So i picked up a 94 Yota that is turing into a bigger project then i thought it would be. i figured i would join the forum since I'm always on here looking for information. Im currently trying to bring the truck back to life. The engine is strong and runs great. It's just the body that's rough like every old Toyota out there.
The frame has no rust or any areas that are rotting that i have found. The only issue I'm having is where the trailer hitch connects to the frame. When i purchased the truck 5 months ago it did have a trailer hitch on it but it was 15 below outside so i didn't put to much time into checking every inch of the truck. I found out ( while trying to pull someone out of a mud hole) that there was one bolt connecting the hitch to the truck. So the hitch was removed and there is damage to the end of the frame where the hitch connects and i don't think i will be able to connect another one very easily.
So i figured instead of spending the money on a new hitch and trying to make it work, id rather make my own and save some money.
Which brings me to my main question, Who here has made their own hitch and is willing to put a few ideas out there to help me create my own that will withstand some minor abuse? The heaviest thing i pull is two snowmobiles on a trailer but i do enjoy beating around in the woods and often need a tug.
i searched the forum and other places on the internet and haven't had much luck finding ideas.

 

Just what kind of ideas do you want.

I have built quite a few over the years .

You can buy the female receiver tube and make what ever type of hitch you want.

It comes down to your attaching your hitch to the frame of the truck .

You most times want at least one bolt coming down from the top and two going through on the sides

Does the back end of the frame need to be fixed first ??

Most likely they were trying to remove the hitch and could not get the last bolt out or just decided it was to much work.

You can even buy a bolt on receiver made for a step bumper that you can bolt to a piece of 4" channel .

Now the question is can you weld and have the skills and tools needed to do this??

Get your receiver in crooked and your trailer goes down the road sideways

If you figure your time and materials it is cheaper most times to buy one.

Feel free to ask more questions

 

The frame will need to be repaired. It looks as if the old bolts that were once attached to the frame pulled through. I'm planning on boxing the end of the frame in then drilling holes so I can create my new hitch. I'll take a few pictures tonight when I get home from work so you can see what I have to work with.

I'm having a friend of mine do the welding, he does it for a living so I'm sure this will be simple for him. As for tools I do have everything that I necessary. This thing is going to be a garage queen for the next month at least so time spent on this really doesn't matter. Plus the metal I'll need for it will all be free from my work.

 

i'd post up a couple pics of the damaged frame. most likely it sounds like your welder friend will be able to come up with something for you...and it will likely be a significantly stronger version too.

maybe even think about having your friend make you a rear bumper with a hitch integrated - kill 2 birds with one stone. likely won't cost much more in materials depending on how fancy you want it.

 

Here are some pictures of the rear of the frame. [IMG][/IMG]

 

And here are some pics of the rest of the truck as she sits. Hopefully getting the rest of the body work done this weekend and all prepped to paint.
The picture of the box where it is extremely dented was covered by a 1/2 of bondo. Not looking forward to fixing that. The rest of the truck is pretty clean. discovered a little rust hole behind the cab.

 

The rest of the frame in good shape or does that need work as well??

I know welders who work production who really would be clueless how to build a hitch or fix your frame.

Any questions feel free to PM me.

Good luck

 

Well after some thinking today, i think i am going to do what Highonpottery suggested. As soon as I'm done wire wheeling the rear of the frame i am going to start drawing up some ideas of what i want it to look like. In the mean time, would any of you guys mind posting up a few pics of how you made your custom hitches? The rear bumper I'm going to keep simple and already have a good idea on what that is going to look like.

And to answer your question Wyoming9, The rest of the frame is in good condition surprisingly. Its covered in surface rust of course but i have yet to find a spot where its rotting out. Im going to get it all cleaned up starting in the rear and working my way up then put some por15 down with some raptor liner over that.
My friend who is doing the welding was into the drift scene for awhile and has done quite a bit of custom fab work on cars so i have confidence in his work. As long as the welds hold up thats really all that matters to me!

Thanks again for your help guys, i appreciate any input you guys have to offer!

 

You have done the hammer test on both sides of the frame the worst parts are where the drain holes get blocked right by the spring hangers.

Not that I doubt your word but just going on what I see from the back.

Most receiver hitches unless it is for something really off the wall Like when building one for a 1000 HP pulling truck look pretty much just like what you would see on any vehicle going down the road.

It comes down to just what materials one decides to use I have made them from all types.

Like was said if your building a bumper just include the receiver in the bumper as most of the commercial hitches attach the same place as the bumper brackets