For those of you that tow with your Runner, please read.

[bluduk15]

[:sniper:

 

[TechWrench]

If you have the factory ball mount with the 1 1/4" hole, you should have gotten a spacer bushing with it which reduces the hole size down to fit the 1" shank balls. Mine came with one in the box. If you didn't get one, U-haul should be able to provide one, or maybe Wal-mart or a Napa. The only other thing you will need is a large 1" flat washer if you are using a 1" shaft ball because the lock washer usually provided will not, IMHO, cover the 1 1/4" hole in the ball mount properly. I have three different ball mounts for my '03, and I use the same setup on each with no problems. Just be sure everything is tight when you are done putting it together. I did find that I had to shave about a 1/16" off the length of the bushing so that it didn't extend past the ends of the hole in the ball mount. Otherwise the nut will not tighten properly and the ball will still be somewhat loose.

 

[scott78945]

Well after looking at about a dozen different stores I finally found a specialty store that carries them. About $13 for the 1 1/4" shank with 2" ball. I will have it this afternoon and I will have to stop by U-Haul to return the 1" wimpy ball. Thanks all for the info you gave.

 

[h7009]

Ball and tongue

This makes no sense to me as the only thing that comes with the V8 4Runner is the square class IV hitch receiver. You have to provide the part that slides into the receiver. This part has the ball on it - nothing much to do with the 4Runner itself.

Actually the last couple of Toyota vehicles I've bought (two 4Runners and one RAV4) came with the ball and the tongue in a brown box just like earlier stated. If you didn't get one a salesman may have taken it for another vehicle or ??? as for the shank he's referring to the diameter of the piece that fits though the tongue to equate to the towing capacity. just trying to help. CSM-H

 

[bluduk15]

.....

 

[TeryT]

Toyota definitely dropped the ball (pun intended) on this one. They should have provided the larger shanked ball with the setup or AT LEAST a little information about howthe smaller one could be converted.

bd

This seems to be a front end of a learning curve for them, because I've had to scrape for just about every bit of info regarding 4Runner towing from Toyota. Eventually the info comes, but it just shows me that they are not nearly so astute about towing heavier stuff as the Detroit makers are. That will certainly change rapidly, as Toyota is the epitome of the learning organization!

 

[TechWrench]

Yeah, this is the same problem I had. Dealership was totally unaware of the problem and was no help. I didn't feel comfortable using the washer and then modifying it to fit (I'm a defense lawyer and saw all kinds of liability problems with this). Plus, a washer could bend and allow the nut to loosen under extreme pressure.

Toyota definitely dropped the ball (pun intended) on this one. They should have provided the larger shanked ball with the setup or AT LEAST a little information about howthe smaller one could be converted.

But alas, I have it setup as it was intended for maximum tow rating for an extra safety factor, which is always good in any endeavor. The V8 really tows well and I've towed lots of loads, thousands of miles with zero problems.

bd

I don't have the specs in front of me, but the size of the shank on the ball is related to the maximum load rating the ball is designed for. From what I have seen, most 2" balls come with a 1" shank, and you have to go up to a 2 1/8' ball or larger to get the 1 1/4" shank size. From what I have seen, most hitch manufacturers make their ball mounts with a 1 1/4" hole which, when mated with a 1 1/4" ball would give you the maximum towing capacity for that set up. Instead of making two different size ball mounts in each drop length for the 2" receiver (1" & 1 1/4") they allow for the bushing so the 1" ball can be used in the 1 1/4" hole. Simple economics. If the bushing and 1" ball is installed properly on the ball mount, I don't feel there should be any safety issue. And the washer I use is about 1/8" thick (not a fender washer),so I feel pretty sure that it won't bend under use. But, I always recommend that anyone towing make an inspection of their equipment often to make sure nothing has happened to it that could make it unsafe to use.

 

[Boaz]

I bought a 31/4 drop reciever insert with a 1" shank 2" ball to tow with my 04 V-6. Its only rated for 5k lbs, so I think the 1.25" shank is overkill for V-6 towing.

 

[scott78945]

Ok, well I feel like a complete retard now. I did pick up my 2" ball with my 1 1/4" shank yesterday. I went and pulled out my hitch piece to put the ball on. I took the pin and cotter pin out and guess what I found. Apparently Toyota put an additional piece of some sort that goes into the hole where the ball would be place thus giving you a 1" hole instead of the 1 1/4" hole. I feel like such a horses ass. Here we are days after my original post and I had no idea that Toyota even put this part in the box. Everyone had said that Toyota didn't ever give a collar of any sort to make the hole smaller so I didn't even give it a second thought. Apparently they smartened up for the 2005's. Just and FYI for those of us with 2005's.

 

[bluduk15]

[..........

 

[TechWrench]

Ok, well I feel like a complete retard now. I did pick up my 2" ball with my 1 1/4" shank yesterday. I went and pulled out my hitch piece to put the ball on. I took the pin and cotter pin out and guess what I found. Apparently Toyota put an additional piece of some sort that goes into the hole where the ball would be place thus giving you a 1" hole instead of the 1 1/4" hole. I feel like such a horses ass. Here we are days after my original post and I had no idea that Toyota even put this part in the box. Everyone had said that Toyota didn't ever give a collar of any sort to make the hole smaller so I didn't even give it a second thought. Apparently they smartened up for the 2005's. Just and FYI for those of us with 2005's.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I had the same bushing included with the OEM ballmount kit that came with my '03. I can't explain why others didn't get one with theirs. Maybe it has something to do with the port of entry city that the vehicle was prepped in. In any case, glad to see it finally work out for you.