So I saw on here some old posts about the 2004 receiver rusting out. I got the bumper and factory receiver off the truck but from what I found there is not really any factory replacement options or aftermarket parts to replace the rear cross member assembly. So am I stuck? aftermarket with no bumper or trying to fab something custom. Anyone replace this recently? some direction would be killer.

 

Call a southern salvage yard and get one shipped to you. Try LKQ salvage, they have yards all over the country. Call one of the southern yards, maybe Dallas. Lots and lots of rust free trucks in the deep south (no salt areas). I use Barry's U-Pull (Mobile) but I doubt they will ship.

 

There are at least a couple of different aftermarket options if you are just trying to replace the hitch. I am not aware of how the factory receiver interfaces with the rear bumper though:

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=200444267

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...cleID=20047239

Otherwise, yes there are still plenty of these in junkyards outside the rust belt that will still be in good shape.

 

https://www.lkqonline.com/

https://www.car-part.com/