96-98 Front Bumper on 2002

[MatthewRM18]

I have an 02 4Runner, and I can tolerate the fat lip front bumper because I got a good deal on it, and everything is mechanically sound, but I would much rather have the older 3rd gen bumper, specifically without the lower valence. I have the fog lights in the bumper also, which I already have a plan to replace and mount elsewhere with the new bumper, but I was wondering what all I need to swap bumpers. I was planning on getting a bumper from a junkyard, and I was wondering what brackets I need to make it work. Has anyone done this with pics, or made a write up? Any help is appreciated.

 

[R Marra]

I would check out Brilliant's bud thread. He used the 96/98 bumper and used Hella fog lights. This should lead you in right direction.

 

[fblainen11]

Not sure if this changes your mind about the front bumper, but that was done to increase safety standards on the 4runner. Increasing crumple zone and what not.

 

[BrandonF]

[MENTION=88875]fblainen11[/MENTION] has a good point. Keep in mind that the 96-98 bumpers are not really bumpers. It's more of a tin foil and plastic cover for aesthetics. That being said, I do agree that the fat lip bumpers are absolutely hideous and I would change it out as well.

If you want the looks and protection, go for an aftermarket plate bumper! :thumb:

 

[c0mmon]

[MENTION=88875]fblainen11[/MENTION] has a good point. Keep in mind that the 96-98 bumpers are not really bumpers. It's more of a tin foil and plastic cover for aesthetics. That being said, I do agree that the fat lip bumpers are absolutely hideous and I would change it out as well.

If you want the looks and protection, go for an aftermarket plate bumper! :thumb:

The top part of my 1997 bumper is fairly beefy for a stock bumper. The bottom is light abs however.

 

[BrandonF]

The top part of my 1997 bumper is fairly beefy for a stock bumper. The bottom is light abs however.

until it touches a rock...

 

[thaemcee2]

speak of the devil OP, I got a bumper from a 98 that I am trying to put on my 01 cause im not a fan of the fatlip...anyway I read up on yotatech that putting a 96-98 bumper onto a 99-02 will work as long as you have the brackets from the 96-98, which I have..
however- I am having a tough time putting the 98 bumper on and it seems like the front frame that the bumper actually covers is wayy too long for a 96-98 bumper...I could be wrong though but regardless this is a huge PITA..so any help would be appreciated! apparently all you need is the bumper brackets...

EDIT* I looked at Brilliants build thread he said you have to remove the crash bar...what exactly is that? Thanks...

 

[TheDurk]

speak of the devil OP, I got a bumper from a 98 that I am trying to put on my 01 cause im not a fan of the fatlip...anyway I read up on yotatech that putting a 96-98 bumper onto a 99-02 will work as long as you have the brackets from the 96-98, which I have..
however- I am having a tough time putting the 98 bumper on and it seems like the front frame that the bumper actually covers is wayy too long for a 96-98 bumper...I could be wrong though but regardless this is a huge PITA..so any help would be appreciated! apparently all you need is the bumper brackets...

EDIT* I looked at Brilliants build thread he said you have to remove the crash bar...what exactly is that? Thanks...

Part #52021 on the attached (not sure you will see this--let me know if not)

 

[thaemcee2]

Part #52021 on the attached (not sure you will see this--let me know if not)

i see the part # but no attachment...maybe you could explain...

EDIT* I think I got it..it is the front most piece that sticks out held on by 3 bolts on each end, prob 14mm...

wouldnt removing this make the rig more vulnerable to front end damage? loosing about 4 inches of steel

 

[TheDurk]

i see the part # but no attachment...maybe you could explain...

wouldnt removing this make the rig more vulnerable to front end damage? loosing about 4 inches of steel

Well, yeah, that was the whole point of having the fat lip. They didn't do it because some idiot thought it LOOKED better. That's why I'm keeping mine fat. I slid into a guardrail in the rain and that piece and the plastic valence absorbed all the damage. I bet I'd have needed a rad or more if I had the old bumper without that piece.

Sorry, by attachment I meant the image. Obviously it worked.

 

[kpinthebay]

Hmm...guess I'm in the minority. I much prefer the '02 bumper over the previous ones.

 

[thaemcee2]

Well, yeah, that was the whole point of having the fat lip. They didn't do it because some idiot thought it LOOKED better. That's why I'm keeping mine fat. I slid into a guardrail in the rain and that piece and the plastic valence absorbed all the damage. I bet I'd have needed a rad or more if I had the old bumper without that piece.

Sorry, by attachment I meant the image. Obviously it worked.

I understand now, it allll makes sense hah...initially I didnt know about having to remove the crash bar...I still prefer the look of the 96-98 bumpers better, but the structural loss is makin me think a little more about it..it sucks especially cause taking off my existing bumper royally sucked..i finally got one of the main 4 bolts off after about 3 weeks..eventually I used an Irwin rounded bolt socket that took it off along with a ton of pb blaster but thats besides the point..
oh and Durk that attachment didnt show up on your reply I added that in..
I think Ill still put the 98 bumper on since its nice and painted black..I can always go back..
any advise on putting the bumper back on by yourself? thanks guys..

 

[MatthewRM18]

Thanks for the responses, my fat lip bumper is all pitted and chipped from crappy Pennsylvania roads, so instead of getting it fixed by a body shop it would just be cheaper to swap the bumper, I like the look more, and I think the guy before me smacked something hard because the sport skid plate was bent to hell(i straightened it out with a torch) and I think the crash bar is already compromised. It may be a while, but I will be sure to take a lot of pictures when I do the mod.

 

[TheDurk]

I understand now, it allll makes sense hah...initially I didnt know about having to remove the crash bar...I still prefer the look of the 96-98 bumpers better, but the structural loss is makin me think a little more about it..it sucks especially cause taking off my existing bumper royally sucked..i finally got one of the main 4 bolts off after about 3 weeks..eventually I used an Irwin rounded bolt socket that took it off along with a ton of pb blaster but thats besides the point..
oh and Durk that attachment didnt show up on your reply I added that in..
I think Ill still put the 98 bumper on since its nice and painted black..I can always go back..
any advise on putting the bumper back on by yourself? thanks guys..

I don't know about the '98-'98, but the fat lip bumper is easy to install solo. It just hooks on, and stays in place all by itself with no problem. You can then let go and insert and tighten each bolt using two hands on bolt and wrench.

Worth a try unless someone knows it works differently.

 

[MatthewRM18]

So other than removing the crash bar, it should just bolt up as long as I have the brackets to go along with the 96-98 bumper, correct? No frame rail cutting or anything like some of the aftermarket bumpers?

 

[thaemcee2]

So other than removing the crash bar, it should just bolt up as long as I have the brackets to go along with the 96-98 bumper, correct? No frame rail cutting or anything like some of the aftermarket bumpers?

Correct...I just did it now, it does bolt right up after removing that crash bar...Brilliant mentioned that it is flimsy, while I wouldnt call it flimsy, it is def. not as strong as it appears...it only weighs maybe 5 pounds...still nice to have that buffer but I still took it off and put on the 98 bumper..def easier to have someone help you but Im glad its over with...I had to tape my signals into the housings cause I havent switched over (cut the wire and wire in the 98 lights) but it looks good

 

[MatthewRM18]

That was another question I had, are the plugs for the signals the same? Like if I pulled a bumper from a junk yard with the turn signals and all, will the harnesses match?

 

[thaemcee2]

No they dont match but you can use the bulbs from your 02 and you will have to tape them into the socket in the housing from the 98...this is a good temp untill you cut the wires and re-wire the 98 bulbs in...I just ran out of daylight and theyre pretty well taped in there hah
heres a pic

 

[s20004runner]

I swapped 96-98 into my 99. The turn signals are not same. I just bought some cheap aftermarket on ebay and forced the bulb socket into the new case. The plastic support under the fatlip isnt much protection either so I still installed the 96-98 and will upgrade to armor soon after s/c.

 

[MatthewRM18]

Alright, I am already planning on wiring up new fog lights too, so I guess I should just figure on rewiring both the fogs and the turn signals. Anyone know where I can purchase the socket/connector that would come from the fog light so I can use the factory harness from the car without having to cut off the original connector? That may sound confusing, ask if you need some clarification if you might know the answer, thanks.