2nd gen to 3rd gen conversion Q & A

I'm currently doing some research on converting my 2nd gen front end to 3rd gen front end.

According to my research the cab on 3rd gen and 2nd are nearly indentical.

My wife has a 3rd gen and I have a 2nd gen. So I made a few comparisons.

I know you will definitely need 3rd gen hood hinges. 3rd gens are different and have incorporated a extra flange where 3rd gen fenders are bolted.

3rd gen also has taller fenders so they have incorporated riser bolt points to compensate for taller fenders. A total two per side. They look like a table top flanges. Pics attached

You will also need 3rd gen hood latch assembly for longer hood and grille attachment. Grille on 3rd gen is pushed forward about 4-5 inches.

I understand there's already a thread (link below) but not much details.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/convention-2008-to-2016.427200/

 

These conversions always seem like a lot of work. Interestingly enough, I think the front end is the ugliest part of the 3rd gen. I think the back end on em looks better than the 2nd gen however I feel like the guy that designed the grill and bumper on the 3rd gen must've been smoking some good stuff at the time... especially seeing the 2nd gen front end next to the 3rd gen I'm not sure why anyone would want to ruin it but hey that's just my opinion... Interesting to see if you could pull this off though. I was looking at the cab of a 3rd gen the other day and you're right in the fact that they look almost identical.

 

I like the 2nd gen front end better. All the new trucks seem to look the same with the narrow front headlights. 2012 to 2015 is the best looking IMHO.

 

I'd be interested in seeing how the body panels will line up. Looks like you'll need a 3rd Gen hood too.
It would be unique for sure if you could do it.

I dig the 3rd Gen's headlights and the 2018 black chrome grille, but I too prefer the 2nd gen front overall. Perhaps we're all a little biased since this is the 2nd Gen forum.

Is that a TRD Pro emblem on the side of your 3rd Gen?

 

When 3rd gens first hit market, I thought 2nd gen front ends looked better as well, especially 2012-2015 front end which would be easier to convert from my 09 2nd gen.

But the 3rd gens look grew on me and was already planning to convert to 2012-2015 front end via fiberwerx 6" fenders with 2012 valance which is pretty rad.

Then thought if I'm going to convert to 12, why not 16.

Mcneil fiberglass has a 2nd gen to 3rd gen conversion kit in the works but the down side is that they are selling a fiberglass hood with it that requires hood pins. I prefer using a OEM steel hood which may be possible via 3rd gen hinges and 3rd gen hood latch assembly.

Yes, my 3rd gen is a trd proser. It's a sr5 in transition : )

 

You gotta lose the trd pro badges

 

Red truck is Fiberwerx s kit.

Silver is mcneils 2nd to 3rd gen conversion.

 

Where di you hear about the McNeil COnversion?

 

Following. Any updates?

 

OP do you happen to know if the rear bumpers have the same mounting locations? trying to see if a 3rd gen rear aftermarket bumper will fit a 2nd gen.

 

I have nothing to add other then this is like Margot Robbie asking a surgeon to make her face look like Rosie o'donnell's.

 

It’s funny how our mid size trucks are becoming bigger every generation. Our 2nd gens are basically the same size as the old Tundras. Lmao. 2nd gen Taco is the sexiest. The 3rd gens shoulda had a front end closer to the 4runners. The front end now looks like a mini van with an oversized grill. Lol

 

Land Cruiser conversion is best IMHO:

This Front end conversion also allows fitment of 285/75/16s with no modification.

 

How about the front and rear seats? Are they cross compatible?

 

Does anyone know of any write ups on installing the 3gen dash/console into a 2gen?

 

Time to sell the 2nd gen and buy a 3rd gen.

 

Any updates on 3rd gen stuff that is compatible on a 2nd gen? Really want to upgrade my JBL head unit from my 06’ to the newest/best setup possible.

 

Do the 4Runner mod that's badass

 

Yeah I love that truck with the 4Runner front clip, I really considered doing this when my wife messed up the front end of my 2nd gen but I found a deal that was impossible to pass up so I upgraded my 06 to a 15 front end and love it. Gets tons of compliments and looks like it came from the factory this way.