So I just picked up a painted 02 grille for the 4runner, and I'm probably gonna replace the chrome 00 later today. Can anyone provide some helpful tips on the procedure? The grille is just held on by tabs, correct? Does the 02 pop right in and use the same tabs? Thanks in advance...

 

There are a total of 7 grill tabs that you need to release before the grill can be removed. Using your long-handled flat bladed screwdriver, press down on the tab, then gently pull the grill out to release. They may occassionally snap back in place, but don't worry, just repeat until you can remove the entire grill.
what are you gonna do with your old one?

 

Wanna sell the 00 Grill?

 

The grill is held on by (7) unique clips that are undone by using a flat head screwdriver. In the picture of the clip, look below the little black clip and on the driver's side to see the tab that you need to push down with the flat head screwdriver. After pushing the tab down and holding it, assert a little bit of pressure on the grill with your free hand, pulling it away. Once you hear a click, this clip is disengaged and you can proceed to the next clip. Repeat on the other (6) clips. I started on the driver's side and worked my way across. Once you have disengaged all the clips, the grill slides right out of place.

 

yea, you make it sound sooooo easy!

you dont know how many of those little clips I've broken!

 

sure, i'll pass off the old grill...i wouldn't have much use for it. make me some offers...

 

Look through the grill. You will be able to see little tabs. You have put a constant light outward tension as you reach in and depress the tabs or they snap back in place. The trick is just getting the right tension--too much and the tabs are hard to depress--too little and they snap right back in
the locked position.

TRICK, you can use toothpicks and put them in the middle to keep the tabs from snaping back in.

You can find a write-up on the site under headlights.