98-00 Front end difference?

I’ve been looking everywhere online and couldn’t find the answer. I figured this is the best place to ask.

I’ve seen some 00 with that front end


My (00 2.4L 2wd) front end looks like this


Just curious, that’s it. Thanks

 

Count the lug nuts on the wheels.

The first picture's grille was standard on the 5 lugged RWD Tacomas - which were the poverty spec trucks. They had a unique frame and suspension that was nothing like the 4x4's and PreRunners. Notice how the red truck is a lot lower to the ground than the white truck. These trucks were the cheapest and generally fleet vehicles.

The second picture's grille was standard on PreRunners and 4x4 trucks. You won't find it on a 5 lug.

It looks like you have a 5 lug considering you have the 2.4l engine, it's possible the grille was replaced at some point. May have been front end damage, personal preference, maybe it was installed at the dealer, who knows. I could be wrong but that's what I've noticed.

 

It’s funny cuz I’ve also seen some 5 lugs with the same front end as me and it’s always puzzled me. Thanks

 

My theory is that those trucks had front end damage at one point and the PreRunner/4x4 grilles were cheaper than the 5 lug grilles.

 

You know what, I take back what I said. There's a '98-'00 5 lug truck parked on my street with the PreRunner/4x4 front grille. I honestly have no idea why there's variation like that. Maybe it was like the SR5 trim option?