98 headlight mod options

[bikerjosh]

So new to the 4runner family and after driving 700+ miles a couple weekends ago most at night I need to do something about the lights. i.e. more light
I'm coming from a honda element running slyvania ultras that threw a lot of light.
Planning on redoing the lack luster lights on my 98, but curious on options.

Already to purchase some aftermarket 99+ 4runner buckets, but wondering about the need to build a better wiring harness for the lights (or buy one), and if I should go with just a good halogen bulb (had good results with Sylvania Ultra’s in my Honda Element) , try some IPF Performance H4 Bulb or pop for some HID projector retrofits. Cost vs benefit ideas?

Anyone use IPF performance bulbs?

Any thoughts on either glass or plastic lenses for the replacement buckets? Both seem readily available, kicking around the idea of going with some IPF 80/110 watt bulbs and a beefier harness.

Thanks josh:snacker:

 

[t4r4life]

hid dont even cost that much with 99+ clear lens that sucker should shine real good

 

[JohnsD90]

If you get the 99+ headlights you need to get OEM otherwise the beam pattern is off, I have only heard of one member not getting fed up with aftermarket lights, and i have heard of many getting very upset with them.

 

[SQ.MD]

or you can go to theretrofitsource and perhaps add some projectors? depending on how much dough you want to drop for some additional night visibility

 

[Pikeman]

Josh, as mentioned it is important to get OEM and not the stuff off ebay. The only other two sources that are reasonably priced with good quality are Depot and Certi-fit. There are several threads on here that cover this topic. There is one from last week that had good input on it and one of the shorter threads as well.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/46290-questions-about-new-headlights.html


I personally am going to go wth the Certi-Fit 99+ ones because they are under a $100 for the pair. My local scrap yard wants $100 each side for actual factory ones. I think this route with some good quality halogens will be a great improvement. If you want even better then something like the 99+ with the HID conversion. This should also confirm all the answers you are getting on the other forums as well.

 

[MAD 69]

I picked up some 99+ headlights from Certifit last week (about $84 a pair), I'm about to put them in now - I'll post some pics of the light pattern when I'm done...

 

[RllyDrvrIX]

I picked up some 99+ headlights from Certifit last week (about $84 a pair), I'm about to put them in now - I'll post some pics of the light pattern when I'm done...

Do the 99 Headlight assemblies from Certi-Fit bolt right in? Any cutting, bending, folding, origami needed to make these work?

How was the beam pattern?

Thanks.

 

[YotaZach85]

Do the 99 Headlight assemblies from Certi-Fit bolt right in? Any cutting, bending, folding, origami needed to make these work?

How was the beam pattern?

Thanks.

i can't speak for the beam pattern but the lights will bolt right in.

 

[RllyDrvrIX]

i can't speak for the beam pattern but the lights will bolt right in.

Thank-you very much!

 

[the great him]

dont be that guy and put HIDs in non projector housing, you will have light going everywhere and the glare will be horrendous, not to mention everyone you will piss of at night, and you will lose you high beams...

just go with the IPFs like you said or some PIAAs, i am running a set of 5000k IPF super J beams(110/120w -stock harness) in mine and i love the light they put out(and i have the old 97 style lens), and they have the look of hid, i picked them up off or ebay brand new for $40.

 

[JWaldz]

I think the whole drop in HID's and 99+ stock housings discussion is way too over analyzed. Yes, some other cars housings absolutely suck and blind you when you are coming the other direction, I've witnessed it many many times. However, of the year and half I have owned these drop in HID's I have yet to be flashed EVER. Grant it, there is a big difference when you go with crappy HID's and a very good pair of HID's. In which I have a very good pair of fully digital bi-xenon HID's.

If you have the money and time, sure go with a projector retrofit. The difference is night and day over anything. If you want to run drop in HID's get some 99+ OEM headlights and don't skimp out and pay for the cheap HID kits. If you would be happy with high output halogens then get some IPF's, PIAA's, or Sylvania Ultra’s like you had before. All in all, be smart.. do your research and don't always go for the cheapest.

On a side note.. me and a local buddy of mine both have Retro Solutions full digital bi-xenon kits in out 99+ housings and the output is great with very minamal glare. I have 55w 8k kits and he has the 55w 5k kit. See mine for yourself.. Both pics of are low's. I don't have a picture of the highs.

In regards to "the kid's" reply. I agree.. Most people will drop some HID's in anything and not think twice. Some headlight housing do better than others but most out there cause some crazy glare. I don't want to be stereotypical about this subject since I obviously have HID's, and yes there is technically still glare with mine. I did a lot research first on this subject and I wouldn't have made the purchase/ decision I did If I knew I was causing harm to others on the road. Now, if you drive a really lowered ass car/truck I can't help it that my truck just so happens to be lifted and blinds you when I come up at a redlight. I would have done it regardless HID's or not. Yo life, yo fault

Edit: Just realized this thread is a couple months old lol.

 

[Gonzo113]

I picked up some 99+ headlights from Certifit last week (about $84 a pair), I'm about to put them in now - I'll post some pics of the light pattern when I'm done...

Did you get those headlights installed?
How is the light pattern etc?
Are you happy with them?
Thinking of getting a set.
Thanks