Rusty Tow Hitch Receiver - What can I remove?

I was doing a little inspection this weekend and my factory tow hitch receiver is in rough shape.

It looks to me like there is the receiver, then a bar/support, and then the outer bumper.

Can I remove just the receiver without causing issues with the bumper support? I want to remove it and de-rust it if possible.

If it is too far gone, can I buy just the receiver portion from Toyota? Or is it sold with the extra bumper support bar only?

 

Mine's the same way and I've been exploring my options. Currently, I'm looking at this one because it's within driving distance:
https://www.4xinnovations.com/2005-2015-Tacoma-Bolt-On-Rear-Bumper_p_61.html

 

So the bumper bolts onto the hitch itself. Removing the bolts (I believe 4 bolts on each side) and disconnecting the harnesses will free it up. With the bumper, it weighs about 60-80 lbs.

 

Thanks. You beat me to my next question about a parts diagram. This will help figure stuff out.

 

It looks like there are another 2 bolts on each side of the hitch with a welded strap too.

I just got my wife's Jeep set up to tow so I might start pulling mine apart next weekend. Didn't want to be without a tow vehicle.

My painted bumper has some rust popping through. That sucks.

 

Why were you not doing protective coating treatment yearly ?

 

How’s mine look?

 

Easy 20 more years, no problem.

 

I have to take it off to pass inspection I didn’t realize was so bad. Said frame is in good shape though

 

Wow…

 

Even though mine is pretty rusty, it doesn't look that bad. My chrome bumper is an eyesore with rust stains. I just don't like the way it looks and it's why I've been exploring the aftermarket bumpers.

 

Oof. Now I don't feel so bad. Mine isn't even half that level. I figured I'd jump on it now before it was beyond repairable.

 

Honestly, I'm pretty good at keeping my vehicles cleaned and maintained, but I've never gone to that extent. I just give it an underbelly wash about once a month to get the salt and crap off. My frame and whatnot look good for a MN truck but I just noticed little pin hole bubbles of rust on the painted bumper surfaces when I was investigating the hitch. I've never looked at the backside of the bumper until now. The rear end obviously takes a beating from rocks and whatnot because even my tailgate is just hammered with paint chips. I keep touch-up paint in the glove box and check it regularly, but it isn't pretty from up close.

 

Don’t have to worry about any paint chips on this tailgate

 

When I removed my rusted out hitch i had to install these to re attach the bumper
https://www.carparts.com/details/To...V4wl9Ch2TzA3PEAQYAiABEgJnOfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I was told to pass inspection I need to remove my hitch and also my rear crash bar. And add new crash bar

 

My receiver was toast and I replaced the reciever (with a factory receiver from a junkyard) and the bumper reinforcement. If you have the factory town package the receiver is a CLass IV. They are expensive, a junkyard is your best friend, I got mine for $75 +$65 shipping in 3 days. The painted one (I painted it myself , was the one from the junkyard. I replaced the bumper reinforcement also.
To determine what you need to replace due to rust you need to remove the bumper and the receiver.