Front bumper non-color match

[fazer8]

I'm looking at doing the 2014+ front end swap on my black 2011. I haven't been able to find a used bumper assembly to keep costs down, so I'm contemplating buying aftermarket parts. Since my 4R is black, I'm considering not painting the bumper to make it more affordable. I'm going to do a slimline hybrid too, so maybe a plain primed bumper wouldn't look out of place.

I'm curious if anyone has done something similar with a non-painted or non-color matched bumper? Pictures? (or even better, someone have a bumper assembly they'll part with)

 

[Johnate0]

I'm looking at doing the 2014+ front end swap on my black 2011. I haven't been able to find a used bumper assembly to keep costs down, so I'm contemplating buying aftermarket parts. Since my 4R is black, I'm considering not painting the bumper to make it more affordable. I'm going to do a slimline hybrid too, so maybe a plain primed bumper wouldn't look out of place.

I'm curious if anyone has done something similar with a non-painted or non-color matched bumper? Pictures? (or even better, someone have a bumper assembly they'll part with)

2 things regarding your idea: The aftermarket front and rear bumper covers that I've dealt with on Gen5's are all junk. Even the top-dollar CAPA ones don't fit properly, most notably at the edges where they meet the fenders/ quarters, and headlights/ tail lights. If you don't really care about it fitting perfectly, the aftermarket ones are fine if you're on a budget. I run an auto body shop and for the most part, every single time I need to replace a bumper cover on a Gen5 T4R, I end up getting an OEM one after arguing with the insurance company on why I don't like putting a/m ones on these trucks.

The other thing is if you just buy a black primed a/m bumper cover and stick it on there as-is, over time it will become chalky and lose it's dark black tone. It will be splotchy/ grayish and get dust on anything it touches due to UV rays and weather breaking down the primer.

 

[sn_85]

Sounds ghetto. I wouldn't do it unless I had all the right OEM parts. If you just want to add a low pro bumper to your 2011 you could get the C4 fab one for early 5th gens as well.

4Runner Lo Pro Winch Bumper / 5th Gen / 2010 - 2013 - C4 Fabrication

 

[Wolfman’s Brother]

Agree this is a bad idea. Save your cash and delay the gratification a bit to do it right.

 

[Mutant138]

Headlights are different I don't think it will work at all.

Why change it? The older front ends look so much better (traditional toyota 4x4). New front end looks like a gt86 had sex with a boat.

 

[fazer8]

Good feedback! I appreciate the responses. Especially helpful to hear about the quality of 4Runner CAPA covers. I know sometimes they work and sometimes not. You saved me some headaches.

So...back to searching for an OEM assembly it is!

 

[fazer8]

Headlights are different I don't think it will work at all.

Why change it? The older front ends look so much better (traditional toyota 4x4). New front end looks like a gt86 had sex with a boat.

I agree, the older front end looks great and up until the 2014 came out that's all I wanted, but I just like the facelift more. I like the rest of the pre-facelift and don't want to buy a newer truck just for a new bumper look. My 2011 only has 80k miles and lots of life left.

 

[Mutant138]

I agree, the older front end looks great and up until the 2014 came out that's all I wanted, but I just like the facelift more. I like the rest of the pre-facelift and don't want to buy a newer truck just for a new bumper look. My 2011 only has 80k miles and lots of life left.

Right I get that but because of the headlight change such a swap is not possible without getting out the fab tools. The bumpers wrap around the headlights. Two completely different shapes between the face lift.

It may be possible to get front supports and swap out all the metal so you can drop in new headlights. Then you would prob need to swap out all the bumper supports and impact dangles just to get it to bolt into place.

If it means that much to you a trade would prob be less work.

Otherwise I would just learn to appreciate what you have. I hate my front end but you know I feel pretty dang fortunate to have this truck at all so whatever. It's just a thing and nobody will really care either way.