Thank You very much for feedback.

You called it, etrailer does have a ton of selection, including 1-5/8" to 2" expander, but not a 1-5/8" to 1-1/4" reducer. I prefer the reducer (fits completely inside receiver) so as to not reduce the tongue weight capacity.

I grabbed some scraps of 3/16 bar stock, to do just as you suggested - essentially - I will weld to inside of receiver (welds at outer end only), instead of to drawbar. I figure the hitch will go with the car when I get rid of it at 350,000 miles - I will keep the standard drawbar to go on my next vehicle with standard receiver size. I admit it - I'm cheap.

Thanks again for suggestions - I like!

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1998 S70 T5, 5-speed manual, 225000 miles