1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

HOW TO: 12-15 TACOMA FRONT END SWAP *WITH PICTURES*

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by socalexpeditions, Oct 6, 2019.

  1. Oct 6, 2019 at 9:42 PM
    #1
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    Hey guys! I just did the swap for this, so I figured I would post a complete, up to date list of all the parts you need, and working links!

    I have videos up on my Youtube channel doing the swap: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2-zEw3n14WcGnvdBV8vdWg?view_as=subscriber - My Instagram is @socalexpeditions if you need any help. Shout out to @anthony250f for helping me!

    The parts list is for a Tacoma who does NOT have a stock bumper! This list is incomplete for those who want to run a stock bumper. I have an aftermarket bumper, so I did not need a crash bar as well as the brackets for them! However, this list is complete if you plan on running a plate bumper!

    Total Cost: $622.02 + $10 on Krylon Fusion Satin Black Spray Paint

    Parts List:

    -12-15 Tacoma Hood. I purchased mine off Craigslist for $160. There are some on eBay. You will have to choose whether you want one with a scoop or not. I chose with a scoop!

    -12-15 Tacoma Grill. I purchased mine off Craigslist for $20. There are too many options out there, so you pick which one you want!

    -12-15 Tacoma Headlights. I purchased mine off Craigslist for $50, then retrofitted them (video on Youtube of that). If you want new ones, I recommend DEPO. However, OEM is best!

    -Hood Scoop: Genuine Toyota 4Runner Tacoma Hood Scoop Bulge 76181-35902 OEM - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Toyota-4Runner-Tacoma-Hood-Scoop-Bulge-76181-35902-OEM/323379448849?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Hood Scoop Guide: Genuine Toyota Scoop Guide 76182-35080 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Toyota-Scoop-Guide-76182-35080/372535600063?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Outer Bumper Bracket: Bumper Bracket For 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma Bumper Bracket Outer Set of 2 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bumper-Bracket-For-2012-2015-Toyota-Tacoma-Bumper-Bracket-Outer-Set-of-2/371682886437?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Upper Retainer (YOU NEED 2X OF THESE): Genuine Toyota Upper Retainer Retainer 52531-04010 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Toyota-Upper-Retainer-Retainer-52531-04010/254335274050?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Brace Assembly: Genuine Toyota 53209-04020 | BRACE SUB-ASSY, HOOD - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Toyota-53209-04020-BRACE-SUB-ASSY-HOOD-Part-5-On-Picture/223638812087?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Headlight Filler: LH RH Headlight Filler Set For 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma TO1088118 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LH-RH-Headlight-Filler-Set-For-2012-2015-Toyota-Tacoma-TO1088118-TO1089118/183217265339?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Front Bumper Mounting: TOYOTA 2012-2015 TACOMA FRONT BUMPER MOUNTING BRACKET CENTER RETAINER 3PC - https://www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-TOYOTA-2012-2015-TACOMA-FRONT-BUMPER-MOUNTING-BRACKET-CENTER-RETAINER-3PCS/121205318036?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Expensive Clips for Headlight Filler (YOU NEED 2X OF THESE): Toyota OEM Upper Quarter Trim Clip 90467-10188 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-OEM-Upper-Quarter-Trim-Clip-90467-10188-Factory-Sold-Individually-Various/123063068983?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    -Headlight Assembly Clips (YOU NEED 2X OF THESE): Toyota OEM Headlamp Assembly Mount Bracket 53271-0B010 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-OEM-Headlamp-Assembly-Mount-Bracket-53271-0B010-Factory-Various-Models/123164777138?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    2L7A4064.jpg
    5D3AE9BC-E7EF-4722-B19D-90222C775D4E.jpg

    Lp73zilASpuiOBfZ9Dnh0A.jpg

    2L7A4373 copy.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2021
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #1
  2. Oct 6, 2019 at 9:47 PM
    #2
    henryp

    henryp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2012
    Member:
    #70080
    Messages:
    2,278
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Henry
    Montana
    Vehicle:
    09 DC TRD Off-Road 4x4
    Form follows function
    Looks good!
     
  3. Oct 6, 2019 at 10:20 PM
    #3
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    Thanks man! Definitely was easier than I expected!
     
  4. Oct 7, 2019 at 5:23 PM
    #4
    SCSPerformance

    SCSPerformance Stealth Custom Series™ Vendor

    Joined:
    May 25, 2011
    Member:
    #57195
    Messages:
    5,743
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Vin
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tacoma
    Camburg LT kit DMZ SUA kit SCS wheels Destroyer Gray
    Looks good! I did the same thing to my '05. The difficult part is finding a good way to mount the small pieces below the headlight. I lost about 4 of them so far from off-roading. I keep forgetting to take them off on the trails so they usually get knocked out.

    Are you doing a custom front bumper?
     
  5. Oct 8, 2019 at 9:32 AM
    #5
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    I am picking up my bumper from powder coat right now actually. It's an old pelfreybilt bumper.
     
  6. Oct 8, 2019 at 9:33 AM
    #6
    motodude95

    motodude95 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2017
    Member:
    #219814
    Messages:
    1,305
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Vehicle:
    2012 MGM TRD Sport DCLB, OME 886s, 33s
    I like the 2012-2015 headlights better, but the old hood scoop was cooler IMO. It would be cool to do the swap with the new headlights and keep the old style hood.
     
  7. Oct 8, 2019 at 9:51 AM
    #7
    JustAddMud

    JustAddMud Professional Grease Monkey

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2012
    Member:
    #85169
    Messages:
    1,598
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    J
    Summerville SC
    Vehicle:
    12 4x4 TRD OR
    Yes
    When I did my front bumper, I used some aluminum safety wire (bailing wire/lock wire) to secure my small plastic peices. The bottom piece secures to the stock bumper but there are some plastic tabs that you can drill a small pilot hole through to route the wire to. Then just find a place to secure the other end of the wire to and wrap tight. 5+ years and no movement as of yet. *knock on wood*

    -J
     
  8. Oct 8, 2019 at 10:52 AM
    #8
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    I agree but that’s not going to fit properly at all unfortunately
     
  9. Oct 8, 2019 at 11:26 AM
    #9
    SCSPerformance

    SCSPerformance Stealth Custom Series™ Vendor

    Joined:
    May 25, 2011
    Member:
    #57195
    Messages:
    5,743
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Vin
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tacoma
    Camburg LT kit DMZ SUA kit SCS wheels Destroyer Gray
    Be sure to post some photos once the bumper is back on!
     
    socalexpeditions[OP] likes this.
  10. Oct 8, 2019 at 11:27 AM
    #10
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    Smart. I’m going to do this!!
     
  11. Oct 8, 2019 at 11:08 PM
    #11
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    Updated finished photo!

    2L7A4373 copy.jpg
     
    BassAckwards, JustinL, stizo and 7 others like this.
  12. Oct 9, 2019 at 1:04 AM
    #12
    SliMbo4.0

    SliMbo4.0 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2015
    Member:
    #172322
    Messages:
    1,422
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Colorado Front Range
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma DCSB TRD offroad
    BP51, BAMF hangers, BruteForce HC, SCS, Vagabond Drifter
    Looks great! I've tossed around the idea myself for my '07 and seeing this isn't going to help. lol
    Sub'd for future reference :thumbsup:
     
  13. Oct 9, 2019 at 10:19 AM
    #13
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    Definitely worth doing!
     
    JustinL likes this.
  14. Oct 9, 2019 at 10:38 AM
    #14
    JustinL

    JustinL Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2011
    Member:
    #50299
    Messages:
    3,756
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    Berlin, CT
    Vehicle:
    2009 TRD OffRoad DCSB Pyrite Mica
    2012 Conversion
    Did this a few years back and I still can't believe the 2005-11 and 2012-15 fenders are the same
     
  15. Oct 9, 2019 at 1:39 PM
    #15
    SliMbo4.0

    SliMbo4.0 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2015
    Member:
    #172322
    Messages:
    1,422
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Colorado Front Range
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma DCSB TRD offroad
    BP51, BAMF hangers, BruteForce HC, SCS, Vagabond Drifter
    that was definitely a surprise to me when I was looking into this. Time to keep an eye out for a hood
     
    JustinL[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Oct 9, 2019 at 1:41 PM
    #16
    Richie Rich

    Richie Rich Toyota Hoarder

    Joined:
    May 3, 2014
    Member:
    #129031
    Messages:
    579
    Gender:
    Male
    760 (San Diego)
    Vehicle:
    2010 X-Runner 2011 TRD Sport DC 4x4
    More than I can afford
    How many extra horsepowers does the pumpkin add?

    Seriously, do you drive the truck with that up there?
    I kinda want to put one on my truck for Halloween.
     
    Taco*Sauce06 likes this.
  17. Oct 9, 2019 at 1:58 PM
    #17
    socalexpeditions

    socalexpeditions [OP] IG: @socalexpeditions

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Member:
    #230791
    Messages:
    5,226
    Gender:
    Male
    If a sticker is 5, this is at least 20. I drive with it up there! No airflow problems.
     
  18. Oct 9, 2019 at 2:10 PM
    #18
    anthony250f

    anthony250f Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2012
    Member:
    #73066
    Messages:
    16,541
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Anthony
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 dcsb trd offroad 4wd
    12-15 FTW. Contemplated it forever. Finally did it and absolutely fell in love with the truck again
     
  19. Oct 9, 2019 at 7:48 PM
    #19
    JustinL

    JustinL Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2011
    Member:
    #50299
    Messages:
    3,756
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    Berlin, CT
    Vehicle:
    2009 TRD OffRoad DCSB Pyrite Mica
    2012 Conversion
    You’re going to hate me - I got a color matched hood on here for $150 shipped and found a guy selling the bumper and grill a state away for another $250. Headlights were bought used for like $150 (OEM). Brackets and plastic piece under headlights were the only things I bought new. So I truly lucked out with finding body color matching mine. If I couldn’t find those, I probably wouldn’t have done the conversion.
     
    SliMbo4.0[QUOTED] and Coolerman like this.
  20. Oct 9, 2019 at 7:49 PM
    #20
    JustinL

    JustinL Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2011
    Member:
    #50299
    Messages:
    3,756
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    Berlin, CT
    Vehicle:
    2009 TRD OffRoad DCSB Pyrite Mica
    2012 Conversion
    I now want to do a snorkel just for the pumpkinhead like you have. That kicks ass!
     
    tdconklin12 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top