Can I update a 2004 with 2006-2009 parts?

[captainjohn]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this forum. I'm in the process of purchasing my friend's 2004 4runner that he hit a deer with. There was damage to the front bumper and hood, and likely a small amount of other damage that I haven't noticed yet (I've seen pictures, but have not seen the car since it hit the deer).
I'm interested in updating the look of the car a little bit while I'm in this process-- if I'm already buying a bumper, why not get one from a more recent model?
The parts that I'd be considering are:
hood
bumper cover
fenders
and, money permitting, headlights (I don't think the current ones are damaged).

Has anyone gone through this process? Which parts are dependent on one another?

Looking at the bumpers, it seems that the earlier models had more components:
Conicelli Parts Center

vs.
Conicelli Parts Center

Any thoughts, hints or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-John

 

[mysticz]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this forum. I'm in the process of purchasing my friend's 2004 4runner that he hit a deer with. There was damage to the front bumper and hood, and likely a small amount of other damage that I haven't noticed yet (I've seen pictures, but have not seen the car since it hit the deer).
I'm interested in updating the look of the car a little bit while I'm in this process-- if I'm already buying a bumper, why not get one from a more recent model?
The parts that I'd be considering are:
hood
bumper cover
fenders
and, money permitting, headlights (I don't think the current ones are damaged).

Has anyone gone through this process? Which parts are dependent on one another?

Looking at the bumpers, it seems that the earlier models had more components:
Conicelli Parts Center

vs.
Conicelli Parts Center

Any thoughts, hints or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-John

You can upgrade all those parts, I know someone that did his tail lights, headlights, grill and trim inserts.

 

[Uneek]

If you do the front bumper and fender flares, you'll probably need to swap the rest of the door cladding, rear fender flares and bumper. Otherwise, it would not line up properly. The 2006-09 have wider fender flares and cladding.

 

[captainjohn]

Thanks to both of you for your input.

Uneek: do you know much wider the front bumper in the 2006-2009 is compared to the 2004?
I became very attracted to the idea of "updating" the car, realizing that there was a lot of pieces that I could get rid of (very expensive fogs, extra turn signals, etc), but, I don't want something that looks completely awful (I'll tolerate some awful though).

Thanks in advance.

 

[MikesToy]

If you want to spend all that money, why not trade-in your 4runner for an '06-09 model?

 

[Uneek]

captainjohn,

Try PM'ing J.A., I think I saw a post from him recently that mentioned the difference.

 

[felurob]

Check on one of my posts, I did the mod, I had to change bumper, fog lights, headlights and fillers, fender flares and grille.

 

[captainjohn]

@MikesToy - The car hit a deer with the previous owner. I'd love to trade it for a 2006-2009, but, have a feeling that I couldn't afford that upgrade.

@felurob - Your picture explains what I needed to know, thanks.

Thanks all for your help.

(and, there should be a picture of the damage attached, if I did it right at least)