Front hidden hitch receiver

[JohnJMonroe]

I was looking for a front hidden hitch receiver for the last year or so. My plan was to get a hidden front hitch installed so I could mount a winch in front when offroading and remove it for my daily commute. I also like being able to put a small cargo basket in front as well. Anyway I searched online and couldn't find anything that fit the 3rd gen 4runners. So I called my buddy Dan at Next Venture Motorsports and asked him to design one for me. He came through in a big way. Check it out.

 

[Brique]

Oh, wow. That's really nicely done. Very hidden, very pro. Front basket looks silly tbh, but the hitch is most impressive.

 

[slapdappy]

is that a '99 LTD?
That is slick. Looks like it doesn't diminish approach angle/clearance.
Does the hitch bolt in as easily as it appears from your pics?
Did Dan use CAD, water jet, then weld pieces together?
Any idea if he is willing and able to make another one?
If not, would he be willing to share the CAD so I could have one fabbed here in Denver?
I suspect there are a few others who would also like one. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/195475-front-receiver-hitch.html

 

[LIVEVIL]

Now that's great

 

[JohnJMonroe]

is that a '99 LTD?
That is slick. Looks like it doesn't diminish approach angle/clearance.
Does the hitch bolt in as easily as it appears from your pics?
Did Dan use CAD, water jet, then weld pieces together?
Any idea if he is willing and able to make another one?
If not, would he be willing to share the CAD so I could have one fabbed here in Denver?
I suspect there are a few others who would also like one. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/195475-front-receiver-hitch.html

It does not diminish approach angle/clearance at all. The hitch does bolt in very easy. It does take a little bit of delicate work to get your fingers through the holes in the bumper to get the pin in place, but that could be easily solved by trimming more of the plastic around the hitch. I like it hidden, so I trimmed it very minimally. Dan did use CAD to design it. Not sure if he used water jet or laser to cut them out. Once they are cut out he bends and welds them together. Its is a really nice piece and very stout. It bolts to the bumper mount, the tow hook bolts, and you have to drill a single hole through the frame. Total install time was really quick.

 

[slapdappy]

will you please post a better exposure of this pic? I can't see end/corner details. Trying to figure out how to accomodate my 1" body lift which included raising the bumper. Thx

 

[NextVentureDan]

John just let me know he had posted up pictures of the front hitch on his 4runner. If anyone else is looking for one, I'd gladly make more

High Clearance Front Hitch for 3rd Gen 4Runner | Next Venture Motorsports

As far as body lifts go, the mounting system would have to stay in the same location relative to the frame. I could raise the 2" receiver hitch an inch to accommodate the raised bumper position and beef up some of the gusseting between the 2" receiver tube and 3x3 crossmember it's mated to. It might just need a few new holes added where it ties into the bumper mounting though to allow for the 1" raised hardware to sit correctly though.

 

[Brique]

This is seriously dead sexy. Gonna have to consider this option as opposed to a plate bumper.

 

[psea17]

John just let me know he had posted up pictures of the front hitch on his 4runner. If anyone else is looking for one, I'd gladly make more

High Clearance Front Hitch for 3rd Gen 4Runner | Next Venture Motorsports

As far as body lifts go, the mounting system would have to stay in the same location relative to the frame. I could raise the 2" receiver hitch an inch to accommodate the raised bumper position and beef up some of the gusseting between the 2" receiver tube and 3x3 crossmember it's mated to. It might just need a few new holes added where it ties into the bumper mounting though to allow for the 1" raised hardware to sit correctly though.

I know this thread is old. Never hurts to ask....any chance you'd still fabricate one of these? I'm looking at a bunch of different options and I intend to do a 1" body lift and will move the bumper up higher as well to maintain the same gap above the bumper.

thanks!