I have searched this forum and have not found any consistent answers to this question. I would appreciate more opinions. I found 80W and 100W replacements bulbs for the 9005 and 9006 high and low headlights. I have read about the Silverstars, but would prefer just to replace the bulbs. I have a 2005 SR5 4 Runner. Do thiese higher wattage bulbs create problems with the wiring, heat, or any other issue? Thanks.
9006 and 9005 replacements
- Thread starter tgrisham
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greasefingers
New member
Anytime one switches from a lower wattage device to higher one, you must be concerned. The original wire size and additional heat are the most important factors. Yes wiring is over specified for all cases, but if you do not do the math then you take a slight risk. The headlamp housing is designed to release heat according to the original bulb. If it
tkr128
New member
Most of the time, the stock wiring harness isn't meant to handle the extra power needed for the higher wattage bulbs. This causes extra heat and sometimes even melted wire harnesses. This is why a lot of the aftermarket light housings (none for the 4Runner) come with better wiring harnesses that can handle the extra wattage. But, I will say I've never seen melted harnesses from extra wattage bulbs on a stock harness. I have, however, seen exploded light bulbs (only seems to happen on those high wattage bulbs).
The Silverstars are good replacement bulbs. They keep the stock wattage but give a better color and are just as bright, if not brighter than the stock bulbs. The life of the bulbs aren't great though.
The Silverstars are good replacement bulbs. They keep the stock wattage but give a better color and are just as bright, if not brighter than the stock bulbs. The life of the bulbs aren't great though.
Thanks for the info. I am more interested in total light output/candlepower, then color. My experience with the super whites in my Volvo was not that positive, since there was no further distance that I could see, just a different wavelength of light. Any further insights is appreciated. I won't do anything to my beautiful 4R until I am sure!
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atomic punk
New member
I replaced my stock 55w low beams with Silverstar 65w (meant for high beams) with that "slight mod" to the bulb flanges. The mod takes about 10 min with a dremel tool. I've had them in there for about 6 months with 0 problems - and the beam is noticably brighter than the 55w stock ones (and, I'm assuming, that it's brighter than the 55w Silverstars as well).
Maybe you can try doing that for starters, see how you like it, before moving to 80w bulbs.
Maybe you can try doing that for starters, see how you like it, before moving to 80w bulbs.
ksneubec
New member
I agree with the advice already given to you- be careful with adding wattage because you definitely put yourself at risk of melting things. I also have the silverstars, and I am very happy with them. Yes, there are issues with duration, but most people say they last at least a year. I think for $20-40 each a year, it is worth it.
