RodC

I've had my tC for 4 or 5 months, and right from day 1 it has been fitted with the TRD strut bar, TRD sway bar, TRD shocks/struts, and TRD springs. I've just started noticing that the front bumper seems to be "lower" than normal, and this is something which I never noticed before. I am always extra careful when driving, so I know for sure that I have never hit or scraped the front bumper in any way.

What I have been noticing is a larger gap between the front bumper and the hood. There was always a gap, but why is it annoying me now more than ever? I also noticed gaps under the headlights. Just as a test, I decided to put my hands under the bumper and lift it upwards. I found that I can hold up the bumper to the point where the headlight gaps disappear and the hood gap is cut in half. I think this is how the car is supposed to look, but of course, once I removed my hands then the bumper just returned to its resting position with the big gaps above.

So I wonder if anyone else has the same problem (one which has worsened with time), and if there is a solution. I haven't looked closely, but I wonder if something can be adjusted or tightened behind the bumper. I am going to be removing the bumper this week for my CAI install, so is it possible to alter the alignment of the bumper when I reinstall it? The only thing is, I don't want to make the problem even worse when I remove and reinstall the bumper.

ack154

iTrader: (7)

I would probably start by taking the bumper off and putting it back on. Maybe it just needs to be adjusted like that? Its a very simple process and shouldn't even take that long. It's something like nine 10mm nuts and then 3 pop clips under the hood.

I would check those clips first actually... if one of them broke (for whatever reason) then it could cause it to sag a little. Hard to say.

djpaper

I am having the same problem with a huge gap under my headlights. Like you stated I can push my bumper up and it moved up perfectly.
I guess I need to take the bumper off and put it back on. I broke the 3 clips the hold in on under the hood and I am using zip-ties. Think that could be it?

RodC

Well I didn't break anything, but mine is still hangin low. I'm gonna try some zip ties for extra support.

djpaper

Any chance of a picture of yours? I am going to run out and snap a pic here shortly

RodC

Yeah, I actually posted another thread about this much more recently, and that thread contained a bunch of pictures. Here are the pics:

djpaper

Nice mine look 100% the same! That is exactly what I have going on as well. I have replaced my headlights with ANZO's

Sleep3r

yeah i think you just have to take it off and put it back on..........the more and more you take the bumper off its gonna not line up correctly. make sure the big foam is in place.

RodC

Is the foam supporting the bumper? Maybe shifting the foam upwards will help.

djpaper

Good point RodC. I am going to go home this evening and take the whole thing apart again and see whats up. I will try and post progress/pics as I do this.

RodC

I think we could improvise a solution if we take a closer look. I noticed that the top portion of the bumper is not going to get any lower because it's already resting on the top/side of the headlights. The headlights might actually be supporting the weight.

Sleep3r

your foam needs to sit flush for proper placement.

when mine was off a little my bumper did not line up correctly

give it a try it wont hurt

djpaper

I never noticed that. If the weather cools down a bit (its 102F out now) I am going to take it all apart and work something out. I must of not put it back together right.

djpaper

Well I know it took me a long time to reply. I took off my front bumper and tried my hardest to fix the gap to no avail. So at this point I am stumped.

farfednugen

i have the same problem, im definitely gonna watch this thread for an answer, but like everyone else's saying it probably just needs to be remounted, maybe some spacers could help lift it up into position?

djpaper

I have tried a number of times to remount it. I guess I could ask the dealership to fix it and have them charge me an arm and a leg.

SeanstC

hmm mines doing the same, ill check it out tomorrow and see if i cant throw in a few cents on ideas!

RodC

Yeah I never quite figured out how to fix mine either. Watching for solutions.

Hyghgynx

I noticed that when I pulled off the bumpers and played around with the interior pieces, it looked like gaps had formed. But when we looked at my friend's totally stock tC, it had the same gaps. I think we are all being fooled by an optical illusion.