I didn't really like how the front plate looked. I was inspired by others' solutions to the problem. Here's my fix.

California state law requires a front license plate, so dealers are obligated to attach one prior to sale. If you can get to the dealer before they destroy your bumper, you won't be left with this after you remove the front plate mount:







Here's what you'll need:



I found this at my local O'Reilly Auto Parts. It is "Custom Accessories" brand model # 92651 and I think it cost all of 5 or 6 bucks. You could use any license bracket that is similar, but this model fits into the gap under the Toyota emblem PERFECTLY. "Almost like it was made to go there" kind of perfect.

Next, lace 4 zip ties through the outer corners of the plate bracket. Tighten each one little by little as you go around, making sure it is centered. You'll be left with something like this.






I know, I know.... Zip ties aren't always my favorite, but in this case they are ideal. The bracket is super snug and there is no permanent damage. I can remove it later and leave no scars.

Be careful that the 4 holes for the plate itself don't line up with the plastic grill behind. You want the screws to be able to pass through. The rectangular hole pattern didn't give me any problems.



Before and after pics:













It fits in there very well. I think I got a clean result.
Maybe I'll put a frame around it. Don't know yet.



I plan on using something like this to plug the existing holes in the bumper, after I flatten those nasty pimples down. LOL.

BumperPlugs for Toyota

Thanks for the link.
$25 + $8 shipping? Ouch. That seems pretty steep for two little plastic doodads.

Additionally, after I get the raised bump part to flatten out, I'm thinking I'll need a wider flange to cover the hole and any surrounding unsightliness. I'm sure those plugs are great if you just have a hole to fill on a vertical bumper surface. Unfortunately, that's not the case with my bumper.

Any concern of cooling on 90 degree plus days ?

I didn't have a very good result with BumperPlugs because of the way the drilled holes bubble up - I couldn't get the plugs flush with the bumper. I actually broke one of the plugs trying to reposition it & had to order a second set.

Before the second set arrived, my wife ran into a wall in a parking garage with all of 600 miles on the odometer. So the truck is at the body shop right now, getting a new bumper cover installed courtesy of GEICO. I ask them not to drill the new one, and they agreed. Problem solved.

Maybe not the ideal solution, I know. If I ever get hassled about a front plate in the future, I might go your route. Looks like a good solution, and 100% reversible.

Exactly. Maybe a heat gun or grinder to shave down the bubbled up-ness. Unless there is another way someone could suggest.

I'm sure your wife feels pretty bad about the damage to the new truck. However, I am liking the way she fixed the bumper pimple problem.

I don't really have any concerns about cooling. There is lots of room around the plate for air to flow and the plate sits a good distance from the face of the radiator. Plus, the electric fan makes it a non-issue.

specific to removing the front plate on the TE, i called the parts dept to request a replacement silver piece that is not yet drilled.... $270.00

So, just to clarify; that license plate holder is screwed on by the dealer?

It's not factory or port-installed?

no its not. evidence, a few hours after it was taken off the truck at the dealer sitting in the back lot waiting to be PDI the next day. unfortunately the suggested placement doenst work on the LE since the location isn't big enough to mount a plate without hitting bodywork that would rub.

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It's done by the dealer in states that require a front plate.

Ohio requires a front plate and they didn't drill my bumper thankfully. I am sure most dealers realize the end customer should make that choice.

Did you special order your 4Runner? Because in my experience buying vehicles in CA & TX, all the ones just sitting on the lot are already drilled before being bought.

That is out of mind!!!
Just go to your local Auto Parts store and get some of these-

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Be advised that most zip-ties will get brittle with age and will eventually crack and fail. Heat, cold and direct sunlight (UV) will degrade them too. I'd check them after a year or so.

not sure if this will work, how about just using the original license plate bolts but paint the bolts the same color as your 4runner - it looks like black -give the bumper a faintly 'industrial' look. maybe even add a small black molding or chrome strip held by the original license plate bolts.