Ok so I have been wanting to complete a retrofit on my headlights ever since I got my 4Runner. I hate the look of the stock, non-projector headlights and I hate the output of my stock bulbs even more. I realize that there are quite a few threads dealing with this topic but could not find a comprehensive write-up specific for my situation.

What I would like to accomplish:
I recently acquired a cheap set of OEM headlights from one of the newer models that included projector housings stock. Along with retrofitting the housing I would like to either paint match (I have a silver 4Runner) the chrome piece or do something like blacking it out. I have seen other forum members that have completed the retrofit on their fog lights, which is something I would like to do as well. I want to make sure I don't lose a substantial amount of light output so I want to go with the best route.


My questions include:
-What parts do I need to purchase to do this?

-How much total in parts am I looking at if I already have a set of OEM projector headlights?

-Is this something that a newbie like me can complete? I have very minor experience with cars, but I have done some work on my previous car's headlight system.

-I have heard people say that using a set of OEM headlights that include the projector may not be the most ideal way to go about this. Is this true? Would I be better off selling the OEM headlights I got and getting a set of aftermarket projector headlights?

I personally will be doing the following:
RX330 projectors modded (TSX-R clear lenses, lowered cutoff shield, bulb spacing)
philips 85122 bulbs
matsushita ballasts
TRS wiring harness
apallo 3 shrouds

Ok so I would be better off selling the OEM headlights I just purchased and just using my set of headlights? I am kind of handy but have never tackled a project like this and would hate to mess them up.

Do you know anyone on the site that completes retrofits for other members?

Is there a verdict on how reliable retrofits (specifically the components like the ballasts and bulbs) are in an off road rig with all the additional jarring and non-regular movement?

I have retros on other pavement cars, but have quite a bit of hesitation with the 4R. I'm less afraid of water because you can pott the ballasts and render them waterproof.. I'm leaning more towards an LED bar and a stealth mount behind the lower grill these days.

FWIW, I have no hesitation recommending the MiniH1/D2S that TRS has been producing for years. Their latest iterations are 90% of the OEM FX/RX projectors, in a much smaller package--more retro friendly. They are cheap to boot.

what OEM projector headlights do you have? if the 06-09 4runner headlights, those are actually much easier to retro versus the 03-05 headlights.

theretrofitsource.com has a near plug and play option for the 06-09 headlights (https://www.theretrofitsource.com/co...l#.VqooUfkrKCo). looks like $367 for materials that route.

not sure specific retrofitters on this site, there are several guys that do a lot of cars over on hidplanet.com. ask @CookieRoe about his experience retroing TLs into 03-05 housings with a vendor.

I would say that original reflector 2003 headlights are the best option for retrofitting. This is due to large reflector bowl where you can mount virtually any HID projector available, even the largest ones 3" projectors like TL or LS460 with ease. I personally would not use 2006+ projector headlights as a starting point. Your options will be limited to specific set of projectors, which are not the best performers. This is my second retrofit, speaking from past experience here

I went with LS460 + Sti-R clear lenses, as they are top contender when it comes to width, beam intensity and looks. Few, if any projectors will give you that unique look of LS460 with clear shrouds. They highly desirable and can get expensive. Search ebay, you can find damaged headlights fairly cheap. Projector inside usually in top shape. On road performance of these projectors will blow your mind. I also mounted Morimoto XSB halos under clear shrouds and blacked out headlights. This projector allows for bolt free and clean mounting using JB weld and SteelStik

@paraordnance do you by chance have any pics of how you mounted those projectors? doing my RX330 retro hopefully soon, and want to see how others mounted theirs.

Unfortunately I do not have any pictures like that. But I can tell you how I mounted my LS460. My first retro I used TSX projector and long threaded rods (x3) because TSX had 4 mounting holes. This time I used epoxy only and like it much more due to aesthetics and solid feel. LS460 is heavy and large projector.

First of all make all preparations like drill a hole with core bit at the back of reflector where bulb holder is, paint your reflector bowls (if you like), trim projector if needed. Now try how it fits inside of the bowl and note where projector comes in contact with the bowl. Wear some disposable gloves and quickly mix up some SteelStik. This stuff sets in 5 min so you need to move fast and 1 projector at the time. Apply some SteelStik (balls of 1/2"-3/4" in diameter) to the places on the back of projector bowl you noted previously, take the gloves off and quickly push your projector in place. Do not get SteelStik on lens or your fingers, that stuff will permanently damage it with sticky residue which is impossible to clean up! You will have couple minutes to wiggle your projector in place. Best way to do it is on the jig or set your open headlights in place on 4Runner to get initial alignment close to where it needs to be. Once SteelStik sets its all over. Horizontal (or rotational) alignment is most important one, you can fine tune up and down aiming with factory adjustment screws down the road, but if projector is rotated even slightest there is nothing you can do to fix it later. I used overhead door in our shop to make sure projectors aim where they need to be and they perfectly horizontal. Now from the back of reflector housing you can add more SteelStik and/or JB Weld to secure them more. That SteelStik sticks very well to metal (projector) and plastic (reflector bowl) and creates permanent bond. Some people use windshield adhesive to mount projector but I could not find any locally.

I had mine redone by #lightwerkz . They sweat the small details where I will screw it up (they are the experts AND others who have done their own retros, I salute them!)

Completely agree. I love my TLs, the only projector I would replace them with are the LS's. @paraordnance : your first retros inspired me to get mine done years ago.

Overall quality of light output with a TSX/TL/LS projector over OEM '06 projector? Is there a compelling reason not to stick with the OEM projectors?

TSX is mediocre performer. It is very easy to mount due to 4 mounting holes and very compact, good choice for beginner retrofitters. Light output has very distinct colorful cutoff line.
TL and LS460 is in different league. TL considered one of the best bi-xenon projectors. LS460 comes as bi-xenon (very expensive) and single beam (which I have). LS is regarded for its insane width. When I drive on two lane highway, my ditch is lighting up with same intensity as a road, about 100 feet on each side! Quality of the output is simply no comparison with OEM 06 projector. Any of the above will put it to shame in a side by side test. 4Runner projector designed for halogen bulbs. Intensity, width, clarity, cut-off, everything just better on well designed HID projector. I was just driving my company truck (2015 GMC Sierra) the other night and I noted how dim headlights are. After LS460 it feels like you driving with the candle upfront. I'm not kidding you. My previous TSX retrofit I was using 55w ballast. LS460 is brighter with 35w, thats how good these projectors.
The reason not to stick with OEM 06+ projector is because they suck, but hey, not everyone can retrofit a set of Lexus projectors or has money to do it. To me its a best investment since I spend a lot of time on dark roads.

I'd love to do a LS460 retro but am new to this. To start, should I look for just the projectors or the complete headlights? The bi xenon vs the single beam- are they two separate projectors vs one? If you just have the single beam, do you simply not have a high beam? Also, how do you make sure the alignment is perfect if you're using SteelStick? Do you keep it lit up while doing it?