So I accidentally backed into a rock that was just big enough to hit my 7 pin plug and socket when I was backing up my boat. Now the 7 pin to 4 pin converter plug is loose in the 7 pin socket on the 4Runner. I need to replace the 7 pin socket on the 4runner but can't figure out how to get the darn thing off.

I've taken the two screws off which mount it to the bracket (which is welded to the hitch). Typically you could just slide the socket assembly up and be done, however, because of the way the hitch is mounted on the 4runner, there is no clearance to do this.

Does anyone know how to get this off without removing the hitch?

Looking at the socket it appears there are 4 plastic pins that pop in to the 7 pin socket when the wire harness is pushed in. I have tried pushing these pins in (at the same time, which is a huge feat), but can't get the darn thing to come off!

Any ideas?!?! Is this really easy and I am just missing something?