Installed OEM hitch - did I screw this up?

[Bftfan]

I installed a used OEM hitch on my '08 T4R SR5, V6 and I had a few questions:

It doesn't seem to sit in the cutout in the rear bumper correctly. I thought it's be more "snug" in the hole? Also it is a 7300 lb hitch and I think being as I have the V6 I should have the 5000 lb hitch. (I didn't kow there was a difference when I bought it used). Also the 7 Pin out connector will not fit where it was before I put the hitch on. I had to take it off the bracket and cable tie it to the htich until I can figure something out. I need to tow a car via a tow dolly this weekend and I hope this install is ok. P/N on the hitch is PT228-89440-14628-09004

See the pics for further explanation. Pic 1 shows how it doesn't look correct, Pic 2 shows the bracket not fitting where it should and Pic 3 shows how the hitch pushes against the bottom of the bumper cover.

BTW anyone else notice the steel cable that holds up the spare tire is in rough shape? 3 yrs and 50k miles and it's really rusty & frayed. Looks like a PITA to replace too!

 

[eleven6988]

i don't think thats a 4th gen OEM hitch. mine doesn't look like that. its just the end piece directly bolted to the frame

 

[Bftfan]

i don't think thats a 4th gen OEM hitch. mine doesn't look like that. its just the end piece directly bolted to the frame

It came off an '03 - '09 T4R but I think I'm missing something.

 

[anotherrunner83]

my 08 v8 hitch fits snuggly in the cut out. it's raining it's arse off here or i would go and have a look for you. in the second picture it looks like there are two bolt holes that once connected to something. i know it sounds stupid, and i almost hate to say this, but is there another set of holes in the frame rails for this to mount to?

 

[Uneek]

There should be a sheet metal piece that covers that gap between the bumper and hitch. I don't recall if the GX470 hitch has that metal piece.

The V8's weight distributing hitch receiver sits slightly lower than the V6's weight carrying hitch. The included drawbar from Toyota will tell you to flip it for the V8 so it's orientation is an upside down "L" and on the V6 it'll be mounted as [hitch]==L.

 

[Uneek]

i don't think thats a 4th gen OEM hitch. mine doesn't look like that. its just the end piece directly bolted to the frame

You most likely have a V6 and the weight carrying hitch which only attaches to the rear cross member. The V8 weight distributing hitch attaches to the frame rails and rear cross member.

my 08 v8 hitch fits snuggly in the cut out. it's raining it's arse off here or i would go and have a look for you. in the second picture it looks like there are two bolt holes that once connected to something. i know it sounds stupid, and i almost hate to say this, but is there another set of holes in the frame rails for this to mount to?

The two holes on the side of the hitch should be where the 7-pin trailer electrical connector attaches too. On the V6, it's attached on the rear most cross member, where the OP shows his mounted loosely in the second pic.

 

[Bftfan]

You most likely have a V6 and the weight carrying hitch which only attaches to the rear cross member. The V8 weight distributing hitch attaches to the frame rails and rear cross member.



The two holes on the side of the hitch should be where the 7-pin trailer electrical connector attaches too. On the V6, it's attached on the rear most cross member, where the OP shows his mounted loosely in the second pic.

So if I hear you correctly the 7-pin connector mounts to 2 holes on the hitch? I was hoping I'm not missing something that will prevent me from towing.

 

[Kmvreter]

I installed a used OEM hitch on my '08 T4R SR5, V6 and I had a few questions:
... Pic 1 shows how it doesn't look correct...

Looks like the right hitch. Did the bolt pattern line up OK?
The only thing I notice is the bumper cover is pulled over the top plate on your hitch. Shouldn't the bumper be sitting on top of the hitch like Uneek's 1st picture?

 

[Bftfan]

Looks like the right hitch. Did the bolt pattern line up OK?
The only thing I notice is the bumper cover is pulled over the top plate on your hitch. Shouldn't the bumper be sitting on top of the hitch like Uneek's 1st picture?

Yea, the bolt holes lined right up perfectly. Wasn't hard to install at all, there's just the issue of the gap in the center and where to mount the 7-pin connector. PLUS I hope there isn't suppose to be additional mounting at the center part of the hitch, where the receiver is.

 

[4Runner8]

i don't think thats a 4th gen OEM hitch. mine doesn't look like that. its just the end piece directly bolted to the frame

mine is like yours but the one he has is oem. some werent directly on the frame

 

[Bftfan]

mine is like yours but the one he has is oem. some werent directly on the frame

I am (slowly) learning the V6 hitches were just attached to the end of the frame and the v8 hitches (like I installed) were frame mounted on each side of the frame. Since I have an OEM Toyota hitch from the V8's hopefully it's on OK and that's just a cosmetic piece between the hitch receiver and rear fascia/

 

[2003-4x4runner]

Class IV hitch

The hitch looks like a Class IV hitch. My brother in law had a V8 4 Runner and he towed a trailer, he had the same hitch. My V6 came with a class III hitch. I surprised that your 4 Runner didnt come with a tow package. All the 4 Runners i see come with them.

 

[Uneek]

So if I hear you correctly the 7-pin connector mounts to 2 holes on the hitch? I was hoping I'm not missing something that will prevent me from towing.

From what I recall, that's how the 7-pin connector is attached. I think the bracket might be different from the V6's.

Early 2003 V8s came with the weight carrying hitch. I believe it was later 2003 V8s switched to the weight carrying hitch, if not then the change was in 2004 for all V8s.

 

[Bftfan]

Thanks for the help guys! Towing a Jeep project back home this weekend!

 

[NinjaReverend]

I hate to revive a thread so old, but figured someone might be able to use this information. For the record, I work at a Toyota/Lexus dealer and have access to an internal accessory guide.

PT228-89440 is for 2003-2005 V8 4Runners, and requires center support bracket 08925-35850.
PT228-89460 is for 2006-2009 V8 4Runners, and requires center support bracket 08925-35870.

Looks like OP got away with installing without the bracket, though.

Hope this info helps someone!

 

[T4RPee]

I have the same hitch on my 08' V8 sport. Looking to trade for a V6 style one if anyone is interested since I don't plan on towing.

 

[Nowickir]

Hi, I have a 07 4runner with hitch

Hello
I have a 07 4Runner V6 weight carrying hitch I would like to trade or make a deal for your V8 weight distribution hitch!
Let’s make a deal.
Thanks
Roger

 

[jmares93]

Trade

I have the same hitch on my 08' V8 sport. Looking to trade for a V6 style one if anyone is interested since I don't plan on towing.

Still looking to trade? I've got an '06 V6, and am looking to install the V8 hitch receiver.

 

[Bluesky 07]

I hate to revive a thread so old, but figured someone might be able to use this information. For the record, I work at a Toyota/Lexus dealer and have access to an internal accessory guide.

PT228-89440 is for 2003-2005 V8 4Runners, and requires center support bracket 08925-35850.
PT228-89460 is for 2006-2009 V8 4Runners, and requires center support bracket 08925-35870.

Looks like OP got away with installing without the bracket, though.

Hope this info helps someone!

Thanks - I plan to install a V8 hitch on my ‘07 Sport and spent a lot of time trying to verify the correct p/ns, especially for the center plate, before finding this post. Really appreciate you taking the time to post the info.

 

[Mr.emergency]

I hate to revive a thread so old, but figured someone might be able to use this information. For the record, I work at a Toyota/Lexus dealer and have access to an internal accessory guide.

PT228-89440 is for 2003-2005 V8 4Runners, and requires center support bracket 08925-35850.
PT228-89460 is for 2006-2009 V8 4Runners, and requires center support bracket 08925-35870.

Looks like OP got away with installing without the bracket, though.

Hope this info helps someone!

I know this is an old thread but I'm running into a rear tow hitch issue. I have an 07 v6 and I traded a guy for his 04 v8 weight distribution hitch. I am trying to install but the center support is like 0.5 inches off. I see based on your part numbers that I need different part numbers for my 07.

My question for you is- if I were to buy center support 08925-35870 for the 06-09 model, would I be able to mount PT228-89440 from the earlier model 4th gens?