3rd gen bumper to 2nd gen

Howdy,
I’m new to this website and new to Tacoma ownership. Recently just bought a 2011 Tacoma out of Texas. It was in a wreck and it needs a bumper to pass safety inspection. Rather than getting a stock bumper and messing with that, I’m hoping to just go straight to a steel bumper. I was browsing around and I can’t find a decent 2nd gen bumper for under $1000+.

I’m not looking to break the bank, so I found a few cheaper options on eBay but they are primarily for a 3rd gen.

I’m curious what the mounting situation is and how far off it’ll be, I’ve read the mounts are the same but it may sit a bit further out from what I understand….I prefer a minimalistic style bumper and so I’d be curious how this 3g bumper will look on a 2g body lines. I am not against modifying anything to fit so curious if anyone has had any experience with this particular situation.

Lmk your thoughts

 

WELCOME TO TACOMA WORLD BRAH!

 

I bet @Clearwater Bill knows the answer to your questions..... @Mrorangecrush77

 

Curious why a 3g steel bumper would cost less than a 2g bumper?

But 2g are still out there. A quick search found https://www.hookeroad.com/collections/toyota-tacoma/categories_front-bumpers

Maybe this brand isn't great, IDK. But there has to be other vendors.

 

This is solid, I do like this brand in fact they are very budget friendly, I’ll attach a pic of the 3g bumper I’m after….maybe I’m being picky but I prefer more minimalist style aka less bulky. All the 2g bumpers just seem bulky. Here’s that 3g bumper I was considering, it looks pretty clean and would fit my application.

im sure with some modifications it could fit the mounts, I’m just curious about body lines. Are the 3gs pretty similar to 2gs from the front? Obviously some stark differences but I’m curious if this bumper I attached may fit

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Thanks!

 

this brand seems ok, I just can’t find that tubing style for a 2g in the same price range leading me to think I could cut it to fit if the mounts are the same or even close?

 

Can anyone confirm if a 3g bumper will bolt to a 2g frame? I’d assume they do but looking for confirmation before I order. I think I should be ok…..but wanted to make sure before ordering anything.

 

@Clearwater Bill Do you know if the 3rd gen bumpers will bolt onto the 2nd gen? Thank you kind sir.

 

I am fairly certian it will bolt up but the 3rd gen grill sticks out the front of the truck alot further ~6". There also might be some core support issues for fitting a winch but please dont bolt a winch to a chinesium bumper anyways.

 

If you're willing to modify it, why not make one yourself? Would probably be easier than attempting to modify the wrong thing to fit

 

it’s more of a time thing, I personally don’t own a welder and I am moving to Idaho in the next 2-3 weeks so I’m trying to get dialed in probably at the worst time haha. I agree a built bumper would generally be better but I am borrowing my buddy’s welder while I still live nearby. Figure it would be easier. Obviously it’s just metal and can be adjusted, just curious if I can make it work for the meantime

 

I agree about bolting to cheap crap….been there, had it fail

I don’t plan on a winch for a little while. If I do go that route I’ll definitely beef it up or even go a different route.

I believe I SHOULD be able to trim off the mounting hardware and reweld it 6 inches recessed (if it sticks out that far). I honestly hate the bumpers that are super super bulky on essentially a stock truck. I appreciate the confirmation though. I saw a 3g taco today and I believe the mounts are front end of the frame are dang near the same.

 

https://ebay.us/m/zhqwBF

This is the bumper I am thinking I can make work for my uses, hoping it won’t stick too far.

 

I dont think its worth the gamble, I cant say for sure but I would think the bends in that top tube would be diffferent for 2nd vs 3rd gen.

 

Welcome!