removing all that plastic (02 4Runner Limited)

[forestdan7]

So I'm about to get rid of the bug guard on the hood, and the running boards. Now I want to remove all that plastic on the doors, and the fender flares, too.

If I pull all this off, are there holes in the metal where the plastic mounts? Or is it just stuck on like the bumpers for the bug guard?

And what about the mudflaps? If I successfully remove the fender flares, looks like there is a Toyota part to be the front mudflap (probably need to replace plastic inner fenders, too). But if not, I can't find an OEM flap to fit the contours of the Limited flares.

Any input appreciated.

 

[forestdan7]

Anybody?

 

[Duane]

Running boards, front and rear bumpers I think all come off without any major problems.
The fender flares I don't know about. You can search some bumper installations and sliders to see the odd picture on units with flares. I would be leary about taking them off. Hopefully somebody has some pictures of doing this. I was just at the local wreckers last Friday getting a hitch off a wrecked unit. I should have paid closer attention to how they were attached as the front ones were partially torn off.
Perhaps a body shop could tell you or show you on a parts breakdown of how they are attached. That's what I would do!

 

[FlatlandTRD]

I thought the Limited flares were like the tacomas', which would leave holes. Plus there's few that look decent without the flares, Vermejo's the only one that comes to mind.

For your mud flaps Running Board Removal, Mud Flap Installation 3rd Gen - YotaTech Forums of course this doesn't say if it's for an SR5 or Limited

Here's another.. Pics - Toyota mudflaps on Limited fender flares - YotaTech Forums

 

[TEPUI]

And what about the mudflaps? If I successfully remove the fender flares, looks like there is a Toyota part to be the front mudflap (probably need to replace plastic inner fenders, too). But if not, I can't find an OEM flap to fit the contours of the Limited flares.

Any input appreciated.

The front mudflap replacement applies to the black plastic flares (like those on SR5s) because the front flares look very incomplete after removing the running boards. With the limited flares, you get a much cleaner look and mudflaps are not really needed.

If I were you I'd remove the running boards and keep the limited flares, I bet you'll like the look.

 

[TEPUI]

Here's a perfect example of what I meant: (notice the unfinished look of the front flare)

Your limited flares won't look like that when you remove the running boards, they'll be flush with the body.

The front mudflap you read about looks like the pic below. NOTE: YOU WILL NOT NEED these mudflaps if you have Limited flares.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

that mud flap looks nice.. is that a south american thing? never seen that

 

[TEPUI]

that mud flap looks nice.. is that a south american thing? never seen that

Not really. I ordered mine from Toyota of Dallas. (trdparts4u.com)

They only work with the plastic flares (not with LIMITED flares), as they fill the gap when you remove the running boards.

Part numbers on the attachment.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

I have an 05 4runner.... so I'm nut up to snuff on this body style.

 

[forestdan7]

Good info, and thanks for the pictures. And thanks to Loki who responded before the board crashed.

I do like the looks of that Limited with everything removed, but I'd say it took some good body work to fill the holes. The Herculiner or whatever looks great.

I think I'll take TEPUI's advice and just pull the running boards and leave it be. Maybe put some aftermarket generic flaps on there as per the yotatech link. Eventually some nice sliders would really complete it.

Thanks.

 

[TEPUI]

I'm glad I was able to help, don't forget to share some pics

 

[hoch]

I'd also advise leaving the cladding on there. I actually liked it on my old 98 Limited. Kept the rocker panels rust free from all the rocks being thrown up. It would be nice to either Line-X it or color match it.