1995.5-1997 Double cab

Ah, my dream truck that was never offered. Anybody take 2001-2004 double cab and “Make it” a 95-97? Full out with front end swap, rear tailgate letters, wheels, steering wheel etc etc. Would be super cool to do and I’m considering doing it. If it’s been done show me!

 

It was offered in other countries. Google 1995 or 1997 Hilux and you'll see them. Occasionally Duncan imports has them for sale here in the US but most are right hand drive. Here's a 1994 they currently have for sale in Virginia.

https://www.duncanimports.com/used/Toyota/1994-Toyota-HiLux-7ded5ddc0a0e08b9339659a156b7f53c.htm

 

thats pretty sweet! I still like the 'USA' lines a bit more...

 

@STLharry did a front end swap 95-97 onto 01-04 but I think he has an xtra cab.

The original 15” trispoke wheels went clear the 01-04 calipers but they did make 16” trispoke wheels for the 01 Tacoma and relative 4runners. So you could use those.

I love the 95-97 front end swap I did on my 98. Maybe years down the road I’ll do it to my 04 DC.

 

copy that. ID really like to know if the factory 95-97 bumper would mount right up to my 2003...

 

almost positive it will.
Maybe not those side bolts in the wheel well but the four 14mm bolts to the frame should line right up.

 

hmm...I bet I could fab up a simple bracket for the sides if need be... I hear the other challenge is getting the headlights to protrude and line up properly with the 95-97 grill. I suppose I could go all out and put in a radiator support from 95-97...looks like some work to do that! I know for sure i'll need a hood, but that's easy.

 

If I were to do it all over again I might go the route of swapping core supports so everything lines up the way it should be.

Also here’s a bonerific DC with a 95-97 front end on it. Give me a few...I’ll be right back.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-double-cabs.371543/page-109#post-23443196

@Ccrowe323

 

ya that's what I want ! I'm surprised more people haven't done it.

 

any idea if the earlier core support would have all the same mounting points and such for all the other BS in the engine bay for the 2003?

 

I don’t believe so. You’d have to fab/rig up quite a bit.

 

might just be easier to fiddle with headlight mounting untill something works lol

 

@Joey_Bada_Bing

I can’t speak on wether or not the bumper would swap right over or not. The other truck already had an arb, so I never saw how the 97 bumper is attached compared to the 2001-04, but I assume it would be the same. But check out this thread From @STLharry https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-95-5-97-grille-swap-onto-01-04.95766/
It’s what I used to swap it onto my double cab, pretty easy. Fun fact, Thats the same truck I just took it off to put on my DC. That hood and grill has now been on 3 different trucks haha,
I didnt use the factory headlight mounting studs the way that he did. I just used a bolt and couple nuts. Give me a minute and I’ll snap a pic of how I attached the headlight. I also just zipped tied the grille with the indicator lights to get them nice and tight next to eachother as I didn’t swap over the ones off the donor.
If you don’t have the hood yet they are only like $90 on rock auto, already primed. Same with the grille. I haven’t gotten around to the tailgate yet though, would definitely add the extra touch



I was off the first time drilling the side by a little bit and it wouldn’t go in so had to redrill another hole lol


Also haven’t painted the trim pieces yet, or found out where to get new ones as the old ones are pretty rusty

 

DUDE! thanks for sharing the info! looks like this front end ive always wanted is gonna happen! Tell me more about those IPF halogens

 

To be honest I don’t know much about them lol. They were on the donor truck already. They are nice and bright haha, better than the stock 01 lights.
Or did you mean more about mounting? Haha

 

I meant the housings. I'll research them some more, I just know the factory just came with generic sealed beam headlights and those IPFs are a halogen H4 conversion so you can run any h4 bulb you want. Looks like Hella makes nice ones too. Seems to be the way to go

 

The OEM 15" wheels WILL clear '01-'04 calipers. I used them extensively on my '01 (that white one that Cory bought) before upgrading the front brakes.

They WILL NOT clear the S13WL Tundra calipers. I think we can all agree that Tundra brakes are a huge improvement and highly recommended, but if you don't mind keeping stock calipers up front then the 15" wheels are a go.

If someone else has other experience of them not fitting, then definitely chime in.

 

Good to know.

But that sucks because I have a set of OEM 15” trispokes I could have used for my 04. But I went and sourced a set of 16” 4Runner limited wheels from the same era. Only paid $40 so no biggie.

Plus I like the look of these and the size will match the spare vs having to source a 15” spare.

 

I do like the factory look of the 15” trispokes and it seems like they can be had for really cheap. I also however have just picked up a set of 16” 3rd gen 4Runner wheels as I think they look killer on these first gens. I’m in the process of cleaning them up now:



I can then sell my 16” Method NVs To fund my front end swap

 

Yup, same ones I have. Will clean them up and paint them black.