I am needing to add a towing package to my 4runner and was wonder if this was something I could do easily myself. My previous 4runner came with a hitch and the bumper was notched out. Do you have to notch out the bumper for fit a hitch or does it just fit below the bumper? It's already wired for it, so I thought I could avoid having the dealer do this. Thanks for any help.
How to install hitch on 2008 4runner
- Thread starter penrod
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
BlackWorksInc
New member
I am assuming your 4Runner is a V6 model as all the V8's came with a towing package IIRC. No you do not need to notch the bumper, it sounds like your current set-up was post factory.
Yea, it's a V6. I bought it used, so not sure what was previously done to it. I saw a circular outlet near the back bumper, so I figured it has already been wired.
Any suggestions for a decent hitch and where to buy it? Is the install just a matter of maybe removing the spare tire and attaching bolts to pre-drilled holes underneath the car? Then plugging in wiring?
Any suggestions for a decent hitch and where to buy it? Is the install just a matter of maybe removing the spare tire and attaching bolts to pre-drilled holes underneath the car? Then plugging in wiring?
It's real easy to do. The towstrap hook on the drivers side has to come off. Then it's just a matter of bolting the new one up. I didn't have to remove the spare or anything. On the passenger side it's a little difficult because the exhaust is in the way but I still did it by myself in 30 minutes or so start to finish. Here's a good thread to read with a picture from my old 4Runner:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/93093-hitch.html
It IS going to stick out further than the OEM hitch but it's only option unless you want to modify your bumper to fit the OEM one.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/93093-hitch.html
It IS going to stick out further than the OEM hitch but it's only option unless you want to modify your bumper to fit the OEM one.
Martinjmpr
New member
:iagree: Very easy to do.
Couple of things, though:
First, I went with the lowest priced hitch I could find. It was a U-Haul, and there was one less than a mile from my house. Found the hitch online at 5:15 in the evening and at 5:35 I was at the store picking it up. Couldn't have been easier.
Second, the wiring for the electrical connection should already be there on the left side. It is the round 7-pin style. Now, the U-Haul hitch partially obscures this, so you may have to do what I did which is to remove the two bolts that hold the plug in place to pull it downwards and then put an extention on it. Since both of my trailers use flat 4 wire connectors, I need an adapter anyway, so the adapter/extention piece worked for me and I just zip-tied it to the trailer hitch.
If you want/need a hitch with a clip for the 7 wire connector, you can get one. I think I was quoted a price of around $250 for that one vs. $150 for the one without, so I went without.
Third and final point: Installation is technically easy, but the hitch is heavy so you will want to have a 2nd person there to hold the hitch up while you bolt it in. Also, the tow hook on the left side can be a SOB to remove, so a big heavy wrench, a breaker bar and some penetrating oil might be needed (it was for me.) However, it's a simple process, I think it may have taken us 30 or 45 minutes.
Couple of things, though:
First, I went with the lowest priced hitch I could find. It was a U-Haul, and there was one less than a mile from my house. Found the hitch online at 5:15 in the evening and at 5:35 I was at the store picking it up. Couldn't have been easier.
Second, the wiring for the electrical connection should already be there on the left side. It is the round 7-pin style. Now, the U-Haul hitch partially obscures this, so you may have to do what I did which is to remove the two bolts that hold the plug in place to pull it downwards and then put an extention on it. Since both of my trailers use flat 4 wire connectors, I need an adapter anyway, so the adapter/extention piece worked for me and I just zip-tied it to the trailer hitch.
If you want/need a hitch with a clip for the 7 wire connector, you can get one. I think I was quoted a price of around $250 for that one vs. $150 for the one without, so I went without.
Third and final point: Installation is technically easy, but the hitch is heavy so you will want to have a 2nd person there to hold the hitch up while you bolt it in. Also, the tow hook on the left side can be a SOB to remove, so a big heavy wrench, a breaker bar and some penetrating oil might be needed (it was for me.) However, it's a simple process, I think it may have taken us 30 or 45 minutes.
Last edited:
U-Haul hitches are made by Reese/Draw-tite. They are the leaders in hitches.
If you're going to be towing more then a few hundred miles a year..then I highly recommend that you also get a external transmission cooler. The one that's at the bottom of the radiator just won't cut it. This is going to be the biggest expense.
If you're going to be towing more then a few hundred miles a year..then I highly recommend that you also get a external transmission cooler. The one that's at the bottom of the radiator just won't cut it. This is going to be the biggest expense.
Martinjmpr
New member
+1. This is my next mod. My 99 had a tranny cooler and it really helped keep the transmission cool.
Another recommendation is a transmission temp gauge. The easiest way to get transmission temp is with a Scangauge II. There may be other OBDII diagnostic tools that will show trans temp, not sure, but I can confirm that the SGII does.
BTW transmisison coolers aren't expensive. You can get a decent one off of Amazon for about $60.
flyslinger
New member
I'm going to try and revive an old thread . . . I also installed the Curt hitch, or at least I'm trying to. The exhaust on the passenger side is giving me a fit with the two smaller screws. Did y'all lower the exhaust? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks.
