05+ OEM Hitch Installation Instructions

I recently purchased an OEM receiver hitch from a guy on Craigslist. It came with all the parts necessary.

The shop wanted $400 to install the thing, so I'm not even going to ask the dealer how much they would charge. From what I understand, the installation is pretty simple, since there is no drilling required, and using standard metric tools and a torque wrench -- but it's best to have a couple buddies help with lifting the bumper and holding the hitch in place.

My question is, can anyone point me in the right direction for an installation guide, or writeup about how to install an OEM hitch? I'd like to do it right the first time, and not make my friends stand around all day while I figure out the process. I'd also like to make sure I have the proper torque adjustments, so the damn thing doesn't come off while I'm pulling something through the Cascades.

I've searched the site and Google, but I can't seem to find anything about the installation process.

Thanks for any help. I'll write up a synopsis when I get it on.

 

Actually you might want to ask your dealer... $400 sounds absolutely ridiculous. At the most it'll take an hour for a shop to do. Did your hitch come with the mounting hardware or do you have to buy that separately?

 

It came with the mounting hardware.

Seriously, all that needs to be done is take off the bumper, put on the hitch, then re-attach the bumper. It shouldn't be that much.

 

Torque table at
http://www.tpub.com/content/bridges/TM-55-1945-205-24-4/css/TM-55-1945-205-24-4_745.htm

 

I picked up a hitch just like you did. The whole installation process was really simple. One of my buddies and I did it in a couple hours(no more than 3). There are two little spots that you have to grind off to get the brackets to release IIRC. I'll see if i can find the old brackets and take a picture of them for you. It honestly wasn't very hard but just took a little bit of time.

 

Here's a couple photos of where you have to grind off. I can't remember why you have to grind them but I'm pretty sure you do.

 

PM sent.

 

Thanks for all the help, everyone.

I had a dentist appointment this morning, so I couldn't snap any pics. I'll try and get some tomorrow.

Oswego -- I might be able to do that with the bumper plates. Unless I wreck them for some reason.

 

If you go to "Customtacos.com" website and look in the tech section under Exterior/Body Tech 2005+ you will find instuctions for oem receiver hitch. You don't have to remove bumper, just change out the brackets supplied with hitch one side at a time. Then raise hitch up to brackets (I used a floor jack) and bolt together. I installed mine in about two hours and I am no Mr. Goodwrench. good luck!
Bob

 

^^^ Thanks Bob!

 

Those are the stock brackets that hold on the bumper without a hitch. If you don't a have hitch then these are what connects your bumper to the frame.

 

Oswego, If you need a set of brackets for the stock bumper, I have a set off my 2010 I will send you. Just pay me for shipping. Send me a PM if you are interested.
Bob

 

Check out this web page for factory hitch installation directions. This is what I used to install mine that I bought off of ebay. http://www.toyotapart.com/Technical_Tacoma.html