Front Bumper, 96-98 vs 99+

[denverunner]

I prefer the 96-98 -and not just because i own a 98. I think it is easier on the eyes from all angles. 99+ looks great head-on or in the rearview, but once you view it from the side, it looks like a half-finished set of stairs. :lol:

 

[nor cal boy]

I just don't like chrome much.

i agree with you. im building a front tube bumper and going to have it coated with rhino liner for pickup trucks. i am going to do my chrome grile as well.

 

[96743runner]

I prefer the 96-98 -and not just because i own a 98. I think it is easier on the eyes from all angles. 99+ looks great head-on or in the rearview, but once you view it from the side, it looks like a half-finished set of stairs. :lol:

X2. I actually really like the 99+ bumper when looking at the truck from the front. But when I see it from the side, then well not so much anymore.

 

[DieselPower]

Is it possible to replace 98 bumper with a 99 one?

 

[JohnsD90]

Is it possible to replace 98 bumper with a 99 one?

Yes, it should fit the way it is, the other way around is a bit trickier.

 

[2runnersnyynyg]

Having a 98 & 99 in the stable I think both bumpers fit their respected trim packages! Both of mine have fogs(the 99's are brighter) but the 98's fit perfect in the lower valance? I have to say I like both the same and have to vote 98 for 98 and 99 for 99? Can't imagine the 99 bumper on my 98

 

[fightman80]

I think I prefer the 98 style better, as I like the chrome look, and the other has too much plastic for me. That being said, I like the shape of the fatlip bumper, and the signal lights are much nicer too! If only they made a fatlip with more chrome on it....maybe without the plastic top piece????

I was actually thinking of buying a chrome fatlip bumper, and painting out the plastic to match the body color of my truck! Anybody ever see that??

 

[1985taylor1925]

They had stock fogs on the 96 98 bumper, and the headlights can be transfered between, irrelevant to the bumper.

Say what? I can assure you my 98 Sr5 has no fog lights on it. Thats one reason Im putting the fat lip on mine.

 

[1985taylor1925]

At least the bumpers are interchangeable so you can still own the better ergonomic friendly '99+ but still have your flat nosed frontend too. Too many upgrades with the '99 is the reason I couldn't go back to an older model and the bumpers were my least concern.

Hey, I have a 98, and Im debating between putting money into mine, or getting a newer 3rd gen 4unner. Im trying to figure out what would be the better option. What upgrades does the 99 have that you like? Do the 00, 01, or 02 have even more options than 99? Thanks

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Hey, I have a 98, and Im debating between putting money into mine, or getting a newer 3rd gen 4unner. Im trying to figure out what would be the better option. What upgrades does the 99 have that you like? Do the 00, 01, or 02 have even more options than 99? Thanks

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/44297-99-mid-gen-upgrades-w-pics.html

:thumb3:

 

[JohnsD90]

Say what? I can assure you my 98 Sr5 has no fog lights on it. Thats one reason Im putting the fat lip on mine.

They were square and in a different spot than the 99 fogs. I will try to find a pic. Yes they were an option not standard, and that is why until Recently COB had bumper "speakers" instead of fog lamps because they were optional and not standard.

If you dont care about a manual transmission, just skip 99-00 and go straight to 01+ they have better tailights and some other cool features.

 

[1985taylor1925]

They were square and in a different spot than the 99 fogs. I will try to find a pic. Yes they were an option not standard, and that is why until Recently COB had bumper "speakers" instead of fog lamps because they were optional and not standard.

If you dont care about a manual transmission, just skip 99-00 and go straight to 01+ they have better tailights and some other cool features.

Well, I stand corrected. Those are fog lights indeed. I wish mine came with them. But I still like the look of the new bumper with built in fogs. Does the rear locking dif option come on LT's and SR5's in the newer models?

 

[JohnsD90]

Well, I stand corrected. Those are fog lights indeed. I wish mine came with them. But I still like the look of the new bumper with built in fogs. Does the rear locking dif option come on LT's and SR5's in the newer models?

96-00 was the factory locker years, available in SR5 and limited models, dunno bout the base models.

 

[JMunn55]

At least the bumpers are interchangeable so you can still own the better ergonomic friendly '99+ but still have your flat nosed frontend too. Too many upgrades with the '99 is the reason I couldn't go back to an older model and the bumpers were my least concern.

I actually was here checking out the forum to see if they were interchangeable. I have a '99 SR5 2.7L, and the bumper has rusted through in a couple spots. I much prefer the look of the 1996-1998 bumper. I was also wondering if a 2001-2004 Tacoma bumper would fit, I like them too. But, anyways, thanks, I'll take your word for it, and when I get to replace my bumper, I'll get a '96-'98 one.

 

[shadow247]

I voted for 99+. I like the way the bumper sticks out, but I really like the color matched bumpers and grille on my SR5 Sport. I just think it looks so clean from all angles. My only complaint is the top pad for the bumper. No matter what I can't get it to look even and not all ripply after a few days!

 

[madbomber08]

The 96-98, because I have a 97. The only thing is I wish they would have color matched the bumpers in the early models.

 

[fluffeh]

I like the 99+ slightly better, but frankly I don't really like either. The fat lip sticks out too much and the 96-98 looks like it hit a wall. I'd be much happier with a new front bumper.

 

[trail_runner]

The fat valance looks nice w the light but the 99-02 bumper stick out too far in my opinion

 

[Brilliant]

Which do you guys like better, i always here 99+ is better but it looks like sh1t to me.

It does, thats why my 99 has an old style. 1st thing I did was get rid of the fatlip. I looked at cutting it and moving it back in but it was more work than I wanted to do. Wouldnt be to hard though.

 

[mattgold]

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