This hitch was on the LR3 when I bought it. No key. I have a good locksmith so I said- no big deal. I'll take it off.

Well- the lock is frozen- inside the cylinder, so the locksmith could not pick it. So now I have to drill the lock out- but before I do that I thought I'd ask for some suggestions. The position of the green know does not appear to match anything I've read about the hitch- so take a look and let me know what you think. I can pull the green **** out about 1/4 inch- exposing red. But it will not turn.

If I drill out the lock- what happens?

 

Start soaking it

I have to remember from mine, think the lock, allows green **** to pull out then twist, iirc there is more red then that when **** is unlocked and pulled

 

I've soaked it with penetrating oil and PB Blaster (my all-time favorite) and still cannot pick the lock.

Looks like we'll have to drill the lock next.

I cannot rotate it from this position (which looks wrong to me).

This is as far as I can pull it.

 

I drilled out the lock. Handle was really frozen up- but with some giant channelocks- I was able to turn it and get the pin retracted. But the hitch would not drop out. I have to assume it's really jammed in place. I don't see a way to get penetrating oil to the top of the hitch- is there a vent hole up there?

I did spray the slots from the bottom and let it sit. Next step is the sledge hammer.

 

Beating the crap out of the hitch - cannot get it to drop. It's is jammed up in the slots- past the locking pin by about 1/8". I guess the next step is heat .

Any other ideas appreciated.