TRD Pro Grille: Aftermarket Review & Next Steps?

Hi all, I recently purchased a non-oem trd pro grille from the site listed below. I like the way it turned out but the adventure there was challenging and proved not worth it with the aftermarket part. I took my time working through separating the grille insert and the bottom surround; however, I still broke most of the plastic clips from how it's pieced together (leads me to my problem). I had to modify it a bit to get everything to look right and stay together, insert and bottom surround. Now my TSS sensor will not work causing zero functionality, assuming I installed everything correctly. I have emailed the company on how to repair or a refund. I wish I did not do the swap in the first place and stuck with my oem sr5 grille at this point.

• I can't go back to my original grille due to the clips being broke (is it repairable?)
• Do I buy an oem sr5 MGM bottom+insert (new or used)
• Do I but an oem TRD Pro bottom+insert (new or used) so the TSS sensor works correctly.

Thank you in advance on any advice you can give. Trying not to break the bank.

Appearance: 9/10
Assembly: 3/10
Functionality: 1/10

https://www.kokautoparts.com/products/2014-2021-tundra-trd-pro-style-grille

Before:

After:

 

Have you tried taking the sensor cover off the new grille? If it works with that removed then you know it's a material issue and that is much easier to address than replacing the whole grille. I know it's a gamble on any of the scamazon chinesium parts and the TSS sensor. Some people don't have trouble and others do, but it may just be that little cover.

 

Sorry to hear it’s not working out so far!

I just did this same thing, however I went all OEM from Sparks including the OE garnish. Got an Army Green Pro grill and separated two grills to make one that I finished up installing last night.

What clips did you break? The tabs on the surround or the small black safety clips on the insert? Trying to understand why you can’t go back to the SR5 insert? You mentioned having to come up with something to keep it all together? Did the insert and surround no longer want to stay together or is it the result of the aftermarket insert?

Also, what is going on with the TSS that it won’t work anymore either? Suspect the garnish is not the right material causing your issue there. That is why I just went OE to hopefully prevent that from happening.

 

I will try that. May be the problem.

Did you replace the full grille+bottom surround or just insert? About how much. I broke the little plastic clips from the OE bottom surround (about 6 out of the 8 ) Those clips are what attach the insert with the surround piece, without them the pieces separate. Worried I try and remove again, I'd wipe out all the clips and it wouldn't be able to properly connect anymore. I suppose I could use plastic weld if I swapped back to the SR5.

 

I replaced the insert. Toyota did not offer a Pro in the 2018-2021 in Barcelona Red. So, I got an OE grill and swapped my surround over to the Pro insert. I have the Green surround for sale with all tabs in tact if you could get it painted MGM? Understand which tabs you’re talking about. I brought both grills inside and did the swap in front of an electric fire place so the prices were nice and warm. Allowed them to be a bit more forgiving and flexible.

 

Did mine in the garage, 40 degrees with the door open. Here's your sign.

 

Yep, that is why they broke I suspect. Too cold and not flexible enough.

If you wanted, I have this surround sitting here. All tabs are in tact and strong. Would be as simple as painting and attaching either your SR5 or aftermarket Pro insert to it. Would not have to worry about them coming apart. Would be cheaper to get it painted and installed than buying a whole new grill.

Do you have a picture of what actually broke off?

Here is my finished install literally last night lol

Let me know!

 

Looks good! Should've went that route myself, jumped on sparks and that sensor cover garnish is very expensive! $334.95. Also leads to the likely reason why mine does not work lol. No pictures, sorry. I'm highly attempted to swap back to OM and break out the JB Plastic Weld.

 

Thanks!
Yep it was expensive, but I didn’t want to worry about the silly TSS having fits.

That should hold it I think. Assuming you will just glue the broken tabs back on the surround? If you do come up with a picture of the broken tab before JB Welding back together, I think it would be useful to others in the future to make them aware to use caution.

If you change your mind, just shoot me a PM! Willing to work something out to help a fellow forum member!

 

Unfortunately, the OE parts are the best way to go and they aren’t cheap. Mine is a 2014 Limited and I don’t have the sensor to deal with, thankfully.

Yes, the grill clips are small, brittle, tedious, and overall a pain in the ass. As some have said, temperature matters when dealing with these. I broke a couple.

When I did this a few years ago, Roman (at Cool Springs) had a paint guy and he painted the grill surround and front bumper corners to match and then sent it to me. (Should have bought the Platinum.)

To this day it all fits good and the paint match is perfect.

Funny thing, I have tried to sell my OE chrome grill assembly several times and never a nibble. Cant give it away…and it’s in the box and time to drop at the landfill.

 

Pretty sure @Roman is with Cool Springs, not Sparks. Minor detail, but my OCD twitched.

 

Oops…fixed.

 

2020 tundra Will a oem sst cover fit an After market pro grill ty