Spacing between bumper and front fenders

[Bonin]

Hi Guys,

I need you took take 3 minutes of your time to validate something for me. I recently had my 2011 T4R headlights replaced at the dealership and although everything worked great I did notice afterwards that the spacing/gap between the bumper and the front fenders (where they meet above the wheel - see pics below), was different from one side to another. The passenger side gap is about 1/8 of an inch, and the driver's side is less than 1/16 (not really noticeable in the pics, but at least you get an idea).

I spoke to the guy who did the work and he explained that the bumper is pretty much a clip-on without any form of adjustement and that such kind of minor difference was absolutely normal. The thing is that I can't remember if the spacing was the same before they did the work, so I'm relying on you to have a look at your 4Rs and tell me what kind of difference (if any) you get on both sides. For those of you who have removed and re-istalled their bumpers, and like to here their views too.

And if you think I'm freaking out for no reason, please do feel free to mention it, it will only reassure me!

 

[Jtraskell]

Thanks for bringing up that fit and finish issue! Errrr. Bumper has never been removed. In the area that you highlighted, 1/8 gap, same on both sides. And it seems, like yours, if you follow that connection forward towards the curve that goes up to the parking light assembly, the connection buts together right after the wheel well molding all the way up. So it would seem from your photos, drivers side is good, the gap on the passenger side is not correct. IMHO. Be Safe.

 

[Stu-Runner]

Just as a reference….I eyeballed mine and the spacing is equal on both sides. It appears to be 1/8 of an inch or so. It seems that your side with the 1/16 is too tight. Also, my bumper has never been removed.

I am not a big fan of all the plastic fasteners on the new runners. I have a similar area with unequal alignment because of the cheap plastic locking tabs. My headlight enclosure on the passenger side creates a larger gap between the hood versus the drivers side. From what I can tell, the plastic connecter has more "wiggle room" on that side. Personally, it doesn’t really bother me.

It seems like every time you adjust the plastic connectors they loose some stiffness. I would imagine that your alignment issue could be remedied by replacing the some of the plastic connectors.

Don’t let the dealership tell you otherwise. If it bothers you have them re-do it. If they push back, have them look at a new 4runner on the lot for comparison.

Hope that helps!

Stu

 

[rouge1]

I remember 6years ago looking at a sequioa for my wife and the sales guy taking a business card and putting it over a gap between two panels and drawing lines that equaled the gap. He the proceeded to make a point of showing us that all of the rest of the body panel gaps were all the same distance apart. He then said try doing the same on the competitors vehicles. He was right Toyota had tighter tolerances. Kinda cheesy but an easy way to prove a point!:bash:

 

[Ukie]

Try to move your bumper slightly on a passenger side to see if there is any movement at all. Maybe some clips are broken.

 

[MeBe4running]

Hi Guys,

I need you took take 3 minutes of your time to validate something for me. I recently had my 2011 T4R headlights replaced at the dealership and although everything worked great I did notice afterwards that the spacing/gap between the bumper and the front fenders (where they meet above the wheel - see pics below), was different from one side to another. The passenger side gap is about 1/8 of an inch, and the driver's side is less than 1/16 (not really noticeable in the pics, but at least you get an idea).

I spoke to the guy who did the work and he explained that the bumper is pretty much a clip-on without any form of adjustement and that such kind of minor difference was absolutely normal. The thing is that I can't remember if the spacing was the same before they did the work, so I'm relying on you to have a look at your 4Rs and tell me what kind of difference (if any) you get on both sides. For those of you who have removed and re-istalled their bumpers, and like to here their views too.

And if you think I'm freaking out for no reason, please do feel free to mention it, it will only reassure me!

I would take it back to the dealer who did the repair and simply say " They where even before the repair, please fix it" or up in your world... "Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous repérer la différence. S'il vous plaît le fixer Tab**nak!

Good luck keep us posted!

 

[Bonin]

Thanks for all your replies guys. I just got back from the dealership. It appears that the difference in spacing (although very minimal), is common to 2011+ 4Runners. Not only was I told this after they tried to adjust it and failed, but I was also forced to admit that they were right after walking around the lot and seeing 5 other Brand New T4R with the same ''defect''. I stopped by another Toyota dealer on my way back to work and the showroom model they had on display had the same thing. Another 2011 SR5 was parked in the visitors and also had the gap. Maybe it's a Canadian thing, I don't know...

So bottom line is that it kinda sucks, but I can certainly live with it, especially after seeing all these brand new 2012 SR5, Trail and even Limited models with the same gaps.

 

[Jesse1983]

mine is like that. even where the lower part of the bumper cover meets the headlight is weird on both sides.

 

[Jtraskell]

Thanks for all your replies guys. I just got back from the dealership. It appears that the difference in spacing (although very minimal), is common to 2011+ 4Runners. Not only was I told this after they tried to adjust it and failed, but I was also forced to admit that they were right after walking around the lot and seeing 5 other Brand New T4R with the same ''defect''. I stopped by another Toyota dealer on my way back to work and the showroom model they had on display had the same thing. Another 2011 SR5 was parked in the visitors and also had the gap. Maybe it's a Canadian thing, I don't know...

So bottom line is that it kinda sucks, but I can certainly live with it, especially after seeing all these brand new 2012 SR5, Trail and even Limited models with the same gaps.

I am feeling a little better now with my fit and finish.

 

[4rntrd]

They are three 10mm screws that could help you adjust it.

 

[Ramzey28]

I just had my headlights done and notice the same thing but the colored part was out a little bit, I pushed on it, heard a click and now all is good, they didn't push it into the clip hard enough or deep enough.

 

[westwind77]

so I'm relying on you to have a look at your 4Rs and tell me what kind of difference (if any) you get on both sides. For those of you who have removed and re-istalled their bumpers, and like to here their views too.

Exactly why I am not sure I want to deal with this now. In short, mine is tight on both sides, I would have an issue with the one side with a gap like that. I have a 7/75 on mine so have a feeling i might wait until it gets closer. People are just never as careful with things they do not own, if someone is having a bad day they may rip or tug the bumper, toss it down, scratch it, then you have to deal with the hassle. I think the hazing on the top of the lights, at this point, is the lesser of 2 evils. I jumped at the tranny and seat crunch TSB's but will be holding off on this one.