TRD Off-Road Valance Swap 5th Gen 4Runner

MODIFYING A FRONT VALENCE TO FIT A SR5P WITHOUT REMOVING THE BUMPER ON THE 5TH GEN 4Runner

This is a step-by-step process to install a lower front valence (Toyota Part #5390135250) from a TRD Off Road or TRD Off Road Premium onto a 2018 SR5 Premium.

My SR5 Premium didn’t come with a front valence and I didn’t plan on installing one, but due to a recent rock crawling adventure and the resulting damage to the lower part of my driver side front bumper, I decided it was the right time to attack this mod.

If I can’t see the gash, it’s not really there, right?

Tools Needed for Installation

PARTS USED:

• Large cloth or tarp
• Lower Front Valence Panel – Check Price
• Dremel with cut-off wheel – Check Price
• Drill with Phillips head attachment
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Two #14 X 3” screws – Check Price
• #8 x ¾” Self-tapping screws – Check Price
• Flat black paint – Check Price
• Soap, water, sponge, and bucket (optional)
• Air compressor or leaf blower (optional)
• 5/32 drill bit (optional)

STEP 1: REMOVE the clips on the back of the valence

There are two methods for installing the lower valence on the SR5:

• A tedious and time-consuming process of removing the SR5 front bumper from the 4R and dremeling out 13 different notches into the bumper (read: destroy your bumper in the process)
• OR this less intrusive and more efficient method which only requires drilling 5 to 6 mini holes into the bottom of the bumper while its still on the 4R.  #timeismoney #thankmelater

Before you get started, place the valence on something soft to prevent unnecessary scratches from the ground.

Using your Dremel with the cut-off wheel, remove all 13 clips from the back of the valence.

Take your time here – you want the back of the valence to be as smooth as possible after the clips are removed so it sits flush against the 4R bumper when you’re ready to install.  Discard the clips – you don’t need them.

STEP 2: SAND, WASH, & DRY THE FRONT OF THE VALENCE

Using fine grit sandpaper, give the front side of the valence a nice scrubbing.

The purpose of this step is to allow the spray paint to stick to the plastic when we’re done.  This is also the best time to remove any imperfections on the valence.

I sanded, washed off the valence with soapy water and a sponge, sanded again, washed it again, then blew it dry with an air compressor.  If you don’t have an air compressor, you can let it air dry or use a leaf blower – this might be overkill, but I wanted a clean and debris-free starting point for the paint.

STEP 3: REMOVE LICENSE PLATE AND HOLDER

Use your drill to remove the two screws holding your license plate to the front holder.  Don’t lose these screws – you’ll use them again later.

Then, remove the two screws holding the license plate holder to the 4R bumper.  Keep the holder, but the two screws can be discarded.

STEP 4: PAINT THE VALENCE

I went with flat black paint rather than Plastidip but the decision is ultimately yours.

I’ve had great success and longer results between having to do any touchups with the spray paint – I didn’t want to deter from that streak.

I applied 8 light coats of the paint + primer to the valence.  I used long sweeping motions moving left to right rather than up and down.  I waited about 15 minutes between each coat.

After the final coat was applied, I waited 24 hours to be sure everything set before proceeding with the install.

STEP 5: Install the TOP OF THE valence to the bumper

This part is tricky.

First, drill one 3” screw through the license plate holder and into the hole on the front of the valence.

Note: We’re using longer screws because when we added the valence to the mix, the older screws were going to be too short.

Step 6: Line up that same 3” screw with the existing hole on the 4R bumper

Before you screw it into the bumper, insert the 5/32 drill bit into the opposite hole of the valence and into the bumper (it should slide right in).

This will allow you to line up the holes and prevent you from drilling any extra holes for no reason.

Step 7: Drill in the 3″ Screw Into Plate Holder, Valence, and Bumper

Once you’ve done this, you know you’re using existing holes – you can drill in the 3” screw.

Then, pull the drill bit out and insert the other 3” screw through the license plate holder, valence, and into the bumper.

Locate the two screws for the license plate.  Insert them through the license plate and into the two existing holes on the front of the license plate holder.  The top of the valence is now securely attached to the 4R bumper.

STEP 8: Install the LOWER valence to the bumper

Now, get underneath the front of the 4R.

The valence should still be loose from the bottom since we haven’t secured it yet, but it shouldn’t fall off the top since its mounted using two 3” screws.

Pull the bottom of the valence towards you so that it lines up with the bottom of the 4R bumper.  From here, you’ll want to drill self-tapping screws through the valence and into the bumper; I went with 5.  These secure the bottom of the valence and prevent it from flapping around.  They will not be visible unless you get underneath the car.

Step 9: Check and Confirm That The Valence Is Secure

Stand up, give it a good yank on all sides, and confirm that the valence is secure.  You’re all done.

FINAL LOOK Of The TRD OR/ORP FRONT VALENCE on the 5th Gen 4Runner