1999-2002 4runner Hitches

tarheelrunner · 11-07-2005, 08:09 PM

I'm planning on doing a 2" body lift over my Christmas break, and I am trying to get everything planned out. I really don't won't my hitch to hang down 2", so I was going to run an idea by everybody and see if it will work.

As far as I know, there are two models of OME 1999-2002 4runner hitches, both being one piece. On one model the reciever is flush with the rest of the hitch, and on the other the top of the reciever is flush with the bottom of the rest of the hitch (So there is a square reciever hanging down about 2"). I have the hitch where the reciever hangs down, and because the hitch is one piece, flipping the thing is not an option. But would it be possible to use a hitch where the reciever is flush and flip it? Also, I could always use a washer or two to space a few 1/8s of an inch if it doesn't quite fit.

Has anybody ever tried this, or will the inside of the frame even allow the hitch to flip? Any help would be appreciated, especially from you guys who have a hitch where the reciever is flush!

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SnoViking · 11-07-2005, 08:13 PM

you might be able to flip it, but i wouldnt bank on the washers as spacers... that would put more sheer torque on the bolts which isnt good...

ecchamberlin · 11-07-2005, 08:18 PM

I have been thinking about this also. I have taken mine off a few times to see what can be done with the one piece hitch. Only thing I can think of is to cut off the part that has the 90 degree angle and has the bolt holes for the frame and reweld them back on 2"s lower. Make any sense?

I have been considering just switching to a Hidden hitch but you would still have the BL gap but more clearance.

98LimitedCustomized · 11-07-2005, 09:16 PM

There really isn't much to a hitch, for what they sell for you could easily get one custom made after you're done body lifting... it would be the safest route because trying to space them in any was is trouble.

tarheelrunner · 11-07-2005, 09:37 PM

Yeah the spacing thing probably is a pretty stupid idea, don't tow much more than a 5x8 utility trailer but its still probably not too safe.

How hard would cutting through a trailer hitch and rewelding be? I hadn't really thought of that before, but there has got to be a reasonable easy way to alter either the OEM hitch or a Hidden Hitch to it fit with a 2" body lift.

Any of you guys in the custom hitch business?

gapguy · 11-07-2005, 09:44 PM

PM Calrockx...IIRC, he has his chopped to fit.

tarheelrunner · 11-08-2005, 06:13 PM

Thanks gapgay--Calrockx said he got one custom made so thats definitely one option.

Anyone else tried working with the stock hitch?

garrett1478 · 11-08-2005, 06:18 PM

flip it over?

paddlenbike · 11-09-2005, 08:18 AM

I wasn't aware 3rd gen 4Runners had different hitches. My 2000 has the hitch with the receiver hanging 2.5" below the rest of the assembly. I've been thinking about cutting it off and welding it so it's flush with the rest of the hitch, much like the 2nd gen 4Runner hitches:

bamachem · 11-09-2005, 08:22 AM

i have one of the flush ones from my 99 for sale...

make me an offer - you pay actual shipping from a UPS retail location in zip 37934...

paddlenbike · 11-09-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamachem

i have one of the flush ones from my 99 for sale...

Pic? I have never seen one.

bamachem · 11-09-2005, 10:02 AM

just pulled from my runner for the bumper swap.

the hitch receiver is black and is the OEM square tube type that is a "shallow mount" and doesn't hang down a whole lot below the rear bumper. comes with mounting bolts/buts and the OEM tie down loops that attatch to the frame. (pics to come shortly)

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.p...655#post739655

shown w/ a 1" body lift and standard orientation.

tarheelrunner · 11-09-2005, 01:01 PM

Bamachem: do you think with a little grinding it would be possible to mount that hitch upside down so it would be close to the bumper after the 2" body lift?
I'm looking at buying a modified hitch from Charles, but if that doesn't work I'll let you know because the hitch you have is definitely my 2nd choice....even with a 2" gap (if I can't flip it) it would look better than the one I have right now.
Also, any idea on shipping to 28504?

bamachem · 11-09-2005, 01:09 PM

i'll check it this evening when i get home since i now have bare frame rails and can hold it up for a check-fit.

if i recall correclty, it interferes w/ the spare tire hoist crossmember, but just barely and could easily be cut to fit around the crossmember.

it's probably 40#, but due to size, would be billed at a full 70# rate.

size is approx 10"h X 30"w X 24"d

would include all bolts/nuts.

my zip is 37934 if you want to check UPS from a UPS store...

tarheelrunner · 11-09-2005, 06:14 PM

I checked on the UPS site and shipping is only about $32 (if the do charge it as 70#). Anyway, if you think flipping the hitch will work then I'll be more than happy to take if off your hands!

**4x4Fink** · 11-09-2005, 06:49 PM

Get the one bamachem has and then once you get your BL put on, take some measurements and get some custom brackets made...thats what I was gonna do.

Fink

tarheelrunner · 11-16-2005, 06:22 PM

Bamachem- did you ever get a chance to flip the hitch on the bare frame rails to see if it will work?

bamachem · 11-17-2005, 04:45 AM

haven't yet. i'm taking a day off tomorrow to work on the rear steel. i'll make a note to try it out then and take a pic.

11-07-2005, 08:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
SnoViking Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: York PA Posts: 786	you might be able to flip it, but i wouldnt bank on the washers as spacers... that would put more sheer torque on the bolts which isnt good... __________________ Pat 1999 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD - Brush Guard, lift, Duelers, roof rack, acouple lights ~You will always be my little boy~ Hobbes (11/28/05) Future mods- more lift, tire gate, sliders, better lights, engine upgrades.

11-07-2005, 08:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
ecchamberlin Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,917	I have been thinking about this also. I have taken mine off a few times to see what can be done with the one piece hitch. Only thing I can think of is to cut off the part that has the 90 degree angle and has the bolt holes for the frame and reweld them back on 2"s lower. Make any sense? I have been considering just switching to a Hidden hitch but you would still have the BL gap but more clearance. __________________ Eric 2001 4Runner with stuff: http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.ph...6&topic=1098.0

11-07-2005, 09:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
98LimitedCustomized Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 432	There really isn't much to a hitch, for what they sell for you could easily get one custom made after you're done body lifting... it would be the safest route because trying to space them in any was is trouble. __________________ 98 Limited, 3.4 Auto, 4.30's w/E-locker; TJM T-15, Tundra coils/OME lift, 235/85/16 Nokian Hakka 10's, custom 200 amp GM alternator, dual batteries, Brembo/PF brakes, modified Injen intake, Hella 500's, Hayden 678, Taurus Fan, etc

11-07-2005, 09:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 294	Yeah the spacing thing probably is a pretty stupid idea, don't tow much more than a 5x8 utility trailer but its still probably not too safe. How hard would cutting through a trailer hitch and rewelding be? I hadn't really thought of that before, but there has got to be a reasonable easy way to alter either the OEM hitch or a Hidden Hitch to it fit with a 2" body lift. Any of you guys in the custom hitch business? __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

11-07-2005, 09:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
gapguy Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nevada City, CA Posts: 3,540	PM Calrockx...IIRC, he has his chopped to fit. __________________ 2008 Mini Cooper

11-08-2005, 06:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 294	Thanks gapgay--Calrockx said he got one custom made so thats definitely one option. Anyone else tried working with the stock hitch? __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

11-08-2005, 06:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
garrett1478 Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 0	flip it over?

11-09-2005, 08:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
paddlenbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,051	I wasn't aware 3rd gen 4Runners had different hitches. My 2000 has the hitch with the receiver hanging 2.5" below the rest of the assembly. I've been thinking about cutting it off and welding it so it's flush with the rest of the hitch, much like the 2nd gen 4Runner hitches: __________________ 2000 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD \| 5-speed \| E-locker \| Tundra/OME lift \| Stubbs Sliders \| Deckplate/TrueFlow \| Yakima rack \| Click here for specs & pics

11-09-2005, 08:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	i have one of the flush ones from my 99 for sale... make me an offer - you pay actual shipping from a UPS retail location in zip 37934...

11-09-2005, 10:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	just pulled from my runner for the bumper swap. the hitch receiver is black and is the OEM square tube type that is a "shallow mount" and doesn't hang down a whole lot below the rear bumper. comes with mounting bolts/buts and the OEM tie down loops that attatch to the frame. (pics to come shortly) http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.p...655#post739655 shown w/ a 1" body lift and standard orientation. Last edited by bamachem; 11-09-2005 at 10:22 AM.

11-09-2005, 01:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 294	Bamachem: do you think with a little grinding it would be possible to mount that hitch upside down so it would be close to the bumper after the 2" body lift? I'm looking at buying a modified hitch from Charles, but if that doesn't work I'll let you know because the hitch you have is definitely my 2nd choice....even with a 2" gap (if I can't flip it) it would look better than the one I have right now. Also, any idea on shipping to 28504? __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s Last edited by tarheelrunner; 11-09-2005 at 01:05 PM.

11-09-2005, 01:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	i'll check it this evening when i get home since i now have bare frame rails and can hold it up for a check-fit. if i recall correclty, it interferes w/ the spare tire hoist crossmember, but just barely and could easily be cut to fit around the crossmember. it's probably 40#, but due to size, would be billed at a full 70# rate. size is approx 10"h X 30"w X 24"d would include all bolts/nuts. my zip is 37934 if you want to check UPS from a UPS store... Last edited by bamachem; 11-09-2005 at 01:10 PM.

11-09-2005, 06:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 294	I checked on the UPS site and shipping is only about $32 (if the do charge it as 70#). Anyway, if you think flipping the hitch will work then I'll be more than happy to take if off your hands! __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

11-09-2005, 06:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	Get the one bamachem has and then once you get your BL put on, take some measurements and get some custom brackets made...thats what I was gonna do. Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-16-2005, 06:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 294	Bamachem- did you ever get a chance to flip the hitch on the bare frame rails to see if it will work? __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

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11-17-2005, 04:45 AM	#18 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	haven't yet. i'm taking a day off tomorrow to work on the rear steel. i'll make a note to try it out then and take a pic.