A recent posting inspired me to do this mod to my own rig. My departure angle improved by 5 degrees in 45 minutes!



Write-up with lots more pics: http://www.geocities.com/transalper/hitchflip.htm

 

That's a great idea, may have to do it myself.

 

Close-up comparison:

 

Great mod! I just added a Drawtite hitch for towing and I lost a TON of clearance. It's really noticeable back there because I was so used to not having a hitch at all. I couldn't do this mod because of the design of the hitch so I guess I'll just drag it around with me.. the bumper thanks the hitch at least it isn't taking all the abuse anymore.

 

Yeups... I did mine a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.midiwall.com/4Runner/hitch.html


I just got back from a trip to meet Dr. Z and RidgeRunner - I think you'll be seeing other folks do this mod soon.

Kudos to "protech03" for the original thread: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...threadid=19606

 

nice,, but i cant do that, my hitch is a one peice, darn the luck, i know 5 degrees isnt much, but every little bit helps untill i cant get the custom bumper.

 

Guys,

Looks good. Mark, your poor hitch has sure taken a beating. Are you going to sand it down, prime and paint over it?

Also, I like what Transalper did to protect the edges. Transalper: will regular spray paint work? Though rust is not a big problem here in L.A., what do you guys recommend to protect the edges?

Bob

 

I know that most people here have Runners. But for those with trucks, you can get one that sits at the same height as the frame, and the receiver sits right behind the license plate. All you need is a hinge for your license plate. The downside, the drawbar needed, one that is long and has a major drop, is very expensive. The right one for my truck is around $60.

 

I've thought about it, and I should. I was looking at it this weekend when showing Dr Z. and RidgeRunner, and we all kinda' agreed that a) it really has taken a beating, and b) it shows it.

The biggest problem for me is getting it ground down. I don't have a real grinder, so it can be a bit of $$$ and/or work to do. it's hard to get the feel of just how deep some of those divots are.


I liked that finish idea as well. The edge of where I cut out my bumper is already showing surface rust... Short of gluing that strip in though, I'd figure that it may end up popping out as things get dragged across it. It certainly looks nice.

I'll end up at least sealing the edges of mine with primer and poly...

 

Spray paint may work. A better option would be applying some silicone before adding the edge trim. I will likely end up gluing on the edge trim just to be safe.

Major kudos go to Protech03 for inspiring a lot of folks to do this mod!

 

This mod is sweet! My hitch always drags when I'm wheeling.
Unfortunately, I have the 1 piece hitch that comes on the '99+. Does anyone know if the older hitch will bolt in? Thinking about trading someone so I can do this mod...

 

thats a sweet mod, but wont work on my, BUT im wondering, IF there is a hitch that would fit, across the frame, up under the bumper ? id be happy to cut out the hole like done here, any ideas ?
Ric

 

U-haul sells hitches that mount flush against the bumper.

 

Everything I've seen says the 96-02 hitches are interchangable. If you are considering a swap it should be easy to measure the dimensions just to be safe.