Here is a write up my Hidden Hitch install. I installed it using the "oem method" of removing the rear bumper. Using time stamps on my pics, it took me 22 mins to remove the bumper. Well worth it IMO. I can't imagine drilling two holes and fishing bolts would save much time.
Here it is on Amazon with free shipping.
Here are links to the installation instructions for both.
OEM Hitch
http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/59718/pdf/059718-L101SAJ000302389.pdf
Hidden Hitch
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/downloads/installation/N87568.pdf
Here are the torque specs:
Bumper Beam Studs - 55 ft-lbs
Hitch Mounting Bolts - 50 ft-lbs
Step One: Remove Bumper Fascia
If you have the side molding, you'll need to remove the rear fender flares first. There are 4 screws holding it on, no adhesives. They must be completely removed to allow the bumper to pop out.
First remove the taillights - there are 2 plastic retainers to remove the plastic trim, then 2 10mm screws holding the lights in place.
Remove the bulbs, I taped them up out of the way.
Then remove a total of 9 plastic retainers
3 - under center rear of bumper
2 - on each side bottom near the splash guards
1 - on each side in the fender well near the top of the bumper
Then pull straight out on each side of the bumper. It's a bit unnerving, but pull hard straight out and it will just pop right out. Work your way around one each side and remove the bumper
Step Two: Remove Bumper Beam
There is a thin foam piece on the bumper beam, it just pulls right now. It’s held in place with a couple foam tabs. Set it aside.
There are 8 nuts total holding the bumper beam on. You will need a deep socket and a long extension. Remove 3 nuts from each side, leaving one nut on each side to support the beam. Steady the bumper beam and remove the final two nuts.
Step Three: Remove Muffler Hangers and Heat Shield
There are 2 muffler hangers. I just forced them off, but I’m sure a little lube would help things. I read a good tip to use dish soap, as it will just rinse right off. Once you remove the two hangers the muffler will hang there on it’s own.
Next remove the heat shield. There are 4 10mm bolts holding it on. A swivel socket would help things immensely, but I got them with a small socket. They’re on fairly snug. You’ll need to trim the rear corner off the heat shield to allow the rear bolt to come through. It’s rather apparent once you take it off.
If I had it to do again, I’d debate getting a new gasket and remove the muffler altogether. It really gets in the way.
Sorry, no pics here.
Step Four : Install Hitch Bolts
If you crawl under the car you will see 4 rubber plugs where the bolt holes are. Remove them.
Feed two bolts each into the frame rails using the exposed openings. There are 2 different size bolt spacers. The longer one goes to the farthest away bolt (front of vehicle), as the frame rails widens towards the front of the car.
I improvised a tool to slide the bolts back. I used a yard stick and a piece of duck tape. It held the bolt well enough to slide it back, but released easily when I held the bolt from underneath.
Step Five: Install Hitch
2 people would surely make this step easier. But I’m guessing most of us do this alone
I crawled under the car with the hitch and slid the hitch up over the muffler on the driver’s side and used a brick and block of wood to support that side. Then I lifted the passenger side up and slid it on the rear bolt and held it in place with a nut. Then I attached the front bolt loosely and went to the passenger side.
There is a washer that goes BETWEEN the hitch and frame on the furthest bolt (front of car). I slid the bolt up a little, and slid the washer in. Then went back to the passenger side and did the same.
DO NOT TIGHTEN ANY MORE BOLTS
Step Six: Finish up
Reinstall bumper beam and fascia in reverse order of removal. I didn’t do it in this order and installed it last. There is one plastic retainer pin that you cannot put in with the hitch tightened down.
Next tighten the hitch bolts up snug. Then reinstall the trimmed heat shield.
Torque the bumper bolts.
Reinstall the muffler hangers and enjoy
I haven't bought a ball mount yet. Need to take some measurements and figure out what height would be best. I'll post back once I do that.
Feel free to ask any questions.
Here it is on Amazon with free shipping.
Here are links to the installation instructions for both.
OEM Hitch
http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/59718/pdf/059718-L101SAJ000302389.pdf
Hidden Hitch
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/downloads/installation/N87568.pdf
Here are the torque specs:
Bumper Beam Studs - 55 ft-lbs
Hitch Mounting Bolts - 50 ft-lbs
Step One: Remove Bumper Fascia
If you have the side molding, you'll need to remove the rear fender flares first. There are 4 screws holding it on, no adhesives. They must be completely removed to allow the bumper to pop out.
First remove the taillights - there are 2 plastic retainers to remove the plastic trim, then 2 10mm screws holding the lights in place.
Remove the bulbs, I taped them up out of the way.
Then remove a total of 9 plastic retainers
3 - under center rear of bumper
2 - on each side bottom near the splash guards
1 - on each side in the fender well near the top of the bumper
Then pull straight out on each side of the bumper. It's a bit unnerving, but pull hard straight out and it will just pop right out. Work your way around one each side and remove the bumper
Step Two: Remove Bumper Beam
There is a thin foam piece on the bumper beam, it just pulls right now. It’s held in place with a couple foam tabs. Set it aside.
There are 8 nuts total holding the bumper beam on. You will need a deep socket and a long extension. Remove 3 nuts from each side, leaving one nut on each side to support the beam. Steady the bumper beam and remove the final two nuts.
Step Three: Remove Muffler Hangers and Heat Shield
There are 2 muffler hangers. I just forced them off, but I’m sure a little lube would help things. I read a good tip to use dish soap, as it will just rinse right off. Once you remove the two hangers the muffler will hang there on it’s own.
Next remove the heat shield. There are 4 10mm bolts holding it on. A swivel socket would help things immensely, but I got them with a small socket. They’re on fairly snug. You’ll need to trim the rear corner off the heat shield to allow the rear bolt to come through. It’s rather apparent once you take it off.
If I had it to do again, I’d debate getting a new gasket and remove the muffler altogether. It really gets in the way.
Sorry, no pics here.
Step Four : Install Hitch Bolts
If you crawl under the car you will see 4 rubber plugs where the bolt holes are. Remove them.
Feed two bolts each into the frame rails using the exposed openings. There are 2 different size bolt spacers. The longer one goes to the farthest away bolt (front of vehicle), as the frame rails widens towards the front of the car.
I improvised a tool to slide the bolts back. I used a yard stick and a piece of duck tape. It held the bolt well enough to slide it back, but released easily when I held the bolt from underneath.
Step Five: Install Hitch
2 people would surely make this step easier. But I’m guessing most of us do this alone
I crawled under the car with the hitch and slid the hitch up over the muffler on the driver’s side and used a brick and block of wood to support that side. Then I lifted the passenger side up and slid it on the rear bolt and held it in place with a nut. Then I attached the front bolt loosely and went to the passenger side.
There is a washer that goes BETWEEN the hitch and frame on the furthest bolt (front of car). I slid the bolt up a little, and slid the washer in. Then went back to the passenger side and did the same.
DO NOT TIGHTEN ANY MORE BOLTS
Step Six: Finish up
Reinstall bumper beam and fascia in reverse order of removal. I didn’t do it in this order and installed it last. There is one plastic retainer pin that you cannot put in with the hitch tightened down.
Next tighten the hitch bolts up snug. Then reinstall the trimmed heat shield.
Torque the bumper bolts.
Reinstall the muffler hangers and enjoy
I haven't bought a ball mount yet. Need to take some measurements and figure out what height would be best. I'll post back once I do that.
Feel free to ask any questions.