Hitch interference with spare tire- help?

[nytosc]

Hey everyone,

I have an 04 4runner SR5 4.0 with an OEM hitch. I have interference when I slide something into my hitch, the end of the tube stock hits my spare tire. Is there an updated hitch that fixes this issue?

 

[cflipper]

i did get that what i did to solve at the time and really haven't had any issues is lower your spare and while cranking in up push it (the spare) toward the front of your truck and this will buy you some space.

 

[RonJR]

I think Toyota uses a shorter than standard receiver tube because of the tire clearance issue. The receiver insert (which may no longer be with your vehicle) that comes with your factory hitch also has a shorter tube than the aftermarket ones you normally buy.

You can either try finding a shorter receiver insert, or just take a hacksaw to the offending long one and make it shorter. Just shove it in without the spare, put the pin through the hole to locate it, and mark where it sticks out the front end of the tube. Any length beyond that isn't providing any support whatsoever, so you can cut if off with no ill effects.

 

[TechWrench]

I think Toyota uses a shorter than standard receiver tube because of the tire clearance issue. The receiver insert (which may no longer be with your vehicle) that comes with your factory hitch also has a shorter tube than the aftermarket ones you normally buy.

You can either try finding a shorter receiver insert, or just take a hacksaw to the offending long one and make it shorter. Just shove it in without the spare, put the pin through the hole to locate it, and mark where it sticks out the front end of the tube. Any length beyond that isn't providing any support whatsoever, so you can cut if off with no ill effects.

What he said. All 4Runners with the spare in that location can have issues with aftermarket ball mounts. Your choices are, only use a factory Toyota Ball mount, shop around for aftermarket ball mounts that will not hit spare when inserted, shorten an aftermarket ball mount so it clears spare, or remove spare.

 

[TowMeOut]

Yeah, with no hitch insert installed I only have maybe 3/8" of space between the tire and the panhard bar.

Before upsizing the spare I had my guys in the shop drill a new hole so the insert sits a bit farther out. That worked just fine. Now that space was gobbled up so I went ahead and just chopped maybe 2" off the insert. Now it fits and I'm back to the original retaining pin hole.

A hacksaw is going to take you a while but it's doable. See if you can find a buddy with a chop saw, metal cutting bandsaw, etc.

 

[RonJR]

The key to doing it with a hacksaw is a new blade and plenty of oil - don't try cutting it dry. That plus holding it securely in a vise and it should actually go pretty fast. Those ball mounts aren't hardened steel, and they're usuallly hollow.