Recently I've been looking around for a new reciever hitch to replace my very low mounted one. In the search for a rounded receiver (to fit around the spare) i've discovered that most places don't list any 4runners before 87 and sometimes only trucks.

If you guys can help me out I'd like to build a list of frame rail geometry for different models/years. Then we would have a list to see what could be *made* to interchange as far as recivers and rear bumpers go.

My current setup is as follows:


I measured from the outside of each frame rail, at the point shown by the red arrow:


On a 1986 4runner my frame measures 41 11/16 inches

The '84-'89 4Runners should have the same rear frame setup and anything designed to fit inside the frame rails should interchange between all those years.

You'll either need a curved out receiver or one with the receiver flush on the inside inside. With a 3" body lift I can run a recessed receiver:


But with no lift, you need a flush version:

IIRC the info on Hidden Hitch's website is incorrect, seems liek it lists same model receiver for '87 4Runner and trucks. I know this is not correct b/c I ordered one, and it will not fit on my '89 Runner (same as '86-88).

I ended up making (well, having made, didn't own a welder at the time) a bumper/receiver pretty easily, similar to Roger's above.
No body lift (at the time). mine is 2" tubing that slips into teh frame rails, then comes down at a 45deg for about 6", this then attaches to a 3x2 cross bar that is teh bumper w/ an integral in thr center (again similar to Roger's above). If you wanted to keep the stock bumper this could work by just going below it.
BTW, if the hitch is made to come out of the frame rails and down at an angle liek mine, then the spare tire is no problem (esp if you ditch the OE bumper). A 32" tire fits in there no prob like this, and if my measurements are right even a 34x10.50 will... but it will be hard to access the lift mechanism w/ the handle tool.

Probably will not fit but............I am in the middle of replacing my rotted out 93 T100 step bumper with a Kenneshaw Mountain unit. The bolt on receiver hitch I took off is in like new condition....Will be posting pics of the project in a few days.

The reason that the hitch manufacturers don't list the '84-'86 4Runners is that the factory bumpers on those models are designed for light towing and the bumper brackets on those attach to the frame rails where the aftermarket hitch needs to attach. If you were to remove the bumper and brackets from the '84-'86 models, the hitches listed for the '87-'89 models fit.

The frame rails are the same distance apart on the 1st and 2nd gen 4Runners. I have taken a towing package off a 2nd gen 4Runner and installed it on a 1st gen.

Several manufacturers make hitches for the 1st and 2nd gen 4Runners. All of them fit up against the bottom of the bumper and will clear the stock size spare tire.

Here's the way a Draw-Tite installs, with brackets along the outside of the frame rails. Notice the front bolt is forward of the spring shackle:




On the EAZ-LIFT below the bracket mounts to the bottom flange of the frame rail, and although it comes with a reinforcing angle installed inside the frame, it's not very strong. Heavy tongue weight on a trailer will bend the frame flange.



The factory Toyota hitch is a boxed design, and mounts inside the frame.




The Valley hitch mounts to the outside of the frame.




Another hitch of unknown manufacture mounts inside the frame rails, and appears to be very strong.




Some of these may require drilling 1/2" holes in the frame for the mounting bolts. You could save a ton of money by pulling one out of a rig at a wrecking yard.

Smittybuilt made a tubular bumper with a 2" hitch for my 85 Xtra cab. It should be the same. It bolted right to the frame and my spare was no harder to get to.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />