So, after a little bit of research, every 1998 Limited I have found has the chrome bumpers but mine has color-matched bumpers. When I bought this 4Runner I was aware that it was a theft-recovered vehicle in 1998 (still has clear title though). Anyways, does my 4Runner have the 99+ bumpers on it... also what are the other differences in the 96-98 and 99-02?? Thanks.

 

Yours just has the 96-98 bumper painted the same color as the body.
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

 

That does look a little like the newer fat lip bumpers from 99 and up, but it could also be the picture misleading me. It looks like a 98 bumper because the turn signals are mounted higher than the newer bumper and it doesn't have fog light cut outs. I would say it was painted to match by the previous owner.

 

Its not a 99+ style bumper. Its a true 98 ltd. Is the rear bumper chrome, or painted as well?

 

you have the 96-98 bumper, your 4runner doesnt look like it was punched in the mouth.

 

So, was this a factory option or was this done by someone in the past??

edit: the rear bumper is painted as well.

 

Done by someone in the past.

 

the previous owner could have painted it

 

when did the 40th Aniversary 4Runners come out? its possible this could be a 40th aniversary?!

 

The only thing is ...the bumpers and grill appear to be plastic not that tin ☺☺☺☺.

 

My 98 has color keyed bumpers and grille as well. When the parts dude put in my VIN, all that came from the computer. they called it "dark grey" but after 9 years, it looks more "daaark blue/green". so you probably have one of those color keyed schemes.

 

i thought the 4 runner came out in 1983

are you talking about land cruisers?

 

84 actually,

2004 would have been the 20th anniversery but no 40th for runners.

its just painted by previous owner, they never had painted bumpers till 99

 

When you're digesting that post, make sure to help yourself to a healthy serving of:





And I don't understand how a colored bumper is considered a "freak of nature."

 

This is my 1998 SR5, POE=Baltimore, stock, note the color-keyed bumpers and grille.
Take your VIN to your Toyota parts guy, and he can tell you exactly what was included in your trim package...




if you scroll down the page a little here http://www.top4runners.com/ja/opteq.html

and drill to 1998, it does appear that "black bumpers and grille" only appear on the SR5 with the Sports Package.
There is no other reference to color keyed bumpers, and not on the Limited... I would conclude its a custom job...
scrape off some paint and see if there's chrome under there ;-)
but, I think its pretty !!

 

I don't think the dark grey is actually meant to be color coded as it's more of a coincidence of the bumper and grill. The base bumpers were that color since it was cheaper than chrome;monochrome packages didn't come along til the '99 Highlander.

I'm pretty sure his truck is a respray and he should take some pics from underneath the valence.

Look under the year by year breakdown...

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

 

Her misterzee, did you buy that 4runner from a guy in nc? If so i was looking at the same runner to buy. Did you get it checked out, or did he tell you what was wrong with it?

 

Actually he was in Virginia, He was forthcoming about 'discovered' issues, a GREAT person. I was happy with my deal, and I love this truck. Got a little to do to it, but its sweet.

 

Damn, I forgot yotatech is a joke-free environment. Obviously the thread title attracted your attention.

 

It may have only been a Canadian option, but I've seen a lot of 1998 fully painted Desert Dunes like that here. I know for a fact that (at least in Canada) there was a special colour keyed option in 1998 only for Desert Dune Limiteds. It included the desert dune matched front and rear bumper and grille.