Hitch Saved My 3rd Gen Today

[01thunder]

Here's my new rear bumper, just got delivered, by 4x4 Innovations, got the front bumper a while ago I love it, coated it in Montsaliner , color "pyroplastic". Beefy and fits perfect with the body lines. Gotta get the narly bumpers for all those texters out there. :gun5:

96-02 4 Runner Rear Plate Bumper
1996 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner Front Winch Mount Plate Bumper

i'm looking at it, but how does it bolt on?

 

[Inv4drZm]

I guess I'm lost on how a receiver hitch aids in damage control in a rear end collision. Yes it bolts to your rear frame/ crossmember and probably strengthens your rear frame, so is that what you guys are afraid of breaking or crumpling in enough to allow damage to your hatch in an accident? I would have though not having a low-hanging rear hitch would allow a car to push underneath your frame more and keep you and them from more damage as long as your frame didn't get bent and spread the impact over a longer period of time which would reduce forces/ shock to both vehicles.

 

[dogtail]

Same place the hitch does, 6 bolts, 3 on each frame rail. The bolts you see on the bumper in the pic is where it hooks on. The top bent piece you see with the bolts thru it is what slides inside the frame thru back. So the hitch is now integrated into the bumper. This thing is built really strong and heavy, a Prius that rear ends me will disintegrate.

i'm looking at it, but how does it bolt on?

 

[pattycakes77]

I guess I'm lost on how a receiver hitch aids in damage control in a rear end collision. Yes it bolts to your rear frame/ crossmember and probably strengthens your rear frame, so is that what you guys are afraid of breaking or crumpling in enough to allow damage to your hatch in an accident? I would have though not having a low-hanging rear hitch would allow a car to push underneath your frame more and keep you and them from more damage as long as your frame didn't get bent and spread the impact over a longer period of time which would reduce forces/ shock to both vehicles.

I think we're talking about smaller fender benders. Saving from damage to the bumper, hatch, or rear body panel.

I was stopped at a light and a driver's ed car rear ended me. Got out all pissed but there was no damage to the 4runner since he hit my bike rack in the hitch. The driver's ed Mitsubishi Galant didnt fare as well with a taco'd front bumper and buckled hood. The poor kid behind the wheel was petrified and never moved, the instructor was very apologetic.

 

[01thunder]

Same place the hitch does, 6 bolts, 3 on each frame rail. The bolts you see on the bumper in the pic is where it hooks on. The top bent piece you see with the bolts thru it is what slides inside the frame thru back. So the hitch is now integrated into the bumper. This thing is built really strong and heavy, a Prius that rear ends me will disintegrate.

ah. so it bolts underneath. i was thinking it went into the frame rails as the OE rear bumper supports do.