A couple questions on installing this bumper!

Hey guys I bought a body armor rear bumper used for my tacoma and when I look at my bracket vs the instructions pictures it doesn't appear to be the same.
My bracket:


The instructions picture of what the bracket should look like i guess:
And here is what the bracket on the body armor bumper looks like:
So any input from you guys on whether or not this will fit? Its supposed to be for a 05-2011 tacoma which is what I have (regular cab 4x4). But looking at it, it seems that maybe my hitch is a after market hitch and not the stock one.So maybe that might be why it doesn't seem to match? So I would rather know if it fits So I do not have to take the stock bumper off to find out first. any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

did not mean to post this in this section

 

Maybe a mod can move it to the 2nd gen section. Looks like you have part of an aftermarket towing hitch. Perhaps the previous owner removed it. You only have provisions to use the top 3 mounting holes in the new bumper, because your truck doesn't have the factory hitch.

 

Do I need to hitch to install? or can I do it without the factory hitch? And do you think it would be very weak with just the three bolts? thanks!

 

I removed those missing brackets from mine a while back. You'll need some if you feel the need use all 5 mounting holes. I'm not sure if I still have them in a box somewhere, but if I can find them, you can have them (I'll let you pay shipping).

 

Dose the new bumper have a towing hitch? If so I'd recommend using all the mounting holes.

 

Alright man thanks! and so would that mean I would have all 5 bolts connected to bracket just no hitch?

 

And no the new bumper does not

 

If you look closely, you'll notice that your existing bumper bracket is just like the top half of the bracket in the instructions. If you won't be towing with the new bumper, you'll be be good just using the 3 bolts on each side.

 

So I just need the OEM hitch brackets then? Alright well if you find your let me know I would gladly pay shipping haha.

 

You have everything you need, since you don't have a towing hitch. Just remove the 3 bolts from each side, and use the top 3 bolt holes on the new bumper and enjoy.

 

Ok but I do have a aftermarket hitch on now. So I would have to take it off and If I do want to tow with the bumper in the future then just get the oem and all is well?

 

That's hard to say without looking at your aftermarket hitch. Are the brackets on your first picture of the aftermarket hitch you plan to use?

 

yes they are. And that plate that come down is the plate that holds the hitch. Just on the oem hitch that plate has hole in it where the square tubing is welded.

 

You are good to go then. Just put those plates back on when you get the new bumper into position. However it is very important that the plates go between the new bumper plates and the frame. They MUST be against the frame for maximum strength while towing.

 

Alright thanks. But I do not think that the plates can go in between, only on the outside because the plates have a rolled lip if you look closely.

 

never mind, i understand what you are saying now. The plates for the hitch, not the ones with the lips.