Well for the past few hours Ive been deciding if I should get the 99-00 style grill for my Desert Dune 97 Limited and going along with the grill are the clear lenses. The whole front end will be about $262us. What do you think I should do about the grill? Does the grill really make a difference?

thanks

 

i say if you got the means, go for it.
i like that style grill, even if it's not on a true 99+ runner.

 

whats the difference??
also does anyone know if i can put the 02 headlights in my 96??

 

96-98

99-00

 

Ask jasonb about the headlight swap -- I believe it is possible with little mods..

02 grille

 

I'd go for the headlight upgrade. It updates the front end a little more than the grille does. Well, that's the feeling I get. I feel like the headlights are like the "eyes" of the truck so that's what you notice most...

The headlights are a direct swap. They use the same mounting points and even come pre-aimed

 

Definetly go for the headllights, it will be a major change for your runner and will look great!

 

the headlights will fit with almost no modding...they should be plug and play...i almost did the grille mod but thought it wasn't worth it for that little amount of chrome..i'd rather spend the money on something more noticable...

 

I upgraded the headlights, grill, and corners in one shot. It was a drastic improvement and I got many compliments. My friend who has a 98 was very jealous.

another picture


I would recommend trying to find the grill at a junk yard first. I am not too happy with the quality of the new replacement grill I bought. There are small chips in the black paint revealing chrome underneath. I looked at a 2000 on a dealer lot and it's grill showed no signs of this.

 

Maybe go with the 01-02 grill versus the 99-00 grill if you want an updated look. The grill is a direct fit and sells for the same price. Under $100 with shipping at www.toyotaworld.com

Paul

 

Vato:
I would personally keep the '97 grill. IMHO it looks the best, remember, the 99-02 bumpers are longer than the 96-98, so if you get a 2002 grill, it may look weird because the bumper doesn't stick out as much.

The headlights are a different story, I am planning on getting some 99+ headlights this summer (since a rock cracked my 97 lights)

 

Vato,

The +99 headlights are a direct swap w/ no modification. My TRUCK/SUV/CAR/VEHICLE (whatever you wanna call it) has the 99 headlights.

Bob

 

I actually did the reverse. I sold my grill from my 2000 and added a 96-98 grill instead. Here's a couple of pics:






I just thought it was a cleaner look.

Paul :fireman:

 

99-01 grille, new heads/corners:



It's a nice flow.

More info on my site for installing heads, corners and grille.

 

Paul -
That is one mean looking 4R. I like the grille inserts. Very nice.


Vato Loco -
I think that the '99 grille is really nice. I almost installed one on my '02. What I did when I had my '99 and on my '02 is to install the Sport color matched grille. I think mono-chromatic idea gives the truck a much cleaner look than the chrome grille, but it all depends upon the design scheme you're going for. It's all good.

 

Almost everything on the front of my 4Runner is from a 2000. This is an old picture. I have since upgraded to the corner lights from a 99 or 2000.