Will a reese / hidden hitch from an "86-'89 4runner fit on an '85?

Is there a universal hitch I can buy that will fit?

Where would I find this part number?

Just looking for a class III hitch for my 4runner.. Everyone's catalogs only go back to "87..

I've found a few used ones on CL, just want to make sure I don't have to modify the mounts, I want a bolt on application.

Thanks

 

etrailer.com's fit guide goes past 87.

Unfortunately they only have hitches for the 85 Yota Truck, Supra, Land Cruiser, and Van. Makes me think none of the major vendors make one for the 4Runner. Do you think the Yota Truck hitch would fit?

 

You just need to know the dimensions of your truck the inside of the frame side to side and the location of where your mounting holes are located .

I would think the frame size would be the same and don`t have one that old handy.

I do have a 87 to check . I can give you those numbers .

Class 3 hitch what are you looking to tow??

 

Between the frame rails measures 36.25"
Outside the frame rails measures 41.5"
The locating holes from the rear of the truck measure 2.5" for the one near the end,
and 7" for the forward hole.
However, the bumper is attached through the ends of the frame rails, to the inside of the outside frame rail. (kind of like the bumper mounting rail is the male part going into the female end of the frame rail)

I only need to tow an empty rally car shell, rolling chassis on a trailer, no motor or interior. My guess is that the trailer and car shell will weigh around 2500 #'s. So I figured Class III would do the trick. Better to be too much than not enough.

I appreciate the response

 

Will a hitch for a later year fit my 1985 4runner? (1986-89)?

 

It probably will fit, at least if it goes inside the frame rails. I know all the 1st gen 4Runners have the same dimensions inside the rear frame rails, same bolt hole locations, etc.

 

I had the same problem trying to find a hitch for my '85 (so I made my own, and it doesn't look homemade at all). The only hitches I've seen for 4Runners are '87 and up and they bolt directly into each frame rail slot.

If you want to do away with your rear bumper, then the hitch will fit. I have a friend with an '88 Runner and his hitch bolts up where my bumper brackets go into the frame rails. His bumper was stock and used different brackets.

 

I believe the flat-faced 4Runner bumpers don't even bolt up to the frame... the brackets bend upward and bolt to the floor of the body.

I found a hitch at Pick N Pull on a 1987 4Runner and it fits my 1985 4Runner BUT the frame on my 85 4Runner is ACTUALLY an 85 TRUCK frame retrofitted to fit a 4Runner. But it all still fits.

The only difference between truck and 4Runner is that the hitch made for the 4Runner has to clear the taller tailgate so it bends down lower.