Newbie here with probably a stupid question

[JVA4runner]

Hi all,
I've been looking through this forum for quite some time now (ohh since August or so I think) and I've always been very impressed by the amount of information that I've found.

I finally have a question that I haven't found an answer to yet. Its probably stupid, but any answer will be appreciated.

I have a 04 v8 SR5 and I just got the Rear Waag Bumper Guard. Now I'm trying to install it and I'm finding that the bolts are too small to mount over the 7000Lb hitch. I've read about a few others having this issue before and they had to get some longer bolts.

What I'm wondering is how much longer of a bolt do you need to securely mount the guard to the Frame? I think it came with a 12X30 mm. If any of you V8 owners know how long of a bolt you used, could you please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hank]

I can't really help you much as I have the V6 w/the non-WD hitch, but I can give you an advice, when finding a replacement bolt, make sure it has the proper Grade rating. The higher the grade number, the more weight/force it can handle. The original bolts on the tow hook had "8.8" on the top of the bolt (Grade 8 bolts perhaps?). I reused the original bolt instead of the ones that came w/the WAAG rear bumper guard since it just seemed heavier and sturdier. The bolt was long enough to secure the bumper guard mounting bracket between the tow hook and the body frame.

 

[JVA4runner]

Hi Hank
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. I actually was able to also reuse the original bolts. I found they were a bit longer than the ones that came with the rear guard. After messing with it for awhile, it seems like the guard is securely mounted, so I'm happy now.