Front Hitch Receiver, Surprise!

[VegasGuy]

I started what sounded like an easy project. Now, not so much.

I am extending a front receiver hitch pin so that it drops down through the bumper and extends down all the way through the receiver. After cutting the handle off so I could do a test fit the correct length of the extension I discovered the likely reason why GM didn't include the hitch pin in the tire jack tool kit. The hole does not allow the hitch pin to drop through. It is out of alignment.

I have attached a pic. You are looking down through the hole at a 1/2" copper pipe which happens to be 5/8" O.D., the same as the hitch pin. The copper pipe is pushed up from the bottom of the receiver through both receiver holes and then is blocked by the bumper.

I have a die grinder and may give that a try. Taking a break. Time to think . . .