New 2019 owner grill help

hey all. I’ve been on quite a few threads now on grill upgrades. -let me start by stating I’m new to Tacoma’s. My fiancé and I both just bought new Tacoma’s this month. I got the 2019 trd off road in cement. She got the 2018 trd off road in quicksand. We both want all black grills like the pro.- now I’m understanding that we both have the sensors for the radar in front. My first question is, do the OEM Toyota TRD Pro all black grill that come factory need a garnish? I assume not. But am unsure. Ultimately I’d prefer to not have to get the garnish and just install the grill as is. I understand the Factory grills are more expensive. I see some have had issues with the non factory pro grills. The knock offs. I’d buy a knock off grille if I knew for a fact it was good quality. And there becomes my next problem. I can’t seem to find what are good places to buy aftermarket or OEM. So I’m asking you guys for assurance on good quality aftermarket grills or a place to get the OEM for the best price. And finally I’ve read conflicting info that the 2019 sensor is slightly different than the 2018. So any clarity would help there too. I’m sorry for the long question and possible rethread. But I’m new so go easy on me please.

 

Yes they need the garnish along with the grille. Many members are buying cheaper grilles on eBay and Amazon. The OEM garnish has better results with the Pro grille to alleviate TSS issues.

 

Welcome to TW!

Lots of people have had no issues with the TSS after a swap, and some have...YMMV. I went with the black SR5 surround on mine, as the 2018+ grilles are galactically better than the previous cheese graters IMO.

Some options:
@CaliRaisedLed
www.toyotapartsdeal.com
Ebay (caveat emptor)

 

@TailHook could you tell me a bit more, if you have the time, about the SR5 mod and maybe a pic?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...es-local-san-diego-pickup-shipped-140.554247/

 

Basically, you're just replacing the chrome surround with a black one. Doesn't seem like much, but it makes a huge difference. P/N is

$154 52711-04010 Toyota Genuine Parts - Moulding, Fr Bumper (52711-04010)

52711-04010.
Also, I did avionics in the military, specifically radar. One of the main reasons I didn't want a Pro grille was that it lowers the TSS sensor (mm wave radar). It may "work" and not throw a code, but performance won't be optimal without recalibration, and that's an added expense. Some will argue that recalibration isn't necessary, but something potentially not right will bug the hell out of me, and even more on a loved one's vehicle. That's just my personal logic...

 

@TailHook thanks. And that’s good advice. I’m still deciding. As an infantry marine veteran I like my things to look aggressive lol. But seriously that looks good. I am contemplating a bit of a vinyl wrap of a few accent points. The roof, lower sides, mirror backs, tail gate and maybe the body painted bigger surround. So that might look good with your set up. I’ve also seen people smoke out your specific Toyota logo and I like that too. Do you know if you can still insert grill lights in the stock grill like you and I currently have similar to how some do with the pro grill?

 

There was a thread yesterday of a company selling raptor lights to fit the oem grille. Let me find it

Here it is

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-tacoma-raptor-lights-kit.469569/

 

@Edgar that was perfect. Thankyou. I think I’m sold on staying stock once I dump the chrome.

 

Did you paint your chrome surrounding the grill or buy one thats already black.. if so where?

 

The P/N I posted is for the SR5 surround, which is molded black plastic...more expensive than paint or derp, but 100% maintenance free.

 

Oh man I just looked it up, awesome that its already black! I think thats going to be my next mod. Thank you.

 

I did the black surround on mine too and it changes the look of the truck for the better IMO. Well worth the $90 for the SR black surround. BTW - Semper Fi

 

Anyone know where you can purchase this grille surround in Canada, besides the dealer. They wanted almost $300

 

@rblalliance thanks man. Semper Fi. And your truck looks sweet. Has anyone seen a way to smoke out or maybe black out the emblem without affecting the sensor?

 

There's a thread on here somewhere where they applied a film to the logo and it didn't affect the TSS. I'll look for it and post it when I find it.

 

You could probably do night shades spray, I think tint film would be safer since its not permanent

 

Awesome, thanks for posting! I ordered the black surround last night! After seeing your truck I know exactly what mine will look like.

 

Awesome! Post a pic after you install it.

 

Thanks! That's another option, but I decided to just leave mine the way it is. It doesn't bother me that much to want to change it.