Newbe needs help with bent hitch reciever

I have a bad feeling I know the answer to this problem, but I can hope can't I...

So a month ago I (my wife actually) bought a '06 Off-Road. So last weekend we wanted to go ATVing and when I tried to put the ball mount into the receiver, it didn't slide in all of the way. I crawled under the truck to get a better look and I noticed that on one side where you hook the safety chains is bent... When I put a straight edge on the inside of the receiver it rocked meaning that the receiver tube has a dimple in it where the pin goes. So finally my question is can the dimple be removed; and if so, how.

I'm thinking that I'm better of replacing the hitch since I don't know what happened to it. If that is the case, what is a good brand? I did ask the "dealer" if they knew anything and they stuck with the story that a older lady traded it in and she was the only owner. Now I'm wondering about the history of the truck.

Sorry this post is so long and thanks.

 

If the only think that was bent was the chain loop area, I wouldn't worry about it but because it was hit hard enough to bend the tube steel to the point where you can't slide the ball mount in, you might want to see if you can pick up a replacement unless you're decent with metalwork.

You could probably get the dimple out using heat, a prybar and probably a BFH (Big F-in Hammer) but I'd carefully recheck the welds to make sure none of them cracked before hooking a heavy load to the receiver.

 

OP if you do end up deciding on a new hitch don't get an aftermarket one. They do not tie the rear end of the frame and bumper together nearly as good as the stock one. Also stock ones can be found used in good condition much cheaper.

For example: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...e/196130-fs-oem-bumper-hitch.html#post4286468

 

Thanks for the replies!