Removing the hitch

[Porda]

Anyone know how to go about removing the stock hitch on a 2003 runner? Mine has a bad case of being really rusted, and I just want to get the thing off. I can only see two bolts (one behind each loop for the trailer chains), which I wrestled off, but I know there has got to be more under the rig somewhere.

 

[Whitebeauty]

On the chassis i believe theres some bolts there to.. just tug it down as u go that will help u locate it. Follow the tubing around.

 

[Radial GT]

You think the receiver has a case of rust, wait till you go to remove the bolts. Have a grinding wheel ready for those bad boys!


I loath removing ANYTHING under my vehicle due to the amount of salt they use around here.

Have fun!

 

[TechWrench]

Anyone know how to go about removing the stock hitch on a 2003 runner? Mine has a bad case of being really rusted, and I just want to get the thing off. I can only see two bolts (one behind each loop for the trailer chains), which I wrestled off, but I know there has got to be more under the rig somewhere.

If you have a V6, then the oem hitch receiver is mounted to the rear crossmember with 6 bolts. Two are easily seen and reached from below. But the other four are located on the vertical part of the hitch, and hidden by the bumper cover. Some have been able to remove them without removing the bumper cover, but if they are rusted, removing the bumper cover is much easier in the long run. Believe me, I know.