracked welds, missing or worn parts, and loose bolts. Tighten all bolts to recommended specifications and use Loctite Red. Register your product at www.blueox.com for safety bulletins and recalls.
For 2002–2003 models, yes. For 2004 models, no—the bumper stays in place. In both cases, the front fascia and headlight assemblies must be removed.
No. Use only genuine factory replacement bolts of the same grade (usually Grade 5). Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. Order replacement parts from your nearest Blue Ox dealer.
The manual states that it may be necessary to file a hole slightly to allow a bolt to clear. This is due to dimensional variations between otherwise identical cars. Use a file to carefully enlarge the hole until the bolt fits properly. Do not force the bolt, as this could damage the fastener or the baseplate.
If the baseplate is improperly installed and is against a wire or hose, it could cause fluid leaks or electrical shorts some time after installation. Immediately stop using the baseplate and contact your installer or Blue Ox at 402-385-3051. Do not mount permanent baseplate safety cables against wires, hoses, or brake lines. The baseplate must be repositioned or reinstalled to avoid contact with these components.
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