06+ to 03 Headlight swap (backwards)

[Dirtrider216]

I know that plenty of people do a 2003 to 2006+ headlight swap but would it be just as easy to to a 2006 to 2003 headlight swap? I feel that it would be much easier to do a projector retrofit with 2003 headlights where I would just have to drill a hole in the reflector housing rather than try to mount a projector to the 06 mounting locations..

 

[Terminator03]

I know that plenty of people do a 2003 to 2006+ headlight swap but would it be just as easy to to a 2006 to 2003 headlight swap? I feel that it would be much easier to do a projector retrofit with 2003 headlights where I would just have to drill a hole in the reflector housing rather than try to mount a projector to the 06 mounting locations..

I haven’t done it, but there is a company that was discussed in a retrofit thread on here that makes a bolt in projector adapter for the ‘06 style lights. I considered trying it since my aftermarket ‘06 lights leaked anyway, but for now I decided to try some powerful LED bulbs that got rave reviews in another thread. If that doesn’t pan out, then I may just go the retrofit route.

I believe that converting the other way is doable with the correct under light trim pieces, and adapters for the bulbs, but I’m not sure how you would do the DRLs. On the earlier models, like my ‘04, the DRLs were next to the fogs in the bumper, and just get relocated to the corners of the ‘06 style lights, but not sure where they would go in your application...

 

[NinjaOne]

I recall hearing the 03-05 headlights have inference issues with the 06-09 grill. So if you don't mind clearance your grill slightly or also running 03-05 grill you won't have a problem. You could potentially clearance the headlight housing themselves, but that could lead to leaking issues down the road if not done 100% correctly. It should otherwise bolt right in.

You would also need to relocate turn signals as 03-05 doesn't have signals (unless you build those into your retrofit)

 

[truckhigh]

you might just need to trim out behind the grill where it meets the headlight and lower trim. there is a plastic triangle thing that unscrews off. if you follow that body line of the hood you would need to shave off enough for some movement. you can also do the grill too, but the bumper will look odd because the top will be exposed.

 

[Terminator03]

I recall hearing the 03-05 headlights have inference issues with the 06-09 grill. So if you don't mind clearance your grill slightly or also running 03-05 grill you won't have a problem. You could potentially clearance the headlight housing themselves, but that could lead to leaking issues down the road if not done 100% correctly. It should otherwise bolt right in.

You would also need to relocate turn signals as 03-05 doesn't have signals (unless you build those into your retrofit)

I forgot about the grill! I have the ‘06 lights in my ‘04 and it works fine with the older grill, but you’re right, the older housings fill in that triangular area of the older grill. Since my truck and grill is black, those triangles aren’t as noticeable as they would be on lighter colored conversations.

 

[Ed_C]

Here you go, brackets to install aftermarket HID projectors into 06+ headlights 2003-2009 Toyota 4 Runner MD2S 4.0/G5 C-Bracket – Custom Brackets & Designs