04 Tundra - conversion back to the 00-02 bumper

Hi everyone!

I'm inheriting a 2004 Toyota Tundra, a 2WD V6 model. I was curious if you guys had any good advice for keeping this truck on the road for a long, long time. I'm open to suggestions on how to keep the V6 and auto transmission running for years to come, as well as common problems/recalls you run into with the 2004 model. I heard there was a ball-joint issue and wasn't sure if the rust issue applies to this year.

I also had a strange question: Can you convert the front bumper to the original 2000-2002 front bumper/grill? I don't like the front bumper of the 2003-2006 models at all, it reminds me of a bloated frog. When the truck was updated in 2003, did they change the whole front end, meaning the bumper and lights and hood and fenders? Or was it just the front bumper? Have you guys heard of anyone trying to do this "reverse" conversion and are aware of the steps required? Do you know the parts needed to order for the conversion?

If anyone can link me to threads that have tried to answer these questions, that would also be helpful. Not sure I've ever seen a thread that shows people trying to go from the updated 2003-2006 bumper and convert it back to the 1999-2002 bumper. Thanks

 

I love the classic look of my 2002 Limited front view. I think that it is superior to any Tundra front view developed to date. I understand that others may like or love the various restyles of the Tundra front view since 2002 but the 2002 front view is my favorite.

A possible answer to your desire to convert the 2004 front bumper to a 2002 front bumper could be found in a colision repair facility. They should know.

I have kept my 2002 Limited 4.7 V8 on the road for 15 years and 203,000 miles by regular service from my Toyota dealer. Every Toyota service includes a multi point inspection with a written report and recommendations for service. Major repair items to date have been a new water pump (80,000 miles - under Toyota extended warranty), left bank catalytic converter (75,000 miles - under warranty), right bank catalytic converter (125,000 miles) rear wheel axle seal (187,000 miles), radiator (198,000 miles), power steering hose connections (150,000 miles), and front anti sway bar tips (187,000 miles). I have also replaced brakes, shocks, batteries, tires and normal maintenance items as required.

I have never had an automatic transmission service. I questioned my Toyota service technician on this and he said ir was not recommended. My vehicle has a transmission fluid cooler and I tow a 2,500 pound bass boat. The transmission functions perfectly and shifts smoothly. The entire vehicle, except the CD player, functions and drives as it did when new.

At 203,000 miles I may be living on borrowed time but I love this truck. I read somewhere where a 2007 4.7 V8 went over 1,000,000 miles with very few repairs. Toyota traded the owner a new Tundra so that they could examine the welds and other items within the vehicle.

I no longer visit my original Toyota dealer for service as I don't think that they have experience with high mileage vehicles. They misdiagnosed a drive line vibration issue and wanted to rebuild the differential for a cost of $2500 - $6000 depending on what was causing the vibration. I got a second opinion at independent transmission and off road shop and they rebuilt the drive line for under $800. The vibration is gone and the vehicle drives like a dream. I also used them for my last brake job and to replace the radiator.

The service manager is super smart, friendly and looks for the lowest cost solution while using quality parts and service techniques. He drives an older 4.7 V8 Lexus and knows the engine and transmission well. When needed, I plan to have him rebuild my transmission. His shop does fleet transmission and regular maintenance for a local business. i asked him about a transmission fluid change for my vehicle. He looked at the fluid on the dipstick and advised on not changing it. He does recommend regular changes for rebuilt transmissions.

If you can find a quality independent shop for maintenance on older, higher mileage Toyota vehicles, I recommend it.

 

Thank you kindly for all the great information! My 2004 has the 3.4L V6 but I hear it's a fairly strong engine as well. I'll look to find a good shop locally and get regular maintenance done.

I was thinking the same thing about finding a body shop that might know about the process, was curious if anyone on the forum has done this reverse bumper conversion from 03-06 style to the original 00-02 style and if they had any tips. I'll probably end up taking it to a local body shop for an estimate if I don't hear back here. Appreciate your help.

 

Did you ever find anyone who has done this?

 

Old thread I know.

 

I'm sure it can be done, and I think the original bumper and grille was still installed on some regular cab trucks through 2006. I have owned the 4wd 8 2002 pictured since 2003, the clear coat has failed and the radiator cracked last year - other than that it has been trouble free. Is the V6 in your truck the 3400?

 

The early front bumpers are best with clean sexy form. I like how the fog lights provide sweet wrap around lighting due to their positioning.

Wonder if OP ever did the conversion?

 

Here is an older pic pre-chrome plastic conversion. Side boxes!

 

The bumper, grille and that thin strip under the grille between the headlights would need to be changed along with corresponding hardware. The hood & fenders are the same.

 

I agree... I performed the always on fog light mod, and added LED bulbs to mine.

 

My 05 came factory with the steel bumper. Order the parts for a work truck and it’s the 02 front end. But with the updated grille and lights

 

Nice!

If you also want to go with the original grille, you will need to add the trim piece just above the bumper.

 

Looks good. I always thought the painted fender flares make it much better looking.
My 2000 V6 I was able to get and add the very hard to find oem Ivan Stewart ones.
When I changed it for a 2003 V8 I went with the EGR brand ones which was close to the same.

 

it has a weak pulse...

 

Did you use OEM fog light housings, or aftermarket?
If aftermarket, who made them and how do you like their quality?

 

Tyc capa certified. Quality is... meh. Beam patterns not too great and adjustment isn’t the best. But it works for now till I find a clean oem
Set (oem is stupid expensive)

 

I will do the same... the lenses on my OEM's are not as clear as they used to be.

 

Polishing them up can work wonders.

 

Yeah. I like the black flare look. Painted color matched reminds me of the Great Grandmas Tundra who I saw driving in the grocery parking lot last week with a very mint post-03 Access Cab.

 

LORD! I saw your tundra build on here and on tacoma forums. I'm really interested in the front bumper of your 05' Tundra. I've looked everywhere trying to switch my front bumper on my 03 SR5 to a chrome 00-02 bumper. The bumper you have looks exactly like the one I need, but chrome with the black top lip. Where did you get your bumper??

 

You’ll really like the 00-02 Fog Lights Sweet Wrapping Light Distribution compared to the round ones, too. I think his bumper is a chrome painted black iirc. You can buy them aftermarket or junkyard for cheap.

 

All the bumpers I've found are the round fog light ones, fitting for 03-06. The bumpers I've found with the square fog lights for 00-06 have reviews of everyone with an 03 and greater saying it doesn't fit.

 

Amazon had it. I think it was like $150.

all the plastic pieces are OEM Toyota from Toyota.

 

Thanks for the reply. Did you need to do anything or was it just a clean swap ?

 

From reading, you should be able to swap the Metal Chrome (00-02) Bumper onto your later year. Might need some plastic adapter pieces like emptylord is suggesting. You’ll need to buy the 00-02 Fog Assys, as well.

 

Alright, I'm going to order parts and try. Will update this thread since it has been revived.

 

Another thread revival..... wondering if anyone has put this bumper on a DC with the plastic bumpers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1443962370...idget_ver=artemis&media=COPY#vi-desc-maincntr