I want/need to replace front bumper on my 1997 4Runner, and wanted to go with a 2000+ bumper and valence. I like the turn signal/driving lights on the newer 4Runners. Would this be a simple bolt on? Or do I need to get all the brackets and blah, blah, blah? Thanks for any insight.

 

Simple bolt on? Hardly... I asked the same question awhile back so search and see why. But I'll go ahead and share what I was told. You have to customize a little to get it to fit. Even the newer valance wont fit the old style bumpers.

 

I just put on 01 bumper on my 96. There are a few modifications that need to be done in order for it to fit correctly.

the 96-98 bumper brackets will not work, and the 99-02 brackets will need a few minor modifications to fit correctly. The rear most hole in the 99-02 brackets will bolt up to the existing 96-98 bumper mount on the frame, you will need to drill a new hole in the 99-02 bracket for the front mounting hole. Next the mounts in the front of the fenderwell will need to be changed (I just cut off the mounts that were part of the bumper, and haven't fabricated new ones just yet. I need to because the bumper shakes when going over large bumps). you will also need to come up with something to strengthen the plastic valance, we don't have anything to bolt it to, so i am just going to make a piece of metal to firm it up..

Steve

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/99-bumper-98-4runner-47381/

 

Not worth it and on top of that the 96-98 front end looks a lot better than the 99-02. You can update it by changing the headlights and corner lights to the 99-02 style and also a 99-00 or 01-02 grill. It will dramatically change the look of your car, look at Jason B's truck.

 

So my question is I have a 2002 4Runner and I don't really like the bulky bumper and really like the numbers on the 96-98 bumper which sit more flush with the grill. How easy if possible at all to switch my current bumper with one from a 96-98 bumper?

 

It would depend on your fabrication skills

quite a bit more involved then taking the old parts off and installing the new

 

I don't think it would be to hard actually if it is a SR5 and you did not put the fog lights in, but you will have to unbolt the "horns" they put on the 99'+ frame rails to raise the cash rating. And any brackets you mAy need could easily be made on a drill press or removed from the donor. Personally for that much work I would go aftermarket ARB Sahara or similar to net usable gains or upgrades.

 

How Much Would 1 Cost