Early or Late Grille?

So for my 2001 AC the whole front end is in ugly shape- bumper, grille, fenders, grille filler etc.
I kind of like the later 1st gen grille and Ive seen some swaps with the late grille and the early bumper.
So 1st question: is either one better for airflow?
2nd question: Any reason why I shouldnt swap?

I will not be swapping the bumper.
Thank you

 

I would think the larger 03-06 grill would allow a little more air flow to the radiator. Probably miniscule difference though.
But it's all swappable. As long as you don't accidentally buy double cab parts, I believe the fenders are the same 00-06, I know the hoods are the same. The 00-02 trim piece below the headlights and grill can be cut into the two smaller pieces like the 03-06 have under the headlights (or just buy em).
The headlights and corners are different from 00-04 and 05-06, but shouldn't matter which you use as long as the headlights and the corners match. I know the 05-06 corners do not properly fit the 00-04 headlights. I broke a set trying...

There were some 03-06 work truck models that had the new grill and headlights (05-06), but the old style 00-02 metal bumper.
I think @empty_lord has that set up on his 05.

 

As far as strict aesthetics, I go back & forth on which I prefer. I agree I can't imagine the airflow difference is anything noticeable. It was just a change in looks. I mostly prefer my 02 grill, but every now and then the later model grill looks really nice to me...

 

Neither. You want maximum airflow.

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Forgot you did this. Still love it.

 

Oh... are we flaunting our unobtanium grills now?

 

Not unobtanium! Less than $6k you can have the whole truck and the grille, right now. It’s not a real Waltrip, but … it’s got that sports grille. https://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/ctd/d/lithia-springs-2006-toyota-tundra/7850316180.html

 

I've already got a DC grill on my AC.

 

I do really like those grilles but Ive heard people say they are weaker because you cut out the center supports. And realistically I have too much on my plate to do the mod.

Is the white truck yours Shifty?

 

Yessir.

I've heard people complain about weakness/flimsiness of the aftermarket grilles, and the T3 grille having snapped pieces, but the grille I have that Toyota sold directly, made by FMS, is actually extremely sturdy. It's well designed, lots of mass where it needs to be, and the metal CNC milled insert only adds to that rigidity.

Lots of pics of the backside here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/1st-gen-darrell-waltrip-fms-grille-info-dump.147323/#post-3692283

 

The grille isn't really structural. Maybe weaker against flying objects?

 

Yeah the T3 grill is notorious for snapping the mounts.

I have no complaints about my TRD pro grill. I think it really depends on what maker you buy it from. Even after cutting mine to fit my AC, it's sturdy

 

I think a lot of it - for the later-year first gens with plastic front bumper - is people buying it forget to transfer the long metal bar from the OEM grille, and not having that bar installed lets the grille flex and twist.

They're all made in China, the design for the TRD was stolen and being sold out from under the American-based designer (per the guy who created it and went to a China manuf'er to have it made) and I can't imagine the China-sourced ones come with any directions explaining that requirement.

No clue if it's the same on earlier years.

 

You guys are killing me. Those look really clean.

Which grille is this?

 

Stock grille with

 

For my 04 I'd just like a chrome-less version of the OEM grill tbh. Probably pull it and wrap it or something.

 

How about one more?

 

Several people have just used paint-matched (approximately) wrap to cover the chrome. Looks great.

 

I think I will end up going with that style in matte black. Ive got too many other projects to do anything fancy at the moment.

Plus, I think the mismatch grill bumper combo will turn heads...hopefully for the right reasons

 

I've got a black OEM 03-06 grill I'd let go for cheap if you're close enough to meet in person. I'm in Texas near Houston. Comes with a free Lexus emblem. I had Lexus GX460 wheels at the time.

 

Thanks for the offer. I was in Houston a month ago, but Im in New Mexico so it would be a bit of a trip.

 

I was in NM a month ago lol. Passed thru omw to and from Tundras To Sedona