OEM Hitch Installation pics please

[gaylon]

I am installing an OEM hitch onto my ‘97. I picked it up used off mud a while back, got it cleaned up ans powder coated, found new fasteners, etc. I am ready to put it up, I have the six rectangular spacers and the recovery points, but could use a pic of someone’s currently installed hitch, so I am not figuring it out - it isn’t light . I think the spacers go between the hitch and the frame, but would like to be sure. Thank you!

 

[clx16]

You got pictures of what you have? I didn't have spacers when I removed mine

 

[Malleus]

If it's the under-frame U-Haul type crap (these weren't OEM, but port/dealer installed), it just bolts onto the lower surface, without spacers of any kind. If it's the OEM hitch attached to the rear frame face, there are still no spacers, just four bolts and two nuts.

 

[ToothDr]

Do you have the bolts/nuts that go with the hitch?I don’t recall any spacers on mine when I removed it from my 93. Underside of frame has the pre threaded holes the hitch bolts go into. Install is sort of a 2 person job.

 

[gaylon]

You got pictures of what you have? I didn't have spacers when I removed mine

I have the hitch and the spacers and the recovery pics. Posting photos here.

 

[gaylon]

If it's the under-frame U-Haul type crap (these weren't OEM, but port/dealer installed), it just bolts onto the lower surface, without spacers of any kind. If it's the OEM hitch attached to the rear frame face, there are still no spacers, just four bolts and two nuts.

I thought it was OEM, but you tell me . I am fine if it is not - I need a viable hitch for short term, low weight towing - jet skis to the boat ramp 300 yards from my driveway.

 

[gaylon]

Do you have the bolts/nuts that go with the hitch?I don’t recall any spacers on mine when I removed it from my 93. Underside of frame has the pre threaded holes the hitch bolts go into. Install is sort of a 2 person job.

Yes, the two person part of it is why I don’t want to figure it out while supporting it under the truck.

 

[clx16]

OK I don't think you need the spacers. Also you can do it alone. Lay on back head facing rear axle and bend your knees setting the receiver portion on them. Then with two bolts read lift each side to the frame rail and start the bolt in. Now the hard part is over and put in the rest of the bolts and tighten

 

[effjay80]

Same hitch as came with my 94 when new from dealer. I thought OEM too cuz on factory window sticker = shrug. It weighs a ton and built well. Mine had spacers above hitch then 6 bolts w washers into frame from below. When I installed after removal to clean up I stacked some 2x4s to support while I re-installed.

 

[JoeCova]

Mine did not have spacers. This is probably why I had so much surface rust when I removed it. Sold the hitch for scrap. My guess is its spacers, hitch, then recovery. Spacers probably help minimizing moisture traps but idk.

 

[effjay80]

OEM and yes the spacers are between frame and hitch.

 

[ToothDr]

OEM and yes the spacers are between frame and hitch.

View attachment 3356863

Not OEM factory installed but Toyota USA port installed. Multiple variants of this tow hitch based on the region of the country your 80 series was delivered to.

 

[effjay80]

Not OEM factory installed but Toyota USA port installed. Multiple variants of this tow hitch based on the region of the country your 80 series was delivered to.

Thank you not realize was a difference.

 

[ToothDr]

Same hitch as came with my 94 when new from dealer. I thought OEM too cuz on factory window sticker = shrug. It weighs a ton and built well. Mine had spacers above hitch then 6 bolts w washers into frame from below.

View attachment 3356303

everything above the space is a factory installed option. From the carpet mats on down is all port installed/Toyota USA installed options. 80 series would arrive from Japan and port installed options would be added I’m guessing based on dealer or regional preferences

 

[Rifleman]

The factory tow hitch on my 94 looks different from the one in the photos above, and may of been a USA port install, but the funny thing was, it even had a Toyota P/N stamped into it, and yes, when i removed it to install my pintle hitch it was very HEAVY!

 

[effjay80]

I always learn something on this forum and always assumed that since the hitch came new via Toyota it was an OEM Toyota part. Now in addition to turning 60, my wife cheating and kids deserting me, what feels like a grapefruit sized prostate, I also now have retroactive agita knowing that the ~50,000 happy carefree miles towing my trailer all these years all over North America has been with a u-haul type crap hitch.

 

[gaylon]

Pics of the install for anyone looking at this thread years from now…

 

[Malleus]

Those bolts and washers are about an order of magnitude better than what the dealers put them on with. Those are some serious washers you got there.

 

[Mr. Lawrence]

everything above the space is a factory installed option. From the carpet mats on down is all port installed/Toyota USA installed options. 80 series would arrive from Japan and port installed options would be added I’m guessing based on dealer or regional preferences

Agree with ToothDr on this. I am original owner of a 94.
After a year or so of wanting this vehicle and reading everything I could regarding the Land Cruiser, I was ready to buy!
Upon visiting the 4-5 Toyota dealerships in my area (NYC metro) back in late 1993 into 1994, not one of them would deliver a Land Cruiser without the tow hitch, roof rack and running boards. Some even insisted on more ridiculous add ons such as fake wood dash and bull bars.
Buyers seemed to have no choice but to accept this as Cruisers were hard to find. Most dealerships never had any in stock and they sold rather quickly.
I eventually heard about a dealership way out in NJ that was known as a Land Cruiser specialist. I trekked out there and they were open to intercepting a truck at the port of entry (I think it was Portland OR) and requesting it be free of port installed options.
a month or so later I had my unmolested factory fresh LandCruiser.
I wonder how many Cruisers without the port installed stuff are out there? I rarely see any.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Agree with ToothDr on this. I am original owner of a 94.
After a year or so of wanting this vehicle and reading everything I could regarding the Land Cruiser, I was ready to buy!
Upon visiting the 4-5 Toyota dealerships in my area (NYC metro) back in late 1993 into 1994, not one of them would deliver a Land Cruiser without the tow hitch, roof rack and running boards. Some even insisted on more ridiculous add ons such as fake wood dash and bull bars.
Buyers seemed to have no choice but to accept this as Cruisers were hard to find. Most dealerships never had any in stock and they sold rather quickly.
I eventually heard about a dealership way out in NJ that was known as a Land Cruiser specialist. I trekked out there and they were open to intercepting a truck at the port of entry (I think it was Portland OR) and requesting it be free of port installed options.
a month or so later I had my unmolested factory fresh LandCruiser.
I wonder how many Cruisers without the port installed stuff are out there? I rarely see any.

View attachment 3359164

Nice. My ‘97 CE came with no running boards, tow hitch, or roof rack; and it has front and rear lockers. I was lucky to find it.