4Runner Front & Rear Replacement Valence Install

[@michaelvance1838]

This worked for me. I didn’t read the comments so maybe I could have learned more. There were a few surprise clips. Glad I asked my wife for help instead of breaking one of them. Installed the oem ones. Thanks for the help.

[@brads1545]

This is a real PITA to do. Make no mistake about it.

[@grahamrobertson6680]

looks so sick. Thank you guys for offering an OEM quality option at a discount. Keep it coming!

[@timheltmach5612]

Took me about an hour and a half yesterday, my finger tips are so fucked up today 😂

[@RPBohannan]

Excellent directions! Not quite as easy for me as Nate makes it look, but easy enough. Thanks!

[@betancourt3075]

If your clips fall into the crash bar you can undo the two bolts on the bumper and can push it a bit to allow any stuck clips to fall to the floor

[@Chris-hj3lc]

My plastidipped valance lasted me 5 years until I got too close with my pressure washer. I was surprised it stuck on there that long. I did the correct prepping and sprayed on 4 or 5 coats back in 2018. Time for a black valance though.

[@brianmartino707]

You made this look so easy, I figured even I can do it. Turns out it’s even easier than you made it seem. THANK YOU!!! I’ve been putting this off since I gave them as Xmas gifts. Turns out I could have done it that afternoon.

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

So I’ve got 2 more clips but again, you guys are nuts. By the time I get this done, assuming I can, it would’ve been faster & easier to just pull the damn bumper

[@scottsearles2017]

There is no way you can do this without taking the bumper off

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

@@scottsearles2017 believe me bro it is a complete and total PITA but you can. Specifically talking about the front bumper. I used my cell phone camera and flashlight to locate the clips and then contorted my body like a circus side show performer in order to be able to remove the clips. If memory serves there are 13 clips. Also be ready to use a heat gun to reform the clip prongs on the valance & a dremel to open up the bumper slots too. Getting it off is only half the battle lol

[@markusnavi2809]

@@idratherbeoutside2981 I realized that, as soon as I got down there. I didn’t even bother trying. I just removed the whole bumper - done in less than hour. Plus, I was able to install Diode SS3 fog lights. Pretty sure they made install look easy on purpose, to attract more buyers.

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

@@markusnavi2809 they 100% made it look super simple & easy to sell more valances without a doubt. I’m handy enough and got it done but really even still people would buy them if if just to pay a shop for the install. I just don’t like being misled and that is exactly what they did. “A little clip here & there then BAM you’re done”🤣

[@guitarmasta11692]

I just did this swap 30 min ago. Your video helped a lot. I got all of the clips with my hands without taking the front bumper off but just about busted my fingernails 😂 I couldn’t get the middle ones back in. Maybe I’ll try once my fingers heal. No way to get in there with a tool.

[@Murrayonthefly]

This front and back valance completely hijacked my work day (ended up taking the day off so I could finish the job properly). Key points the video does not tell you (it doesn’t tell you a lot of important things): -use a socket adapter + drill instead. Just don’t tighten with the drill. Get it close then hand tool it. There are a ton of them and this was a huge time saver the THIRD time I took the rear bumper off to try and fix the defective valance that was causing a gap in a couple spots (misalignment of internal clips) -there are enough misaligned plastic, easily bent pieces that you are likely to get a valance that won’t perfectly line up… be mentally prepared and ready for that. -take note/pictures of the clips/screws you undo so you remember which go back where. Particularly for the wheel well section and under the bumper as there are a mix of metal screws and plastic push retainers (2 dif types to be specific) that can be confusing once you go to reassemble -I didn’t remove the front bumper… Im a pretty flexible, strong cored, petite female and this was a pain in the ass. It cranked my neck and worked my core in ways I don’t think are healthy. I used a headlamp that sat inside/behind the bumper, then used my phone camera to be my eyes. Needle nose pliers in one hand to push the tab down + flathead to pull the tab out. I didn’t use the pliers to pull, as I found them easiest (over the flathead even) to pin point and push the tab in, then use the flathead to pry the other side out. I was also just barely able to squeeze my head in between the bumper so I could get some idea of wtf was going on in there. I don’t see how a man (or anyone with big hands) could possibly get all 13 clipped undone without removing the bumper. Do yourself a favor and just remove the front bumper…. -those plastic push retainers at the wheel well are undone by prying up the middle plastic round tab with a flathead. They’re pretty easy. The other one… just sucks - no idea. Per my mechanic friend, you apparently need a special tool to properly get those out and a simple pry with flathead does not do the job. In fact, it broken at the head in one of them. I left both of those stupid things off for the reinstall. -front valance will require you to drill holes for the license plate holder. This wasn’t too scary as there are screw hole slots on the inside of the bumper, so I just used those as guides and drilled straight through to the front. Worked well. -MAKE SURE YOU LAY OUT A GIANT BLANKET OR HAVE A SOFT SURFACE/YARD YOU CAN LAY YOUR BUMPER ON. I had a big blanket down, but the back bumper was squirrelly enough and contorted every which way when I was battling the misaligned valance clips that I scratched my bumper up in some spots because it nicked the driveway/conc just off the edge of the blanket. Now my brand new 2024 4runner shows scratches at the taillight area. Super… -attaching/reattaching the rear bumper left me with the driver side not sitting flush at the panel seam near tail light. Passenger side is fine and flush. I took it completely apart (back to the valance unclip/reclip 3 times to try and fix this but it was still an issue. My car is brand new off the lot so there is no body damage or reason as to why this bumper doesn’t sit flush. It was flush before this install and now it’s not - in fact, it’s a sharp seam that running your hand along could potentially cut you. Also, I had a massive gap at the top center of my valance - it was visible enough to be annoying when looking down at my bumper from standing that I had to fix it - which is not held by a pin, rather a flimsy, shitty plastic tab that I had to bend and maneuver so it would pull at the valance a bit more toward the bumper. I’d prefer to not have to degrade the plastic pieces because their QC is subpar, but I wasn’t about to waste more time waiting on a replacement valance to then have to do this process all over again. The gap was bad and I honestly thought about jb welding it tight… there should really be better QC on there products before shipment because it’s not a quick install if it’s your first time and to get this far to realize it’s a lemon is not ideal. Then you have to repeat the process again when you get a proper fitted piece! That’s all I can think of while it’s fresh in my mind. After spending enough time troubleshooting and trying to figure out the back bumper, I did get quicker at doing it since I basically had to teach myself due to the lack of thoroughness of the video. 2nd and 3rd time took me less than 30 min. But the damage was already done as far as scratches and broken plastic pieces from the first pass… had I known this video install was a gross misrepresentation of the install (missing a lot of steps/clarifications), I would’ve just paid someone to do it as I would’ve made so much more money going to work rather than this so called 2-3 hour install. I’m pretty handy and capable, but this was a pain in the ass and slot of figuring it out yourself. Hopefully this helps someone avoid the heartburn I had. It does look good once it’s all installed, but definitely not a low stress activity given the clear/thorough instructions (or lack thereof). If anyone figures out the whole bumper seam @ tail light pop out (not flush) that seems to be a common issue, please let me know! GOOD LUCK

[@JohnDaniel3500]

I want to kick this guy in the dick for every time he said something was “easy” or “simple” during this video lol. Just finished the install of these on our 4Runner, and it was a major pain in the ass. Looks great though! These parts seem like they’ll definitely hold up

[@4runnerlifestyle]

Sorry to hear, it can be a major pain with the clips sometimes no doubt.

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

EXACTLY!🤣 they absolutely did some creative editing🤣🤣🤣

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

Just finished putting mine on look awesome, thanks bro! Btw didn’t remove the front bumper - took me about 20 mins Rear bumper I didn’t remove completely just one side and slid it out a few inches to work on - maybe 30 mins

[@JSpalding]

Waiting on these in the mail. 🤙

[@duaneknight631]

Great installing mine today, I’m just going to raptor line the rear valance.

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

Okay so just for anyone who really wants to know the truth. Yes, you can swap the front valance on your Runner without removing the bumper however be ready to completely contort your body under there & twist your arms in ways you didn’t know possible. You will curse these guys and begin to question all your life choices that led you to the moment in time where you find yourself doing this. Side note, I had to use my heat gun to warm up & push 3 of the bracket posts straight because they were bent/curved/crooked & I also had to use my dremel grinder to open up all 4 lower slots on my number because the lower 4 posts on this valance are all an 1/8 of an inch off at least.

[@joshantol2519]

I’m doing the install on mine now and I could not agree more. This install video does not reflect how insanely difficult this is.

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

@@joshantol2519 right?! It’s a PITA but it is doable. Use your phone camera to be able to locate the clips & it helps a lot

[@gregjerome4258]

Totally agree. I just finished and it was a total b#tch of a job. Agree it can be done but I’d take the bumper off is I had to do it again. Not to mention the parts from 4Runner Lifestyle fit poorly.

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

@@gregjerome4258 100%, definitely a gross misrepresentation of installation to say the least lol! Lots of dremel & heat gun work too

[@ps5384]

Did the front valence yesterday on my fairly new 4R and getting the clips out was a major PITA - took much longer than anticipated. But now that the new one is on and (most of) the clips are back in it looks niiice!

[@ladymargrethe]

Thanks for this great video 4runner Lifestyle!

[@louie000007]

Thanks for letting me know I don't have to remove the whole front bumper like I did my first time around

[@kevinboyle2261]

I finally got the four clips out. How the F you get your hand up in the valence to remove the other 9 clips was impossible unless your arm is the size of a three year old.

[@JB-uz2nw]

I like my silver valance, but i don't like black lettering and my 4runner is white. Also looks like you broke your rear bumper (8:58 mark) right where the latch hole is. But, your video did help me remove my rear bumper so I could replace my broken silver valance.

[@morenatripa6540]

How do we get replacement clips? My front valence broke off after some off-roading and I lost some of the clips

[@ryrossssin]

Would be sweet if y’all can sell this individually, 2020 ventures are black in the front only!

[@jeffhenjes1722]

I second that, I have a 21 Venture and only want the back, front is already black.

[@4runnerlifestyle]

Ahhh yes, I will get with our guys to have an individual version set up for that!

[@chrismakhmaltchi]

Same I have front bumper but I'd purchase just rear if possible

[@Mjr1348]

Great info. Ty

[@coachcarter4244]

rear bumper was a breeze. front bumper was absolutely impossible without taking the bumper off... which isn't too much of a big deal (and certainly would've been easier from the start) except I have the radar system in the front and the wiring harness is too tight to remove the bumper... which needs to be done regardless because the valence hooks are too close together and won't fit in my bumper grooves... and I ran out of light on a Sunday night... so THX for the mis-information

[@markusnavi2809]

Bruh, I don’t know how the hell made this look easy. I had to remove the front bumper

[@4runnerlifestyle]

It can be tricky

[@TRUCKERTOM16WHEELER]

What's your full time occupation and is it the dream to do this full-time?

[@Jaico2024trd]

where can I get the "4Runner" lettering? looks cool. Thanks in advance

[@SalvadorAndradeHN]

Individual versions would be great, I only need the rear one.

[@4runnerlifestyle]

Good point! we made them individual!

[@mshawnlane]

What rock sliders are on the 4Runner?

[@PaulFleischman924]

Any idea when the rear valence cover will be back in stock?

[@Winterfell1066]

Completely misrepresents the difficulty of getting to some of the clips and getting them out on the front valence. The rear is easier.

[@micho8874]

I want that 4Runner bar there on the grill

[@Andyre291]

How does one access the bottom clips on the front valance as there’s what feels like styrofoam blocking them? For reference I’ve repeated your instructions and been able to remove 9 of the clips 7 top 2 middle and can’t reach further down. Is there a step I’ve missed or a work around? Thanks!

[@MesquiteAutomotive]

What about front license plate bracket?

[@missesmia2]

Great instructions. Helped a ton for replacing silver with silver after 70k on my 21 OR. Cant go for black cheapens the look imo

[@denzelgamboa]

Bruh the back was easy but I almost offed myself trying to do the front

[@Pierre.P4]

Are these painted or is the plastic just black

[@4runnerlifestyle]

The plastic itself is solid black so if it were to scratch or something it wouldn't matter as much

[@westloves]

just did the rear last weekend and putting the bumper back on didn't go to well, i have a gap right under the rear tail light, i couldnt get it to snap on correctly and I ran out of time so had to bolt it down but Im going to re-do it this weekend and hopefully fix the fitment so there is no gap. Anyone else had this issue?

[@Murrayonthefly]

I did. Took it apart 3 times to try and figure out why the driver side panel (at bumper seam near taillight) suddenly doesn’t not sit flush anymore. Passenger side is fine, driver side not. I’ve read a lot of people experiencing this issue, but aside from velcro(?) or adhesive nobody has resolved it. My car is brand new off the lot so there’s no body damage that would cause this. It was perfectly flush before this valance install and now it’s annoyingly off and sharp at the seam.

[@westloves]

@@Murrayonthefly I figured it out finally. I noticed that the pieces/attachments that connect and hold the bumper in place near the end pointy part are very flimsy and bend easily. The connectors got bent and weren’t connecting properly. Once I bent them back and made sure they connected it snugged up and fit perfectly.

[@Murrayonthefly]

@@westloves Ohhh good to know. I checked that track and small clips, but didn't see anything off. I didn't look through things as thoroughly though as I was pretty over It by then. I will look again when I feel like taking that damn thing apart. Thanks for sharing!

[@mikeysais1980]

Do you carry that 4Runner front grille?

[@jeffrivers9952]

i believe it's the heritage grille they sell to get that 4Runner lettering

[@juancolores993]

Do you make any of these for my 2014 sr5??

[@gmontgo5]

What if your front bumper is all one piece doesn’t look like a cover 2020 4Runner

[@kimbonut]

Whats with the front arch above the grill not riding flush by the lights?

[@Pierre.P4]

The reviews on your site has multiple people with fitment issues. Is that being addressed

[@chriscmbv]

I just installed mine on a 2022 Off Road Premium, fitment took some adjusting but aligns just fine and is snug.

[@dgarcia51]

Where do I find the “4Runner” letters for the pro grill? Is that a sticker?

[@vinsoviet]

Taking the front bumper off is SIGNIFICANTLY easier than trying this with it still on the truck. Don't waste your time messing with it while on the vehicle.

[@Americafirst-i8q]

The valance should have been on all the trims

[@anthonycarrollpharm.d.3914]

Who sells the pro style grill that says 4Runner like the one in the video???

[@betancourt3075]

Dude when will these come back in stock?

[@ericgeier4525]

what if you have a front license plate?

[@leoluu1644]

Hi there can I install that combo on 2016 Sr5 premium? Thanks

[@xenli]

It looks so much better with the matte black. I don't understand why Toyota picked the lighter colored valance.

[@justahumbledude]

Well, TRD Pro doesn't have the lighter colored valence....that's the answer to your question $$$

[@jtomtl]

I Love the silver piece, looks Clean, the black one…Gets dirty so easy. If you want pro look, buy the pro

[@xenli]

⁠Ah yes, let me spend $10k more on a Pro because I prefer a black valance.

[@bangersandmags6729]

I want the black grill that says 4 runner. Where can I get it?

[@4runnerlifestyle]

Unfortunately we had to discontinue them after Toyota came after us. We do just sell the stealth black grill and you could use your own lettering!

[@4runnerlifestyle]

www.4runnerlifestyle.com/products/4runner-trd-pro-grille?_pos=1&_sid=1cfb58454&_ss=r

[@jimmymontojo8487]

Where can I get that 4RUNNER grille?

[@Mjr1348]

I’d like that too

[@platisc]

If anybody in NY area wants to buy this set reply here. Was gifted new with truck. Brand new in box. I’m not even going to attempt install and need the $ for other gear lol.

[@on2wheels275]

I’m interested

[@yourdailyblockchain]

Does the front valance have indents where you need to drill to attach a front license plate?

[@ps5384]

It has molded plastic sleeves on the back for screws for a license plate holder. Youll have to punch holes or drill in the front to get to them. Tip: put the license plate holder on before you install the valance, not after

[@nomusicoffroad]

You left some marks on the radiator. Hits my OCD…

[@YoMomma1337]

Would be nice if you would ship to Hawaii 😏

[@stephenfarris9799]

2024 4 runner is different

[@1rstTry]

Widdle wadder!!!

[@BluefieldsFisherman]

Fitting issues, front bumper balance tabs don't line up and will be a nightmare to return it, customer service it's really bad, everything must be via text. Don't waste hard earned money on this product

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

This is a complete joke how easy y’all are insinuating this install. No way y’all got to the upper 7 or middle 2 clips like you say. Where is that part of the video??? I’m literally in my driveway doing this and you can only reach the lower left 2 and lower right 2 without removing the front bumper

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

@@chriscmbv yeah I finally got it all done but this video was a gross misrepresentation of reality. I actually did end up getting all 13 clips out & back in on mine. Had to use my heat gun to warm the plastic slots on the black valance because of how far off they were and still had to cut my bumper slots open further. I get nobody wants to watch a 2 hour video but more of a heads up would’ve been nice lol

[@jakubgruszczynski4069]

@@idratherbeoutside2981 Dont bother with the purchases from them. I ordered two molle panels and two shelves, they mixed up the tracking number with my other order from them and I am trying to resolve this now. It shows in their system that it was delivered, but it had not been delivered. 818 dollars.....

[@idratherbeoutside2981]

@@jakubgruszczynski4069 holy crap bro. Now shipping from them does take forever but luckily I’ve had good luck actually getting what I ordered. I’ve gotten a small order with keychains, stickers, & patches. Another order with this valance set & one other order with the N2 remote start

[@4runnerlifestyle]

@@jakubgruszczynski4069 Jakub sorry to hear this happened. I am looking into this now and I will have our head of customer support get it resolved and get an email your way.

[@Captainslow556]

“Easy”. And we don’t get any video evidence of it being easy.

[@jeremylucas6771]

that front valance is nothing but "quick and easy." plenty of expletives were spoken. 🤬

[@geronimopascuale9208]

Too much work for installing another piece of plastic and creating more plastic waste. Clean the old ones in place, sand them wherever prep they need and just tape it around nicely and spray rubber paint and they will look way better and do any finish and colour you want .Done

[@TheLqmt]

Front valence is absolute dogshit. It requires a shit ton of finesse to get the tabs on the back of the valence to even think about lining up properly.

[@thejungalope2900]

It’s like nails on a chalkboard…Please stop saying vay-lence. It’s pronounced va-luhns 😬

[@LL-kp8jm]

Where can i get the "4 Runner" grill?

[@4runnerlifestyle]

we had to stop selling the lettering with it unfortunately but you can buy the grille and then source the letters www.4runnerlifestyle.com/products/4runner-trd-pro-grille?_pos=1&_sid=1cfb58454&_ss=r

[@toulany30]

Hi there, Where do you buy the 4 Runner letters? Thanks