My 4runner did not come with a hitch and now I could really use one.

I have a 3 inch body lift on my rig, are there any hitches out there that mount up higher to get rid of some of the gap from my body lift?

I have searched and couldn't find a whole lot of answers on this subject.

Any help would be great.

 

I haven't heard of any but you could easily cut one to fit and drill new holes to mount it to. Wouldn't be hard to make work.

 

If you have an angle grinder and know of a place that can weld, that would be an easy fix.

You'll just have to make a few cuts (measure twice cut once) and then re-weld the mounting tabs back on.
Depending on how the particular hitch is supposed to mount of course.

Fink

 

My Hidden Hitch is flush with my rear bumper (no BL). If it were body lifted it would look bad but not as bad as a stock receiver.

 

When I put my 2" BL on, I ended up flipping my Hidden Hitch . I did take off my rear bumper to do it, though. My purpose was clearance. I was tired of dragging that hitch over every rock I climbed over. Keep in mind that I have a Tacoma, so the rear bumper design is different than a 4runner's; it's less integrated with the body lines. You might be able to do the same thing. Post some pics of the back end, and we might be able to give you some better ideas...

 

It's raining outside so this is the best shot I can get for you right now....

 

It looks to me that the bumper is where it should be, so, I would imagine that you could get a Hidden Hitch and flip the center section so the receiver sits higher up.

This is what I did on mine...not everyone's cup of tea, but it worked!


Although, if that doesn't work, it really wouldn't be that hard to do some trimming and re-welding to get it where you want it...

 

flip the hitch

 

I'm sure you realize that if you modify a hitch in any way that you will void any type of warranty and most surely would not be covered by your automotive insurance policy.


just a thought.

 

Yes, try either flipping it over or see if redrilling holes will work:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...tml#RearBumper

 

Flipping the hitch would be a much better way if that will work and you don't mind the look.

Fink

 

Is there any brand that would do better than the others if I flip it?

http://www.hidden-hitch.com/products...&model=4Runner

 

BMW, I realize this thread is a little out dated, but did you ever find a hitch that worked out for you? I ask because I've got a '98 4runner that is soon to have a 2" body lift and a hitch reciever. I've seen a pic of a similar setup on a 3rd gen and the hitch is very noticable, hanging down a few inches below the bumper. Like you, I'd like to avoid that issue and keep it looking as clean as possible.

Thanks!

 

Maybe take some measurements and head to a trailer shop or wrecking yard...

Although not the same application, I have a 3" body lift on my 86 and did not want the hitch to drag. I took a mid 80s Ranger hitch that was laying around and widened it (obviously voiding any warranty, but I trust my welding), and walla, tucked right up under the bumper.

Just a thought that the right hitch may be for some other vehicle altogether...

 

Around here we have some places that do custom hitches. A few years ago, a friend with a Rodeo had one made that fit behind his bumper. He then got a hinged license plate holder from a junkyard. When he wanted access to the receiver, he just lifted the plate & slid in the hitch. Pretty slick. At that time the cost of the custom hitch was not much more than a manufactured one.

Paul

 

Yeah, I really wish I knew how to weld....definitly something I plan on learning, but for now not really an option.

Also, I did find a couple places locally that will fab a custom one, but the cheaper of the two was $240 (I can get one on JCWhitney.com for $140, free shipping). I'm trying to decide if its worth the $$ to take a chance on buying a prefab and hoping I can flip it.

I had my fingers crossed hoping that I might find someone who already tackled the same issue....really appreciate the tips though!

 

Not sure which hitch your looking at on JC, but the only class III (2" receiver) hitch I see (Hidden Hitch) is almost $200.00 with shipping. Whichever hitch you order, you are taking a chance that you can flip it. For my taste, I'd get the custom one.

 

I ended up going with a draw-tite hitch, it does sit down a few inches but I don't mind it at all. I have a hitch carrier that i have to lift a lot of heavy things on, if anything it just makes it that much easier being lower to the ground.