My stock 2001 4Runner hitch is rusting like mad...are they easy enough to remove by just unbolting them from the frame?

 

yup, a couple of bolts on both sides. Might want to PB blast them for a few days before attempting though

 

Mine was removed last year without a hitch (ha!) but rust isn't a problem here.

 

hey x-awdriver, you still got that hitch? wanna get rid of it?

 

Sorry,the second I get rid of it I'll need it plus it's a nice resale item.

 

for sure, i just need a rear recovery point before i get my Marlin rear bumper. let me know if you ever wanna sell it.

 

Have it sand blasted and powder coated when you get it off, it will last a heck of alot longer than paint will.

 

Just get some of that rust-proofing spray. I hardly use mine, but sometimes it comes in handy...esp. if you get stuck wheeling.

 

i took my hitch off a couple weeks ago so i could clean it up, grind down any rust and paint but when i was spraying it with a pressure washer it disintegrated! it was rusting from the inside out and the water (which wasn't very high pressure) blasted it to bits, just caved in and fell apart. the weird thing is i don't know how it rusted from the inside that bad, there isn't even anywhere for the water to come in. i know it's 3 piece hitch but i looked at it and unless it seeped in between the pieces i have no idea why it rusted that bad. good thing i didn't tow anything otherwise it might have broke loose and made a real mess or caused an accident. now i have to figure out what i'm going to do with my mountain bike next summer, guess a new rear bumper with 2" hitch is going on the wish list now

 

Keep the hitch.. best rear bumper protection (short of custom bumper) Toyota sells.. if you are rear ended, you will wish it was on..

Here in the land of road salt.. I paint the hitch, skid plate and other stuff under the truck with rustolium every spring cleanup.. just life..