2008 rear bumper - difference between tow package and non tow package

[xxaarraa]

Hey guys,

Smashed up my rear bumper again. Put in a pre-painted ebay bumper last time I did it and was happy with it.

Currently on ebay, the pre-painted bumper without tow package is quite a lot cheaper than the pre-painted bumper with tow package and is available sooner.

So... is the only difference the cutout for the stock hitch receiver? I can probably dremel that out of the non tow package bumper. Or are there any other structural differences?

Much appreciated,

 

[xxaarraa]

Anyone?!

 

[vr4z06gt]

Anyone?!

Not sure...I ran into a similar issue with my Infiniti M56. I wanted a tow hitch receiver for a bike rack but they only sold hitches for V6 models not V8's. I thought this to be odd but kept on digging. After looking at parts diagrams for both the V6 and V8 I realized that the bumper (not bumper cover) is the same PN between vehicles so I figured I would give it a shot as the hitch receiver bolts between the body and bumper. Sure enough it bolted up just fine.

Long story short, look at a parts diagram for what is under the bumper cover between the V6 and V8. In my mind how the tow hitch receiver mounts to the body/frame would be the biggest lookout, however this thread seems to suggest a V8 hitch bolts up just fine with a V6 bumper cover. I would imagine a 4Runner body is a 4Runner body regardless of engine or trim level. It would seem strange to me that there would be different bumper cover mounting points on the body unless something is in the way.

Either way let us know what you find out!

 

[xxaarraa]

Thanks for taking the time. Yes, I am leaning towards trying it. At $260 shipped for a painted bumper, it's not a huge amount of money to risk. I'll post back once I install it.

 

[xxaarraa]

Done. I went with the painted bumper from "MBIAuto" on eBay and very happy with their quality. This is my second ebay painted bumper and this one's paint matching is better than the previous seller.

Yes, with some dremeling, the non-tow package bumper fits a tow package. $260 shipped, and it got here in under a week.

Took the opportunity to do some rust fighting.

 

[jclgodale3]

can I see some pictures of this installed? Fixing to attack this myself. Thanks!