Trailer hitch from 01 taco to 04

I just took the trailer hitch off my mom's tacoma and hers is an 01 I was trying to put it on mine 2004 but there are these tabs that will not allow the hardware to fit where they they need to go. I think I just need to cut them off. They are thin metal and about an inch long and apper to come off the bumper mounting brackets and just hang in space by the frame where the hitch mounts up. thanks for your help..

Props

Props, I have a 2004, I just looked and noticed tabs on the bumper mounting brackets, I think they are what you are describing. I mounted a Reese hitch on my truck and it mounts just below those tabs, so they weren't an issue on my truck. If that is what you are asking about, I don't see how it could cause a problem if you saw them off or knock them down with a big hammer to make space to mount the hitch. If that doesn't answer your question let us know.

Clifton

Well called the Toyota dealership and they were like I do not know what you r talking about. So I just went and hit them with a hammer out of the way. Now for the wiring any suggestions? I will prolly do a search on here for that.

Props

I used a Hoppy tow vehicle wiring kit #43315. I have seen some posts here that suggested to only use the factory kit. I have not done any towing and cannot say how the Hoppy kit works. It does pulg in without cutting any wires. It plugs into the left tail/brake light.

Clifton

I have the wiring from the 01 taco but i can't find where it plugs in on my truck. i know where it came from on the 01. does anyone know if it is hidden somewhere??? Like in the frame b/c it is just a plug. I have followed the wires and can't find it

Props

On my 04 I had to remove the left tail/stop light. The plug connects between the tail light to chassis plugs. Yours may be different.

Clifton