Toyota OEM Receiver Hitches, Class 3, 4 and the Bumper

My 2006 gen2 TRD has the factory towing package on it. It appears to be the class 4 HD receiver hitch. It is a terrible shape with 90%+ of the coating peeled (or loose) on it. More rust than coating IMOP. I thought about refinishing the hitch but with sand blasting and coating, I'm up to the cost of a new class 3 hitch.

The replacement class 4 is almost $1000, too rich for my blood.

My question is will the factory class 3 hitch mount up where the class 4 hitch resides now? Looking at the bumper, it appears to fasten to the class 4 hitch? Is this the same design for the class 3, or do I need to buy a new bumper if I downgrade to class 3?

Used class 4 hitches are going for $750+ !!!

Brian

 

They pretty much all mount to the same location. It should cost about $100. $1000, I can buy 9 or 10 class 4 hitches so I'm not sure where you're shopping.

But surface rust doesn't affect the strength of a hitch. For $100 I'd rather drop and repaint what I have than buy a new one that's all shiny. I can do some light sanding, spray some 'rust convertor' and spray paint for about $10. Because it will end up looking dirty and rusty no matter what.

 

Indy

Thanks for the reply.

Are there 3rd party class 4 hitches for a gen 2 Tacoma? I could only find class 3.

 

There were a bunch listed when I googled it, a lot are listed as 3/4 as well and I'm not motivated enough to see why that is. From a more practical standpoint a class 3 exceeds what your taco can do, going to a true 4 or even a 5 if you could find one doesn't do anything for you. No matter what setup you use if the truck maxes at 6500, many class 3 are rated for up to 10k with a wd hitch.

 

I'm selling an OEM receiver off my 2012 for significantly less than $750+ in your post (asking $150 and buyer would need to coordinate and pay for shipping). https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...parts-grille-floor-mats.461366/#post-13700896

 

I'm in the same boat - my truck is getting a new frame next week an I'm not sure what to do.

 

What have you done? I too am in the same boat, with a Frame recall job coming, and my factory hitch looks nearly as bad as the frame.... what did you buy?

BTW - did you Recall frame come with the Lower Control Arms - on the front suspension ?