Tacoma Grill Guard, Was supposed to be for a 1996 but doesn't fit.

Hi All,
Hey I bought a grill guard that was supposed to be for a 1996 tacoma. It doesn't fit, the thing will not mount (see pics). The attachment bolts would need to have 3"+- spacers in order to bolt to the frame. Something is seriously off. The width between the vertical bars seem to be right on. Perhaps its for a later Tacoma? Any body know what year this thing will fit?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Clint

 

Maybe it was designed for a Tacoma with a 3" body lift?

 

Possible but I don't think the chick I bought it from had any lift at all. Its possible it was a different year. Anyone have pics of the side profile of a 1996 grill guard? Pics of one on a 1999? All I can find are generic pics that might not be an actual 1996. I bought this thing 3 years ago, I thought it would fit at the time and "thought" I confirmed that some where along the line. Low and behold, three years latter after sand blasting it and coating it the friggin thing don't fit. Would be good to know what it does fit so I can post it and sell it!

Thanks for the help.

Clint

 

Those are great pics!!! So is the top one a 1998 Tacoma? What year is the bottom one? My grill guard doesn't seem to look like either.

Thanks,
Clint

 

Thanks, we are making progress, that proves I for sure do not have a 1996 grill guard and I am not just lining something up wrong. I seen how both of those step up about 3". Any ideas about the correct year out there?

Thanks Again,

Clint

 

That's a good guess and what I was thinkin. Any one got a pic of a 98-04?

Thanks,
Clint

 

From my 99

There are two bars that go from the middle of the guard thru the bumper to the frame.

 

98-00's have a 3" longer frame horn than 95.5-97's and 01-04's.

 

This is what they look like after they're cut off. And no you don't cut them to put on a grill gaurd.

 

Jonathan, I'm probably being obtuse, but I think what you are saying is that mine is not for a 98+ either? It doesn't look like your 99, although I am not sure where the frame starts and ends.

Thanks,
Clint

 

Correct. The frames are different between a 96 and 99. They are not interchangeable and you would need to have the appropriate guard for it to line up.

Here is another shot of one of the frame horns cut off for reference. As you can see, the frame ends (horns) on the 98-00's stick out further.

 

Thanks for your help. At this point I don't know where to turn as there is not a single part number of id of any kind. Nuts.

 

My 96..














Good God my truck has changed A LOT lol

 

That it is my friend. Its partly flattened and mostly in pieces

Jokes!!

 

What brand is this