Front Bumper, 96-98 vs 99+

[white_n_slow]

IMO, the newer one looks better, but that may just be because it's usually seen in conjunction with the newer headlights and grille, which I think look pretty good. Stock 4runner bumpers are crap in terms of warding off a light impact. As a younger guy, I caused over $3000 in damage to a 4Runner in a minor fender bender. I was driving a civic, which sustained no damage at all other than paint scratches.

 

[Brilliant]

Riddle me this... will the 99 Valance (lower plastic part) fit onto a 97 bumper (chrome part). Or in other words, can you swap 97 plastic for 99 plastic?

Or is it gonna have way too much of an underbite and require a full bumper swap?

-M

Does not work, pics in my mod thread about that.

IMO, the newer one looks better, but that may just be because it's usually seen in conjunction with the newer headlights and grille, which I think look pretty good. Stock 4runner bumpers are crap in terms of warding off a light impact. As a younger guy, I caused over $3000 in damage to a 4Runner in a minor fender bender. I was driving a civic, which sustained no damage at all other than paint scratches.

The late model grill is the worst of the 3.

 

[SCRunner12]

The late model grill is the worst of the 3.

I actually really like the 01-02 grills the best, but only color matched. The chrome ones look fugly, but I like my SR color matched 02 grill a lot more than the 99-00 grill that was on before. They flow with the headlights very well and I like that they bulge out to accompany the 99+ bumper.

I really could go either way with the bumpers. I like the 96-98 for the simplicity and approach angles, but the 99+ does look good and the fogs are a nice addiction. The approach angles suck though, which sucks.

 

[beerstash]

I don't like the underbite/ fat lip bumpers on the 99+ but to each their own.

 

[mattgold]

Does not work, pics in my mod thread about that.

Thanks for the info - and great build thread! :thumb3: