ISO OEM hitch for 2008 4runner

[jburner]

I recently purchased a 2008 4runner that does not have the center frame mounted hitch. I'm wondering of anyone has taken theirs off and wants to get rid of it. I have the plug and wiring already there, will just need to remove and cut bumper back to install. Is there any reason I shouldn't consider doing this?
I could put on an aftermarket, but I like the flush OEM look rather than a hitch sticking farther out the back.

Here is the part number 51909-35011 that I found for it. Would rather avoid the new price if possible. Here is where you come in with a used removed one. Appreciate your help!

 

[Martinjmpr]

I recently purchased a 2008 4runner that does not have the center frame mounted hitch. I'm wondering of anyone has taken theirs off and wants to get rid of it. I have the plug and wiring already there, will just need to remove and cut bumper back to install. Is there any reason I shouldn't consider doing this?
I could put on an aftermarket, but I like the flush OEM look rather than a hitch sticking farther out the back.

Here is the part number 51909-35011 that I found for it. Would rather avoid the new price if possible. Here is where you come in with a used removed one. Appreciate your help!

When I looked into doing the same thing I think I found that it was a little more involved than just getting the hitch and bolting it on. By the time I was done looking at what would have to be swapped I just went ahead with an aftermarket hitch from U Haul that hangs below the bumper. Not as nice cosmetically but I think it's sturdier than the factory hitch.

 

[jburner]

I have the Curt brand on there (dealer put it on prior to sale), but it sticks out about 5-6" from the back of the bumper. It's mostly cosmetic, I suppose I could live with it, just seeing what my options are and what's available. I guess I could look at it as a built in step up into the back too (has 3rd row seats for the little ones).

 

[fullboogie]

For the life of me I can't remember what brand hitch I have, but it's the house brand from Trailer Wheel & Frame. Best looking one I've ever had - round tube, black powder coated, rather nice. Only issue, as mentioned, is that the darn thing is a shin killer because it sticks out 5 or 6 inches from the bumper.

 

[jburner]

For the life of me I can't remember what brand hitch I have, but it's the house brand from Trailer Hitch & Frame. Best looking one I've ever had - round tube, black powder coated, rather nice. Only issue, as mentioned, is that the darn thing is a shin killer because it sticks out 5 or 6 inches from the bumper.

Bet its made by Curt. Can you access the plug? My 7 pin plug is so close to the hitch that I can't fully open the flap to plug in.

 

[fullboogie]

Bet its made by Curt. Can you access the plug? My 7 pin plug is so close to the hitch that I can't fully open the flap to plug in.

That may be it - sounds familiar. I peeled the ugly sticker off when I got home, so I don't know. And yes, I can access the flap easily. It's tucked a little too far under for my taste, but it's not bad.

 

[ebg18t]

I ran the Reese hitch on mine. Amazon was the cheapest place. Took about an hour to install. No issues accessing the 7-Pin.

 

[jburner]

Update...I found a an integrated hitch for free, anyone know the size and thread of the bolts that are used on it? I found this part number for the bolts, but no specs on them. Part number -90119-12361

 

[TechWrench]

I recently purchased a 2008 4runner that does not have the center frame mounted hitch. I'm wondering of anyone has taken theirs off and wants to get rid of it. I have the plug and wiring already there, will just need to remove and cut bumper back to install. Is there any reason I shouldn't consider doing this?
I could put on an aftermarket, but I like the flush OEM look rather than a hitch sticking farther out the back.

Here is the part number 51909-35011 that I found for it. Would rather avoid the new price if possible. Here is where you come in with a used removed one. Appreciate your help!

Once you remove the rear bumper, installing the OEM hitch isn't difficult. It takes 6 bolts to mount it to the rear crossmember, 4 from the rear and two from the top. Just remember the OEM hitch is only rated for 5k towing weight, 500 lb tongue weight, and you can't use a weight distribution towing system with it. If you ever intend to tow anything heavy, you will need the frame mounted hitch instead

 

[RPS13]

I got a Hidden Hitch receiver. It installs pretty easily, think it took me about 60-80 mins taking my time and resecuring the bumper cover (I used zip ties around the tube).

Doesn't stick out either. Tows like a champ with a WD hitch.

 

[robtmc]

I got a Hidden Hitch receiver. It installs pretty easily, think it took me about 60-80 mins taking my time and resecuring the bumper cover

Did you run across a good tutorial on how to remove and replace the bumper cover? I hate removing trim and hearing all those plastic bits snapping off.

 

[RPS13]

Did you run across a good tutorial on how to remove and replace the bumper cover? I hate removing trim and hearing all those plastic bits snapping off.

No need to remove the bumper cover. You just remove the two "standoffs" that the bumper cover bolts onto on the bottom. The receiver tube runs right where they are, so you can simply use a couple of zipties around the tube to hold the bottom of the bumper cover securely.

The only hard part of the install was one of the "nuts on a stick" didn't fit into the holes in the rearmost frame member. It took about 5-10 mins of grinding then checking until it went in.

So it adds 2 M12 (IIRC) bolts to help hold the hitch weight.

But overall, very easy install if a bit heavy getting it up there and starting the bolts.

Very stout piece.

 

[robtmc]

No need to remove the bumper cover.

Reason I was curious is I have the factory crossmember hitch that needs to be removed before I can mount a frame mount version.

 

[jburner]

Update...I found a an integrated hitch for free, anyone know the size and thread of the bolts that are used on it? I found this part number for the bolts, but no specs on them. Part number -90119-12361

Bump~ Anyone know the bolt sizes/thread pitch on the OEM frame hitch?

Well I found out on what size the bolts are... M12 X 1.25 X 40mm Very fine thread
Got it installed bumper cover cut out. I'm happy. Now I have a Curt 13445 for sale. Never pulled anything, but was installed.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I got a Hidden Hitch receiver. It installs pretty easily, think it took me about 60-80 mins taking my time and resecuring the bumper cover (I used zip ties around the tube).

Doesn't stick out either. Tows like a champ with a WD hitch.

By any chance do you have a picture? I'd like to see what this looks like. What is the weight rating of the hidden hitch?

 

[RPS13]

Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch for Toyota 4Runner 2007 - 70779


That's basically what it looks like on the 4Runner. Doesn't stick out at all.

With a V6 it'll do 6300 lbs with a WD hitch per the manual (IIRC - 2WD maybe?). The frame is the same as the V8, and it'd be rated at 7300 lbs with a WD hitch, so the frame is not the weak link.

I personally wouldn't want to tow over 6k lbs with a 4Runner, so the V6 is fine for me really. The WD hitch does help distribute load to the vehicle. Makes the trailer "move" with the tow vehicle, and not just crash down on the rear springs.