98-00 to 01-04 Front End Conversion Build & Write Up

I don't always do front end conversions. But when I do. I go from 98-00 to 01-04​

Hey everyone!
So a little background. I've always hated to look of the front of my 00 TRD Prerunner and have wanted to do a 'face lift' for a couple years now. I bought a chrome bull bar to cover the front of the bumper and that looked good, but it just wasn't enough. Well, I just found a hood on local craigslist and thought now is the time to do so!
If you are looking to go the other way from a 98-00 to 95-97 check out this thread

Here is my write up:

Pieces you need:

~6 hours
Hood
Hood latch
Hood weather stripping
Headlights
Corner lights
Grill
Bumper fillers
Fender brackets (can use aluminum like this guy did but would highly recommend the actual brackets)
[Core support] - for years 95-97
Here is a great write up for 95-97

Stage 2!
Bumper

Tools you need (I used):

Drill with bits
screw driver
socket wrench
channel locks
Whatever other tool looks good for the job

Pieces you can keep:

Fenders (but may differ from non-prerunners)
core support
Everything else

Prices for me:

Hood: $40 (should've just bought a new one, would've saved on paint)
Hood weatherstripping: Free with hood
Headlights: $50
Corner lights: Free Thanks Delta00!
hood latch: $21
Chrome grill: $58
Bumper fillers: $15
Fender brackets: $64
Paint Hood, fillers, and flares: $450

Bumper lights: Free Thanks meatman!
Bumper with extra lights and support: Free Thanks dad (would've only been $25)
3 cans Lunar mist: Free Thanks DupliColor
3 cans of Primer + 2 Cans clear: $10
180 and 220 sandpaper: Free Thanks roommates
-------------------------------
Total for parts = $248
Total w/ paint = $698

Selling things off the truck to offset the cost (to show money you can make back):

Bull bar - $160
00 Side marker lights - $10
00 bulbs and clips - $20
00 Bumper fillers and grill - $15
00 Hood - $65
--------------------------------
Total money back just from truck stuff = $270

Total spent - money back = $428 (save money, paint yourself)


On this thread I hope to clear up any confusions with front end conversions and what you need and don't need!

Finished product



Here is a picture of what I started with! My 00 TRD ugly face



UPDATE 1 - April 2nd: Hood

Took the hood off and put the 01 one on. Just unbolt the 4 bolts and unplug the washer fluid tube. Once back on the hinges, re-bolt and re-plug tube. You may have to adjust the bolts because the hood may be off just a little.





she kinda looks scared and confused in this one

UPDATE 2 - April 2nd: Disassemble

Next, you will want to take out headlights, corner lights, and hood latch. Make sure you save the bolts and know where each of them goes. To remove headlights and corner lights, there are many threads and helpful links on the internet




UPDATE 3: Grill

To make the grill fit you will have to cut one of the tabs. This is the only one you have to cut as the other fit right into place. See how far this one is off?





UPDATE Remove old headlight brackets.

There are 4 spot welds that hold the original headlights onto the core support. You will want to feel for the spot welds and drill them out. I just used a standard drill and bit.



Next you will want to take off the 3 bolts that connect the fender to the front. One on top. One in front. And one on the side near the bumper. The black fender bracket will slide have to be put in place. I had to bend a piece - on the bottom near the front fender bolt. It bends toward the bolt and impedes on the connection between the fender and the core so I bent it the other way.

Bolt up the bolts you took off and put the headlight in. There were some plastic pieces on the headlight that did not fit with where the fender connects in the front so I broke them off, they seemed to have no purpose.



Next, repeat for the other side. Bolt in headlights as tight as you can with the two side bolts so they sit in place. Also bolt in the plastic part that holds the headlight to the core support (my headlights came with it). Put the grill back on. Slide in the side marker lights and press in the bumper fillers!

FINISHED!




Stage 2 for bumper! November 6th 2015

Bought it



Sanded



Primed


Now time to paint black valence once lunar mist dries


Sure ain't perfect but it's a bumper and looks good from far away haha


Doneeeee





If I can do it, you can do it! If you have ANY questions let me know

 

I like the '98 - '00 grill
tho' screw that Tupperware carp

Don't you need swap the radiator core support as well ?
seems like more trouble then it worth.
but it's your money and time spent.
So let's see it began

the only face lift that my junk will ever know...

 

sub'd! May do it in the future but I go on phases of liking the 01-04 and then back to the 98-00 and then back haha.

Good luck man

 

I do like the front WITH a tube or plate bumper like yours! I can't stand the plastic bumper. But I don't have the money for a bumper like that. So I had a bull bar covering up the plastic bumper but I sold that for $160 so that is funding my project!

I don't believe you need a core support as I was told, but we shall see and that's what I hope to clear up in this thread

Haha that is exactly how I am! But I figured I like the 01 more and if I don't ever get to own the 01 then at least I can have the looks of it.

Tear down will happen later this afternoon!

 

It's essentially the same thing just different front ends but we get the benefit of no holes from taking the flares off

Nice first name by the way

 

I seem to remember some discussion about the plate behind the lights (radiator core support?) that he lights bolt to that needs to be replaced also. Maybe it is on the 95 - 98 type trucks converting to the 2000s. It should be easy to check and see if the lights fit before doing too much damage tearing it down.
Good luck with the project.

 

Good luck. Can't wait to see the outcome. You won't be disappointed. The 01-04 was the best looking tacoma (im a bit partial)!

 

Exactly! Haha I know right? Nice age too

What I read was from 95-98 you have to get a new core support because the lights are so much smaller and since I already have big lights that the 01 fit nice. But ya I shall see! Im going off what this person says for now. If they did it then I should be fine http://www.customtacos.com/forum/119-body-structural/107041-front-end-conversion-dummies.html

Thanks! I would have to agree with you too. Can't wait!

 

Interesting. I thought the core supports were the same for 98-00.

I still contend you're going the wrong direction, in terms of era. 95-97 front end is where it's at

I look forward to your project and write up. Good luck.

 

I thought there was a guy on here that did this already

 

They might be the same I don't see why they wouldn't be but just going off what that one write up said.
Hey, at least we agree that we needed to get out of our era haha

There are a few but the write ups aren't the best.

 

UPDATE 1 - April 2nd: Hood

Took the hood off and put the 01 one on. Just unbolt the 4 bolts and unplug the washer fluid tube. Once back on the hinges, re-bolt and re-plug tube. You may have to adjust the bolts because the hood may be off just a little.





she kinda looks scared and confused in this one

 

With some buck teeth

 

Just the way I like'em

 

I would try and sell that grill too, I know theres a couple of 98-00's that would want a satoshi-ish

 

Haha I know. Those lights will be moved and will get a licenses plate to cover the front. Just had to move them from behind my grill

I reckon you make me some biscuits now mmhmm

Ya I'm gonna do a part out once I am complete. Just in case

 

UPDATE 2 - April 2nd: Disassemble

Next, you will want to take out headlights, corner lights, and hood latch. Make sure you save the bolts and know where each of them goes. To remove headlights and corner lights, there are many threads and helpful links on the internet

 

zombie truck! Getting there

 

Haha I know! I have to go take a lab practical and hopefully when I come back this afternoon my headlights and hood latch will be here