I realize this is probably ridiculous on my part, but if I can't add fender flares, I don't want to buy this 4Runner that I have been eyeing. For some reason I think the fender flares completely make the truck look a thousand times better, and I hate the look of no flares. I have always been under the impression that it was pretty easy to add the black flares to a base model, but I was just digging around the forum and it seems like I might have to drill holes and that the hardware is hard to find. Can anyone confirm?

Wait, does the truck not have fender flares already?

I found this for you....I hope it helps some. FYI the Limited flares are scratch magnets. So I'd stick with the SR5/Base flares like you mentioned.

"There were 4 trim options for the 3rd Gen 4runners. There are four levels of flares: no trim, chrome trim, black plastic flares and wide Limited painted flares. Base models could have no trim, chrome trim or plastic trim and SR5 models could have any of these four by at least some point between 1996 and 2002, and Limited models had only the "Limited" style flare, which was the widest of all the flares. The SR5's went to wider flares in 00 when they did away with the narrower version. That being said, all models should be equipped and able to mount flares. If not, Toyota would of had multiple versions of the same parts for flare and flareless 4runners."

This might help too, someone installing new flares.

Blcktpgsr's '97 transformation - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

That came out awesome! Great link @Auce

I actually prefer the flexible dark grey sport flares the 99 SR5 Sport came with. They bolt up pretty easily and can actually hold paint well but cannot be filled/repaired if gouged or torn.

These can be found in junk yards when you are luck and are often added by flippers to make a base model appear flashier with the least amount of work.

Glad I could help!

I just went through this helping a friend round up parts to add SR5 black flares to a base model 3RZ 5 spd 4WD 4Runner.

Mounting points: Front wheel well liners have all the plastic screw bosses from the factory, rear wheel wells need holes drilled. (at least on a base model w/o flares originally)

Parts availability: New parts are NLA, you need to find used. Flares and rear splash guards not so hard to find. If you are not running side steps, meaning you want the small front splash guards good luck, they are very difficult to find. Some guys have 3D printed replicas. Mounting hardware is not an issue and can be improvised, except for the clips on the rear door sections of flares.

Impressively well done

Nope, base model with nothing at all. That exact quote is what I read, but the threads where people actually added the flares stated that drilling is required. Thank you.

D'oh. Thank you. Where did you have to drill? Just under the wheel well or in the body? And is there a grommet or something that goes in the screw hole? What about the little door piece?

I know those large SR5 and the limited flares require new holes, but I am talking about the smaller black ones. I always thought they used the factory fender holes to mount, but I guess I was wrong. Thank you for the link.

Spraying Plastidip and Installing Fender Flares 2002 4Runner 3rd Gen - YouTube

For reference, I just found this video. He explains is perfectly and unfortunately drilling is definitely required and it dos not look perefct IMO. I am pretty bummed out right now.

Depending on what year and configuration of trim, or wheel flare, you may have to drill to install the flares in that video but but only the underside lip of the wheel well, not into the body panels on the outside.

A bottle of simple Green or your favorite degreaser and a plastic brush will make easy work of degreasing cleaning those flares. Rinse them real well then brush them down with dish soap, rinse them again and let them air dry inside somewhere for a day.

You can clean them up with a razor blade and sandpaper if there's any holes or rough scrapes and then prime them and paint them using regular automotive paint. Plastic dip is only if you want to change your mind and peel it off.

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Here’s when I installed SR5 flares on my base model. No drilling required. Add gasket if while you’re at it.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2527330-post18.html

Nice, thank you. How are they holding up, and what is on the opposite side of the clamp, where the screw would normally go? Did you do the door flare the same way?

5 years later and they are fine. Could use repainting but not bad.

There is still a screw to operate the clamps.

On the door I am using the stock clips. A fella on the forum gave me a few extras since the flares I bought only had a few included.