Differences between the GXs tow hitch and the 4runners, why? (1 Viewer)

[The Great Him]

So I have just purchased another gx470, this one however does not have the towing package, and I am looking to install a tow hitch on it. I know the 470 and the 4th gen 4runner share the same frame and chassis so why are the part numbers different 228-89440(50) for the 4runner, and 228-60540 for the gx, they both require the center spacer plate to make them work with the factory class IV hitch. So why when I look these two part numbers up in the parts que does it give two different part numbers with two different fitments. What am I missing.

-at first I thought maybe it was because of the GXs air suspension but then I remembered that limited 4runners also had air suspension so that can't be it as the 4runner hitch doesn't exclude the limited...

 

[Bubbles]

Dunno but I have an extra one of those brand new one of those spacers i'd sell ya for less than you can get it for!

 

[The Great Him]

Dunno but I have an extra one of those brand new one of those spacers i'd sell ya for less than you can get it for!

Got a picture of it? I have removed the hitch on my truck several years ago and remember there being like a sandwich plate in there but what I currently have is more of a pintle plate... Also could you get a measurement of it's thickness?

 

[Jstawgn]

Not exactly sure but the GX version comes in 5 piece.

1. Main hitch
2. Center support
3. Spacer for each side rail
4. Spacer for center piece.

I was wondering why would it come with 3 piece spacer. What I am thinking the main 3 piece are the same but the 4runner one does not have spacer.

 

[The Great Him]

Not exactly sure but the GX version comes in 5 piece.

1. Main hitch
2. Center support
3. Spacer for each side rail
4. Spacer for center piece.

I was wondering why would it come with 3 piece spacer. What I am thinking the main 3 piece are the same but the 4runner one does not have spacer.

You may just be on to something. The GX has a different body and the bumper skins may hang lower than the 4runners

 

[Jstawgn]

This are the picture of my hitch when I remove them a couple years ago.

All 4 pieces

• Jstawgn
• Mar 13, 2018

Rear cross member adapter

• Jstawgn
• Mar 13, 2018

 

[The Great Him]

Not exactly sure but the GX version comes in 5 piece.

1. Main hitch
2. Center support
3. Spacer for each side rail
4. Spacer for center piece.

I was wondering why would it come with 3 piece spacer. What I am thinking the main 3 piece are the same but the 4runner one does not have spacer.

So after some more research and talking with someone with a lot more parts experience than myself we determined that the reason for the difference in part numbers is simply the hitch cap, the 4runner one will have a Toyota logo, and the GX one will have a Lexus logo... Other than that the parts are the same, they all have the same spacers. So I'm saving $200+ and buying it from Toyota. This way I ensure I get everything I need. And for the same cost I'd be able to pick up a class III hitch for from U-haul or Curt.

 

[Bubbles]

Got a picture of it? I have removed the hitch on my truck several years ago and remember there being like a sandwich plate in there but what I currently have is more of a pintle plate... Also could you get a measurement of it's thickness?

someone posted a pic above of it, they titled the pic rear cross member adapter. Mine is just new is all

 

[The Great Him]

someone posted a pic above of it, they titled the pic rear cross member adapter. Mine is just new is all

Yeah that's the one piece I did have already

 

[GX0R]

You can just get a 4runner/gx pintle hitch(support tube type) and put it in place of the rear cross member adaptor.
Pros: cheaper, less weight, higher departure angle, maybe more room for bigger spare(cant confirm that yet)
Cons: lower towing capacity (5000 vs 6500), maybe harder to find, might have to trim bumper insert.

 

[The Great Him]

You can just get a 4runner/gx pintle hitch(support tube type) and put it in place of the rear cross member adaptor.
Pros: cheaper, less weight, higher departure angle, maybe more room for bigger spare(cant confirm that yet)
Cons: lower towing capacity (5000 vs 6500), maybe harder to find, might have to trim bumper insert.

Thanks, but I want the higher towing capacity. And the class IV hitch is good for 7300lbs, not 6500.

 

[GX0R]

Sorry. Your post didn't really clue me on how savvy you were about the situation. Good luck with the towing.