Tow Hitch Replacement Nightmare
- Thread starter afsu
- Start date
Hey Sniggle, thanks a lot for telling me about this hitch and for all of your advise. I had someone else install it for me but learning about your experience helped me figure out that I did not have the tools or patience to deal with it. 
I'm very happy with the hitch so far although I still have not tried it since I haven't bought the utility trailer I'm planning to get. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
I'm very happy with the hitch so far although I still have not tried it since I haven't bought the utility trailer I'm planning to get. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
B
bonedoctor
Guest
Re: PARTZNET.COM SAYS "NO!"
That's total f'ing crap! I suppose too many companies have been burned by overseas shipping that turns out to be fraudulent, but to say no even after you offer to take on the financial risk of a lost shipment is just plain sorry.
Maybe the same guy who designed the hitch with inaccessible bolts is the same guy who decided it's a good idea to put a blob of weld on the nuts holding the flange that connects the front section of the exhaust system to the short rear section over the axle. That way, you have to destroy the large expensive front section by cutting the pipe if you're installing another exhaust system. Thankfully, I've got a small cutting torch but hated to ruin a perfectly good stock system. Nuts and bolts on exhaust systems already effectively "weld" themselves so they'll never come loose--it's called rust.
Br1ck said:
That's total f'ing crap! I suppose too many companies have been burned by overseas shipping that turns out to be fraudulent, but to say no even after you offer to take on the financial risk of a lost shipment is just plain sorry.
Maybe the same guy who designed the hitch with inaccessible bolts is the same guy who decided it's a good idea to put a blob of weld on the nuts holding the flange that connects the front section of the exhaust system to the short rear section over the axle. That way, you have to destroy the large expensive front section by cutting the pipe if you're installing another exhaust system. Thankfully, I've got a small cutting torch but hated to ruin a perfectly good stock system. Nuts and bolts on exhaust systems already effectively "weld" themselves so they'll never come loose--it's called rust.
I installed the 70411 today, took about 2 hours. Here are my observations, comments, issues, in no particular order.
1. Had to modify the electrical connector by trimming a little plastic to make it fit in the 70411 holder.
2. The 2 bolts on rear bumper cover on back can't be reinstalled after hitch is on.
3. Sniggle, I didn't need to use string, kit came with metal lines that thread on to bolt ends to pull it through the frame. Worked perfect and was quite easy to do.
4. One of the threaded bolt holes on passenger side frame rail would not thread for the life of me so I have one less bolt on that side. I don't think this should be an issue, does anyone feel this won't be safe???
5. Exhaust is a pain to work around, had to have my fiance pull it to the side so I could get the air ratchet up in there, still had to use a 19 mm wrench for the front most bolt.
6. Thank god for air tools cause the 6 bolts on the stock hitch were very tight.
7. Bumper cover was easy to put on and take off.
That's about it, I'm glad I did it myself. Anyone with even a little mechanical aptitude could handle it.
1. Had to modify the electrical connector by trimming a little plastic to make it fit in the 70411 holder.
2. The 2 bolts on rear bumper cover on back can't be reinstalled after hitch is on.
3. Sniggle, I didn't need to use string, kit came with metal lines that thread on to bolt ends to pull it through the frame. Worked perfect and was quite easy to do.
4. One of the threaded bolt holes on passenger side frame rail would not thread for the life of me so I have one less bolt on that side. I don't think this should be an issue, does anyone feel this won't be safe???
5. Exhaust is a pain to work around, had to have my fiance pull it to the side so I could get the air ratchet up in there, still had to use a 19 mm wrench for the front most bolt.
6. Thank god for air tools cause the 6 bolts on the stock hitch were very tight.
7. Bumper cover was easy to put on and take off.
That's about it, I'm glad I did it myself. Anyone with even a little mechanical aptitude could handle it.
Fro-Runner
New member
I received my #70411 tow hitch today for my V6 4 Runner. I ordered it from this website www.truckspring.com
It took me about 2 weeks to get the order. This darn thing must be very popular. It costed me $160 plus $32 S&H.....ouch!
Anyways, I'm still debating about installing it myself. I do not have power tools and only weigh about 180 lbs with a not so strong back. I guess I could use a wrinch with a modified pipe extension to do the trick. The sticker says this hitch has a 7600 lbs weight distribution rating plus 600 lbs of tongue weight. If I install, I will follow the instructions and advice written here. Thanks in advance and I'll let you know how it goes.
It took me about 2 weeks to get the order. This darn thing must be very popular. It costed me $160 plus $32 S&H.....ouch!
Anyways, I'm still debating about installing it myself. I do not have power tools and only weigh about 180 lbs with a not so strong back. I guess I could use a wrinch with a modified pipe extension to do the trick. The sticker says this hitch has a 7600 lbs weight distribution rating plus 600 lbs of tongue weight. If I install, I will follow the instructions and advice written here. Thanks in advance and I'll let you know how it goes.
Fro-Runner
New member
Good God almighty! Who in the heck installed these bolts..........shytuckles! I could NOT install my hitch today because I only have 1/4" drive racket/sockets. The two tow hook bolts seem as if they were installed by the Japanese king kong. I used some leverage on the 1/4" breaker bar but I felt as if the socket was going to break. I will have to figure out something as I do not want to invest $100-$150 for a 1/2" drive socket set just to remove these bolts. I know I'll need to purchase the 18 mm socket though.
Fro-Runner
New member
Sniggle said:
Darn it..... Guess I'm gonna have to purchase a 1/2" socket set and be done with it. Then I'll will go to pepboys or autozone and borrow their 1/2" breaker bar to remove the bolts in the lot. Were you able to get all of your bolts back in after the hitch install? I believe the center piece comes off separate from the whole rear bumper.
mtnracer
New member
Just ordered mine from
http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/
$182 delivered. Verified that it is in stock.
http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/
$182 delivered. Verified that it is in stock.
Iron Clad Lou
New member
do these new hitches stick out further than the factory hitch?
Camprunner
New member
Try some big junk yards ....... There is a place called Linders in Worcester MA. that may have one off a V-8 you could pick up cheep. As far as new I don't know
Camprunner
New member
So why not pick up the hitch that is avail- from the suspensionconnection.com web site for your year yota the reciever/hitch is only something like $ 109.00 and good for up to 7K lbs. ?
Camprunner
New member
Check out Drawtite-Hitches.com they have the hitch you want.
Camprunner
New member
jsn said:
Dam dude I thought you were a hot blonde! ....... what the hell
I thought for a moment we could go camping together and .................. "O" shucks forget it!.... 
I hope it works out I found many hitches for our runners on the web last night from "Reese hitch" "Curt hitch" "Hidden Hitch" and some others.
To be honest I may upgrade mine as well.
"06" V-6 sport runner
