Hitch Sag After Frame Replacement

Hey all...

I bought my 2001 Tacoma 2 weeks ago. The dealership had it sent in for a frame replacement after taking it in on trade from the previous owner. Since the truck has a receiver hitch, I used it to pull a 12 foot Uhaul trailer last weekend.



After I dropped off the trailer, I noticed the bumper and hitch were sagging a few inches lower than before.



I looked it over and either the dealership or Toyota forgot to put in the 2 rear hitch bolts that attach the hitch and bumper to the frame. The hitch pivoted down and was held in place by the welds at the rear spring shackles.





I jacked up the hitch and bumper to align the holes and installed two new grad 8 bolts. It's good now but I'm just glad it didn't come apart pulling the Uhaul for three hours last weekend.





Photo from Dealer site before I bought the truck



Just thought I'd share in case this has happened to anyone else. Thanks!!

 

From the looks of that hitch its not to far behind the frame in the rust dept. I would look into replacing it before towing anything.