I hope this can help those with the earlier 4th Gens who are looking to this mod. This is an exact "to buy list" and 4Runner fabrication list. It took me a while to piece all of the different threads together but it was worth it.
I have a Shrockworks bumper so I did not need to trim the grille. There is a 3" gap between the bumper and the front of the grill so the lower part actually sits nicely within the bumper. If you have a 2003-2005 bumper you will need to trim.
I didn't take any before pictures of the early Grille or pictures of what a 2006-2009 grille looks like before it has been cut, sanded and painted because they are already on this site.
Total time was 3 days but that's because I was extremely meticulous with the paint. I also had Toyota install the lights because the wiring was just something I am not skilled enough to do.
***Note***
There is plenty of room between the mounting holes on a custom bumper and the grille to install a light bar, rectangular lights or round lights.
What you need: Headlights
1. 2006-2009 Headlights - The Sport lights have a smoke color inside, the SR5 and the Limited are chrome. I was lucky to have found a used pair on Ebay for $140.
- A lot of used headlamps have a broken tab which is found at the top of the light. This is fine because any Toyota parts warehouse will carry these replacement tabs.
2. H11 low beam bulbs - your choice
3. ***High beam bulbs are interchangeable so no need to buy them***
4. Turn signal bulb
5. ***Marker lamp bulbs are interchangeable so no need to buy***
6. Lower trim piece
7. Trim piece adapter
8. Wiring harness (this is only for the high beam, marker and turn signal bulb)
9. 9006 to H11 adapter (any auto parts store. Toyota does not carry this)
10. Tab repair kit
All of these can found at a Toyota parts warehouse. Put in 2006 4Runner and it will pull up a diagram of everything you need. Don't put in your VIN# because it will tell you these parts will not fit.
What you need: Grille
1. 2006-2009 Grille - Ebay ($50)
2. The grille should come with a rubber molding that goes around the top. If it does not then get it from a Toyota parts store.
Paint:
Touch Up Paint and Accessories | AutomotiveTouchup
1. 12 oz Aerosol Plastic Parts Adhesion Promoter
2. 12 oz. Easy sanding automotive GREY primer
3. 12 oz Basecoat Color - whatever you choose
4. 12 oz Aerosol High Gloss Clear Coat
5. Wet Sandpaper Pack Assortment
6. Degreaser
7. Latex gloves
*If you're lucky enough to find a grille that matches your paint color then you do not need paint but with the color of my truck theres not a lot of options out there*
Grille Mesh:
customcargrills.com - Custom Car and Truck Grills - Mesh Grill Sheets and More!
Hood latch:
The latch mechanism is interchangeable except the cable rod. You will need to buy a 1/8" rod at Home Depot or Lowe's and bend it just like the original latch. The length of difference is exactly 1.5" inches so the 2003-2005 cable is 1.5" shorter than the 2006-2009. I used a vice to hold the rod and a hammer to get the proper bend.
Tools:
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Dremel - I used this to sand down the grill once I gutted it.
Notes:
Behind the grille there are 3 brackets. In order for the hood to close you need to cut away the front lip on the left and right bracket.
I have a Shrockworks bumper so I did not need to trim the grille. There is a 3" gap between the bumper and the front of the grill so the lower part actually sits nicely within the bumper. If you have a 2003-2005 bumper you will need to trim.
I didn't take any before pictures of the early Grille or pictures of what a 2006-2009 grille looks like before it has been cut, sanded and painted because they are already on this site.
Total time was 3 days but that's because I was extremely meticulous with the paint. I also had Toyota install the lights because the wiring was just something I am not skilled enough to do.
***Note***
There is plenty of room between the mounting holes on a custom bumper and the grille to install a light bar, rectangular lights or round lights.
What you need: Headlights
1. 2006-2009 Headlights - The Sport lights have a smoke color inside, the SR5 and the Limited are chrome. I was lucky to have found a used pair on Ebay for $140.
- A lot of used headlamps have a broken tab which is found at the top of the light. This is fine because any Toyota parts warehouse will carry these replacement tabs.
2. H11 low beam bulbs - your choice
3. ***High beam bulbs are interchangeable so no need to buy them***
4. Turn signal bulb
5. ***Marker lamp bulbs are interchangeable so no need to buy***
6. Lower trim piece
7. Trim piece adapter
8. Wiring harness (this is only for the high beam, marker and turn signal bulb)
9. 9006 to H11 adapter (any auto parts store. Toyota does not carry this)
10. Tab repair kit
All of these can found at a Toyota parts warehouse. Put in 2006 4Runner and it will pull up a diagram of everything you need. Don't put in your VIN# because it will tell you these parts will not fit.
What you need: Grille
1. 2006-2009 Grille - Ebay ($50)
2. The grille should come with a rubber molding that goes around the top. If it does not then get it from a Toyota parts store.
Paint:
Touch Up Paint and Accessories | AutomotiveTouchup
1. 12 oz Aerosol Plastic Parts Adhesion Promoter
2. 12 oz. Easy sanding automotive GREY primer
3. 12 oz Basecoat Color - whatever you choose
4. 12 oz Aerosol High Gloss Clear Coat
5. Wet Sandpaper Pack Assortment
6. Degreaser
7. Latex gloves
*If you're lucky enough to find a grille that matches your paint color then you do not need paint but with the color of my truck theres not a lot of options out there*
Grille Mesh:
customcargrills.com - Custom Car and Truck Grills - Mesh Grill Sheets and More!
Hood latch:
The latch mechanism is interchangeable except the cable rod. You will need to buy a 1/8" rod at Home Depot or Lowe's and bend it just like the original latch. The length of difference is exactly 1.5" inches so the 2003-2005 cable is 1.5" shorter than the 2006-2009. I used a vice to hold the rod and a hammer to get the proper bend.
Tools:
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Dremel - I used this to sand down the grill once I gutted it.
Notes:
Behind the grille there are 3 brackets. In order for the hood to close you need to cut away the front lip on the left and right bracket.
