rear-ended on July 3rd. Runner took it like a champ

[gzkrutoy]

So, I am sitting at a stop sign, looking left and right, waiting to take a right turn, when I get rear-ended. The guy was rolling, took his eyes off my car and stepped on the gas.
I was looking forward to getting my rusty rear bumper replaced, but he also damaged my tailgate...
The appraisal should happen this week. I am thinking of taking off my trailor hitch and spare tire to remove some unnecessary weight and save some gas milage. I never use the hitch anyway, but without it, the tire sticks out. I have AAA, so I can get towed to my garage to replace a tire.
Does anyone have a picture of a 3rd gen. without a hitch and a tire?
Here are some pix of the damage.

<a href="http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/?action=view&current=car001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/car001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/?action=view&current=car002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/car002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/?action=view&current=car003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/gzkrutoy/4Runner/car003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I removed my hitch a while ago since I don't tow anything but I'd keep the spare since that's something you might need.

 

[jspagna1]

I took my tow hitch off the day I bought the truck. It's in my cellar and looks brand new. I also took off my roof rack,since I don't use that either. I did keep my running boards for the wife & kids.
As for the spare tire, I just use tire shine and it looks good.

 

[RevengEngine]

i washed my truck the other day, and my spare is really dirty. i couldnt get it cleaned either. lol

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I also spray my spare with a tire shine since w/o the hitch you can really see it.

 

[gzkrutoy]

car is in the shop since Friday

Dropped the car off at the shop, rocking Pontiac G6 as my rental, LOL.
When I pick the car up on Monday or Tuesday it will be debadged, all 3 bumper pieces will be replaced and the rusty hitch will be removed.
I will post pictures when I get it back....can't wait.