Front Hitch on Non Fat Lip

[gmv4k]

Anybody install a front hitch receiver on their 1996, 1997 or 1998 4runner? Looking to put a portable winch on it.

I'm looking for pictures to see if anybody has one that's mounted flush to the bumper. I wondering if this is possible with a non fat lip.

I've searched and found 2 possible options

WARN 33025 ($203.33 on amazon)

http://amzn.to/1OLDoxk

or

http://www.nextventuremotorsports.com/product/4runner-3rdgen-fronthitch/

$299

I emailed nextventure but no response.

Thanks

Victor

 

[habanero]

I have the Warn front hitch on my 96 but it doesn't look like the one in your link. It's been on there since early 2013 , design must have changed? It sits 2" back under the valance. The one pictured in the Amazon link looks to have a longer receiver and a different style mount.
EDIT: After reading the comments on Amazon I am thinking what I have is more like what people got when they ordered the Warn.

Still need to drill a hole for the screw that goes here...

Mounts to the underside of the frame...

 

[gmv4k]

Thanks for the reply.

I found your thread/picture

habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 56 - YotaTech Forums

I guess I was hoping it would sit higher than underneath the valence.

How do you like the setup? Is it useful? Would you go the same route if you could do it again?

 

[habanero]

Thanks for the reply.

I found your thread/picture

habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 56 - YotaTech Forums

I guess I was hoping it would sit higher than underneath the valence.

How do you like the setup? Is it useful? Would you go the same route if you could do it again?

I like that I didn't have to do anything to the valance to make the hitch fit.
I also liked that it doesn't interfere with my aftermarket skid mount.
Would be nice if it were a little higher. Would have cut the valance for that, had it been an option.
It has been useful in getting the truck out of a couple stucks and for various odd jobs.
Would be nice if the receiver was longer and the hole for the hitch pin not so crammed in that short space.
Would be nice if the receiver tube was square at the corners. This is more rounded, which works fine with my Warn D ring thing, but does not work with my bike rack.
As noted it sits 2" back from the valance. I have not yet gotten a winch cradle (or winch!) so I don't know how it's going to fit yet.

Yes, I would do a front hitch again though I would want to find something that sits higher, has a longer receiver and has square corners on the receiver so that more things fit into it. I have used it enough times and like it enough that I would get this one again were that the option. I find that NextVenture thing you've posted interesting and would look into that one too besides finding out whether the 33025 is still like mine or looks like the one pictured on amazon. I wonder how hard it would be to use the hitch pin on the NextVenture hitch? I see you'd need to either relocate your license plate or put it on hinges or something if you're a front plate state like MO is.

 

[gmv4k]

Thanks for the reply, review and pictures.

I think I'll have to pass on the warn. I really would want something that sits higher.

Plus I just found this thread, not sure how I missed it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/185348-front-hitch-reciever.html

Maybe [MENTION=124304]NextVentureDan[/MENTION] might have a clue on this.

 

[Brilliant]

mines the cleanest I've seen, but not portable so doesnt meet all your reqs.

 

[JohnJMonroe]

So the picture in the Nextventure link is my 4runner. I love it. I've used it multiple times with a harbor freight hitch basket to haul camping gear. I also have a Warn M8000 and Warn portable winch plate that fits in it nicely.

LOL. Looks like the picture of my camping setup made it on the Nextventure website!