2006+ Grill fitment om a 2003-2005

[robbymartin]

It is my understanding through searches on this site and on Google that a 2006+ grill will fit on to a 2003-2005 4runner.

Two questions:

1. Is this correct?

2. If it's correct, where would I get one separate from the hood (other than a dealer?)

 

[wnelax04sr5]

It is my understanding through searches on this site and on Google that a 2006+ grill will fit on to a 2003-2005 4runner.

Two questions:

1. Is this correct?

2. If it's correct, where would I get one separate from the hood (other than a dealer?)

amazon, rock auto, theres other places to get them.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...fit-satoshi-grille-writeup-picture-heavy.html
[MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] did a very detailed write up of both an 03-05 satoshi and the 06-09 retrofit, thread linked above

 

[CXS]

I'm pretty sure the changes between '05 and '06 are significant enough to make them incompatible. As has been said see what Matt/Gaterose has to say.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

It is my understanding through searches on this site and on Google that a 2006+ grill will fit on to a 2003-2005 4runner.

Two questions:

1. Is this correct?

2. If it's correct, where would I get one separate from the hood (other than a dealer?)

The headlights on the 03-05 models don't have the inner corners cut out like the 06-09 models do on the headlights. The grille won't fit because the outer lip of the grille on the 06-09 models would need those corners either:
a. Removal of the corners on the 03-05 headlights, which is possible, but I would assume very unconventional, as I haven't seen anybody do this.
b. Replacing the 03-05 headlights with the 06-09 headlights, which will also require rewiring of the actual lamp harnesses, or the use of HIDs.

All in all, it's not a hard swap to do, however, it's probably more expensive than you'd expect.

 

[zopperman]

I made one fit, but it was a huge pain in the ass if you're keeping stock headlights. My write up is somewhere... try checking my build for some details

I modified the grille and underlying metal substructure instead of the headlights. I dont think you could clearance the lights enough, [MENTION=89415]Stuck CAPS[/MENTION]

 

[Stuck CAPS]

I made one fit, but it was a huge pain in the ass if you're keeping stock headlights. My write up is somewhere... try checking my build for some details

I modified the grille and underlying metal substructure instead of the headlights. I dont think you could clearance the lights enough, [MENTION=89415]Stuck CAPS[/MENTION]

I think with the lights you could just grind down the corners, however, i could be wrong.

 

[zopperman]

I think with the lights you could just grind down the corners, however, i could be wrong.

yeah i think you'd wind up making a hole. I had to cut a pretty big chunk of the grille structure

 

[Stuck CAPS]

yeah i think you'd wind up making a hole. I had to cut a pretty big chunk of the grille structure

could you post pics? Seems really interesting.

 

[gaterose]

The '06 grille, in addition to the issue with the headlights, is too tall for the '03 opening. Those with aftermarket bumpers can usually clear the grille, but the grille will hit the OEM bumper unless it's trimmed 1-1.5".

 

[zopperman]

[MENTION=89415]Stuck CAPS[/MENTION]

 

[Jason B]

So, it still can't be done easy? Have a 06-09 grille I sell and the guy wants to fit it on his 03-04. He would get new headlights and filler pieces, but from what I'm reading above, you would still need to cut the bumper to make it fit?

 

[Terminator03]

I’m curious about this as well since my truck was already converted to the ‘06 lights when I bought it, so I was considering using an ‘06 grill (if possible) to eliminate the triangle shaped areas that remain uncovered from the swap. Fortunately my truck is black so they aren’t really obvious like they are on other colors, but if the shell from an ‘06 could work, I would consider using one to make a Satoshi style grill from.

 

[Run4ever*]

If you already have the 06 headlights installed you are in better position than still having the 03 headlights. Or else you will have to trim the bottom corners of the 06 grille.

But in order to make the 06 grille not rub or contact a 03 bumper you'll need to cut a wide enough slot on the top of the 03 bumper slightly larger than the bottom lip of the 06 grille.

(confused?)

Don't forget to be gentle in removing the hood latch from the grille. There are small plastic pieces within the latch and metal rod that have already aged and are brittle.

Amazon has the least expensive non-OEM 06 grilles in matte black. Last I checked it was $129


I like gaterose's write-up.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...fit-satoshi-grille-writeup-picture-heavy.html

 

[Terminator03]

If you already have the 06 headlights installed you are in better position than still having the 03 headlights. Or else you will have to trim the bottom corners of the 06 grille.

But in order to make the 06 grille not rub or contact a 03 bumper you'll need to cut a wide enough slot on the top of the 03 bumper slightly larger than the bottom lip of the 06 grille.

(confused?)

Don't forget to be gentle in removing the hood latch from the grille. There are small plastic pieces within the latch and metal rod that have already aged and are brittle.

Amazon has the least expensive non-OEM 06 grilles in matte black. Last I checked it was $129


I like gaterose's write-up.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...fit-satoshi-grille-writeup-picture-heavy.html

I will read through that thread you posted tonight when I have more time (thanks for the link). Yes, I’m a bit confused by what you said about cutting the bumper, but maybe that will make more sense once I read that thread.

 

[Jason B]

I will read through that thread you posted tonight when I have more time (thanks for the link). Yes, I’m a bit confused by what you said about cutting the bumper, but maybe that will make more sense once I read that thread.

I swear, or I'm like 99% sure I thought I had a customer that bought the Jaos 06-09 grille we sell, and fit it to their 03-05, which should be same process with the factory grilles. I think new headlights, and new pieces below the headlights and that was it?