Pic Request! 96-98 Front Bumper on 99+

[Thumbie]

PHOTO DUMP REQUEST!

I am looking for inspiration here. Thinking of swapping the OEM bumper on my '00 out for the '96 - '98 front bumper.

I have read thru all the threads I can find, so I am familiar with the process... and seen SOME pics, but there aren't a whole lot of them, including from different angles, and ESPECIALLY ones with the wider fender flares.
Side question: do the 96-98 front bumpers with extended flare kit have the same mounting holes for the flares?

If you have done this swap, please share some pictures! :rockon:

Backstory: I am starting the process of restoring this 4runner to be OEM+, and just like the older bumper look better, but mine has the fender flare kit so it complicates the look a bit.

 

[phattyduck]

PHOTO DUMP REQUEST!

I am looking for inspiration here. Thinking of swapping the OEM bumper on my '00 out for the '96 - '98 front bumper.

I have read thru all the threads I can find, so I am familiar with the process... and seen SOME pics, but there aren't a whole lot of them, including from different angles, and ESPECIALLY ones with the wider fender flares.
Side question: do the 96-98 front bumpers with extended flare kit have the same mounting holes for the flares?

If you have done this swap, please share some pictures! :rockon:

Backstory: I am starting the process of restoring this 4runner to be OEM+, and just like the older bumper look better, but mine has the fender flare kit so it complicates the look a bit.

Just look for pictures of '96-'98 Limiteds. It'll look the same from the front. The only other way you can tell early from late from the front is the headlights, but those swap easily too. Your SR5 'wide' flares will bolt right on to the earlier Limited bumper with fender flare holes.

-Charlie

 

[Thumbie]

Your SR5 'wide' flares will bolt right on to the earlier Limited bumper with fender flare holes.

Much appreciated info! Good to know that it is the Limited models I need to look at for 96-98. I guess I am forgetting that most of the body is so similar lol.

Seems like most photos I have seen people swap on the non-limited bumper and it looks a bit off with no flares...

Thanks again for that clarification.

 

[5VZ-FE]

The only other way you can tell early from late from the front is the headlights, but those swap easily too.

This is the only difference. I have a '99 with a '98 bumper and lower valence. It's not a limited so there aren't any flares but I can post a few pictures if you still want.

 

[stunt2]

 

[Thumbie]

Looks sweet! The flares don't look bad either, especially with how you built the front end. Thanks!

 

[AJPuleo23]

I did this swap on my 01

IIRC the bumper brackets that attach to the frame are not interchangeable between the generations of bumper, just FYI. I can try and find a part # if needed, but you'll just need to get the earlier generation brackets if you intend to do it.

Attached a few photos

 

[Thumbie]

I did this swap on my 01

IIRC the bumper brackets that attach to the frame are not interchangeable between the generations of bumper, just FYI. I can try and find a part # if needed, but you'll just need to get the earlier generation brackets if you intend to do it.

Attached a few photos

Dang that looks AWESOME! mine's the same color too. Yes, I did read you need to use the older brackets. Did you grab a front bumper from a limited so the holes for the flares lined up?

 

[AJPuleo23]

Dang that looks AWESOME! mine's the same color too. Yes, I did read you need to use the older brackets. Did you grab a front bumper from a limited so the holes for the flares lined up?

Thanks - sorry for the delay in reply.

Yeah I just dug through all my orders emails, and I purchased a chrome plated limited bumper and valance from ebay, something like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126457856454?fits=Submodel%3ALimited%7CModel%3A4Runner%7CMake%3AToyota&_skw=96-98+toyota+4runner+limited+bumper+valance+chrome&itmmeta=01KAXPJ0W7ME6SVSJ74JCS0V6R&hash=item1d7179c1c6:g:Z~EAAOSwZctmML62&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAABEFkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1eFw%2BfdF3r%2BgpkC7ogScaMuYVRN8bBOCvX3PHSR8ZF5214Om9jCVkutDSkenKduoVc%2Ba5F1WM1m6QXDh6h2sDQ%2BxsIReRWhHAKUoYd30CFJuC2Nc%2BIvPKeTiuOA%2FmDuOHWgNJR%2B%2B%2BtxHySVFS7ftwVD%2F8Y6an5H67vJ4v4lEmFKUTJiinL77ayF2gwRO1SMgSrN7zTdQyJ%2FdV0jjwxr7ESFvnDgDy06Eumo%2F2khIQvXn0fUcGLgvCMwuv3ncX0tLHPpIc1pd66CHD266fyWLRtk5aNypyVIhu%2BURPc5BKAWfjA9WndSeIBrZMbbrwle%2FsRmrUAlQphZR57hA7NAOT%2Bh%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7qOyLbXZg


Then I got on the phone with a local dealership to oder these:

52142-35050 1 $ 39.00 Bumper Face Bar Bracket (Left, Front)
52141-35050 1 $ 39.00 Bumper Face Bar Bracket (Right, Front)


I try to go with an OEM+ type of look so, I say this because you'll also need the turn signal lenses - amber being the OE, but they are different than the fat lip bumper. Some bumper kits may even include the lenses with them, just FWIW.

Good luck

 

[AJPuleo23]

tried editing my last post multiple times but I can't seem to get it to submit... so apologies for the 2x post, but I forgot to say you will want to save all the clips that the lower valence uses on the fat lip bumper to xfer them to the new (old?) one.

IIRC you'll also want to soak them in a rust buster for a day or two before you go to town if they're rusted a bit (ask me how I know...)

cheers.

 

[Thumbie]

Thank you very much for getting back. Very helpful tips.
I have watched some videos of bumper removal, seems like the factory bolts are same quality as drywall screws. Will definitely soak all bolts in penetrating oil for a day or two at least. And probably just order Grade 8 replacement bolts for the heck of it.

Yes I also am going OEM+. Like the look of yours. Planning to have it repainted when I am done, most likely same color...you've got me wanting a sport hood now haha.

 

[AJPuleo23]

Thank you very much for getting back. Very helpful tips.
I have watched some videos of bumper removal, seems like the factory bolts are same quality as drywall screws. Will definitely soak all bolts in penetrating oil for a day or two at least. And probably just order Grade 8 replacement bolts for the heck of it.

Yes I also am going OEM+. Like the look of yours. Planning to have it repainted when I am done, most likely same color...you've got me wanting a sport hood now haha.

Ha, yeah that one isnt original to my truck either. The clear coat on my original green (non sport) hood was pretty cooked, and this one popped up on eBay within driving distance. Got lucky and found an OE hood. Best of luck hunting.

 

[Rasyad]

Dang that looks AWESOME! mine's the same color too. Yes, I did read you need to use the older brackets. Did you grab a front bumper from a limited so the holes for the flares lined up?

Hi There,

I have a 99 limited in green and am taking off the stock bumpers, all the plastic, and the side steps. All of it is in good shape and yours for free. I live in Berkeley, come and get it.

Rasyad

Text me. 510.301.2222

 

[Thumbie]

Thanks, but no thanks. That is the style I already have. I am looking for 96-98 front bumper.