Tow hitch differences between the GX and 4runner, why?
 

So I have just purchased another gx470, this one however does not have the towing package, and I am looking to install a tow hitch on it. I know the 470 and the 4th gen 4runner share the same frame and chassis so why are the part numbers different 228-89440(50) for the 4runner, and 228-60540 for the gx, they both require the center spacer plate to make them work with the factory class IV hitch. So why when I look these two part numbers up in the parts que does it give two different part numbers with two different fitments. What am I missing.

-at first I thought maybe it was because of the GXs air suspension but then I remembered that limited 4runners also had air suspension so that can't be it as the 4runner hitch doesn't exclude the limited...


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If I remember correctly the V8 4th gen had a different tow package than the V6. The GX is a V8? Maybe that's the difference?

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The Toyota part number you posted for the V8 tow hitch only fits the 2003 through 2005 T4R, 2006 through 2009 has a different part number for the V8 tow hitch, I unfortunately can't recall the part number for the later 4th Gens, so maybe that's why the numbers aren't matching, but on the other hand one is a Toyota part number and the other is a Lexus part number so that also could be the reason for different part numbers, even if the part is exactly the same.

I found the reason for the difference and it's silly but makes complete sense. It's because of the hitch cap/plug, the 4runner one is going to have the Toyota logo on it and the GX hitch is going to have a cap/plug with a Lexus logo. It's silly but that is the reason for the different numbers. When a part is exactly the same like say relay or a wiper motor they have the same part number, Lexus and Toyota. But whenever there is some sort of physical or other actual difference there is a part number difference.

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I figured it was a Logo/Toyota/Lexus thing!

What year GX did you get?