After market headlight assemblies and better lights

[Lewis&Clark]

So the headlight casings on my 2008 Ltd are done. They've yellowed and gotten nasty, and I've twice had them professionally resurfaced/polished/cleaned/etc. It lasted for a few months, and the second time I had it warrantied as it was under a year, but I'm not up for doing it again.

Besides, I've been meaning to get better headlights at some point anyway, and I'm not willing to pay $300 per assembly for Toyota OEM headlight assemblies!

What I'm looking for:

Prefer different styles -- I think some of the black aftermarket ones look awesome
Prefer "eyelids" -- the lights that run along top or bottom of the main lights and serve as daytime runners
Prefer much greater range when using normal, non-high beam headlights.


Suggestions?

dt

 

[riceandpho]

complete new oem housing from partznet will cost you about 455 to 480.
please also include shipping. its 455 without shipping, so i would say close to 480. i have my oem still with retrofitted rx projectors, might be willing to let go for you cheap, but just need a buff to shine again.


all aftermarket lights, they use the cheapest part, if you want distance, you will not get that from those, must retrofit.

 

[blackoutt]

I was in this same boat and bought some $150 sport model replacement lights off fleabay. The lights fit and look nice, but the projectors in them are inferior to even the stock 06-09 projectors. Now I think I won't be happy til I retrofit but started reading those threads and got a headache. Anyone know of the cheapest easiest but also decent quality solutions for retrofit? Just seems like a lot of tedious work and too many options to pick from.

 

[riceandpho]

https://www.lightwerkz.net/index.ph...6-2007-2008-2009-toyota-4runner-brackets.html


i would start with the d2s bulb projector, they do have the h1 also, but with d2s, you can use oem d2s bulbs and its way better.

 

[Ed_C]

https://custom-brackets-designs.myshopify.com makes brackets to fit the popular aftermarket HID projectors (highly suggest the G5 projectors over the MiniH1) in place of the original halogen projectors.

But I'm not sure if aftermarket replacements from TYC, Depo, Eagle Eyes, etc. have the same internal mounting design as factory headlights. I'd contact CB&D or Lightwerkz (they use those brackets a lot) https://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/components/retrofit-brackets.html if the brackets have ever been tested on aftermarkets.

[MENTION=79317]Lewis&Clark[/MENTION] are those factory headlights? If I were you I'd get the above mentioned projector brackets, find the cheapest new aftermarket replacement headlights and swap the lenses from those onto the existing headlights. Aftermarket headlights are almost never the same quality as genuine Toyota headlights. Also did whoever resurfaced your lights spray on a clearcoat or just a wipe-on sealer or wax?

 

[aquilon]

complete new oem housing from partznet will cost you about 455 to 480.
please also include shipping. its 455 without shipping, so i would say close to 480. i have my oem still with retrofitted rx projectors, might be willing to let go for you cheap, but just need a buff to shine again.


all aftermarket lights, they use the cheapest part, if you want distance, you will not get that from those, must retrofit.

I may be interested, PM me more info.

 

[blackoutt]

https://www.lightwerkz.net/index.ph...6-2007-2008-2009-toyota-4runner-brackets.html


i would start with the d2s bulb projector, they do have the h1 also, but with d2s, you can use oem d2s bulbs and its way better.

Okay so I get some d2s projectors and the brackets from there, and it's just bolt it? Maybe some alignment tweaking?

Then I still need splitters to run the hi beams in them?

I already have bulbs and ballasts in my OEM projectors (I know don't hate) would I be able to re-use any of that or need to get new?
Edit: Bulbs no, need bixenon bulbs.

do I need shrouds? I was looking at TRS as for kit options as well. I'm okay piecing together my own kit if it's cheaper, just need to know what all I need to complete the job.

Sorry for all the questions but I know you guys know this stuff and I need to learn!

 

[MSRP.]

Like I always add to these threads, applying clear 3M film is easy for the 4th gen, and it will last you years. $10/foot for 18" tall film at your local tint shop.

 

[Ed_C]

Okay so I get some d2s projectors and the brackets from there, and it's just bolt it? Maybe some alignment tweaking?

Yup, they should be pretty level bolted-on, as in once you've got the heights adjusted the beams won't be crooked.

Then I still need splitters to run the hi beams in them?

Yes, otherwise the projectors' high beam will not work.

I already have bulbs and ballasts in my OEM projectors (I know don't hate) would I be able to re-use any of that or need to get new?
Edit: Bulbs no, need bixenon bulbs.

You will need D2S bulbs, same type used in factory HID projector headlights.

You can reuse your existing HID ballasts, but if they have AMP type connectors like these

You will need AMP-to-D2S adapters like these (available from Lightwerkz, Retrofit Source, and many other online stores)

Or get what's called a D2H bulb, which is a D2S type bulb with a AMP connector https://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/components/hid-bulbs/d-series/nhk-d2h.html
Pro - no adapters needed if your ballast has AMP connector
Con - aftermarket, not as bright as brand-name D2S bulbs from Philips and Osram.

do I need shrouds? I was looking at TRS as for kit options as well. I'm okay piecing together my own kit if it's cheaper, just need to know what all I need to complete the job.

No need, your lowbeams are already shrouded. I'd ask the guys at Lightwerkz about a setup. Since TRS has their own brand (Morimoto) they'll suggest just that, Lightwerkz sells other brands along with being a Morimoto dealer so they may have more affordable (but still quality) recommendations. For example they sell the G5 projectors,which have a better beam pattern and costs less than the Mori D2S 4.0.

Sorry for all the questions but I know you guys know this stuff and I need to learn!

No apology needed,I don't mind helping anyone on the search for better lighting :thumb:

 

[blackoutt]

No apology needed,I don't mind helping anyone on the search for better lighting :thumb:

You are THE MAN! That covers just about everything for the quick n dirty. Now to choose the projectors....

Like I always add to these threads, applying clear 3M film is easy for the 4th gen, and it will last you years. $10/foot for 18" tall film at your local tint shop.

I think this is the route I'll go. I have my OEM housings not installed right now so I can take my time on the retrofit, then I'll buff the lenses out and cover them. Sounds like a much better solution than coating.

 

[blackoutt]

Okay back for another question. High beam splitters. 9005 splitter leaves me with a 9005 plug and 9006 plug. Does the g5-r use 9006 to trigger the high beam?

 

[South-O 4RnR]

I have 2 sets of 06+ OEM headlights in my garage. Maybe I'll do some retrofits with the D2S 4.0's and put them up for sale.

 

[Ed_C]

You can plug into either one actually, but use the 9006 for the bixenon solenoid connector and 9005 for your existing highbeam bulbs. 9005 and 9006 connections are almost the same except for some alignment tabs,which were conveniently not molded onto the connectors included with the projectors.

 

[riceandpho]

Okay so I get some d2s projectors and the brackets from there, and it's just bolt it? Maybe some alignment tweaking?

Then I still need splitters to run the hi beams in them?

I already have bulbs and ballasts in my OEM projectors (I know don't hate) would I be able to re-use any of that or need to get new?
Edit: Bulbs no, need bixenon bulbs.

do I need shrouds? I was looking at TRS as for kit options as well. I'm okay piecing together my own kit if it's cheaper, just need to know what all I need to complete the job.

Sorry for all the questions but I know you guys know this stuff and I need to learn!

if you are using the morimoto brand ballast, you might just need new d2s ignitor, but if anothr brand, amp to d2s. ed c pretty much answer everything. also for high beam splitters, they have the 9005 splitters that convert obe side to 9006.

 

[riceandpho]

https://custom-brackets-designs.myshopify.com makes brackets to fit the popular aftermarket HID projectors (highly suggest the G5 projectors over the MiniH1) in place of the original halogen projectors.

But I'm not sure if aftermarket replacements from TYC, Depo, Eagle Eyes, etc. have the same internal mounting design as factory headlights. I'd contact CB&D or Lightwerkz (they use those brackets a lot) https://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/components/retrofit-brackets.html if the brackets have ever been tested on aftermarkets.

[MENTION=79317]Lewis&Clark[/MENTION] are those factory headlights? If I were you I'd get the above mentioned projector brackets, find the cheapest new aftermarket replacement headlights and swap the lenses from those onto the existing headlights. Aftermarket headlights are almost never the same quality as genuine Toyota headlights. Also did whoever resurfaced your lights spray on a clearcoat or just a wipe-on sealer or wax?

lightwerkz prefer to use oem lights. 480 is a small price to pay for new oem, if they order it, that pay about 500+ for the pair. partznet has the cheapest price.

 

[Ed_C]

lightwerkz prefer to use oem lights. 480 is a small price to pay for new oem, if they order it, that pay about 500+ for the pair. partznet has the cheapest price.

The latest '03-05 retro on their gallery used aftermarkets,althouigh their latest '06-'09 (using the CBD brackets) used OEM headlights.

 

[blackoutt]

Thanks for all the input guys! I got G5-R projectors (seemed like a good value on a quick YouTube end review run), morimoto bulbs, brackets, and high beam splitters from lightwerkz on the way. I'm going to do the swap on my OEM housings since they are on the work bench already, just need to fix one tab. Then I'll decide which d2s to amp adapters I need when I get closer to install and reuse my existing ballasts. Oh and clear wrap the lenses. Should put me into this project for around $250 plus the aftermarket sport lights I bought and am running now. I could sell those or do another retro for fun!

 

[blackoutt]

So the g5-r's showed up already! and I hit my first snag. They are marked "A" and "B" but don't say which is left/right/passenger/driver.

The brackets didn't quiet fit and needed a little dremel clearancing to get 4 bolts in. They do line up with the mounting holes of the aftermarket housings. Only issue there is a boss on either side of the back of the projector hits the sides of the projector well. They appeared to be for manufacturing purposes so I just ground them off.

I should have known when the forum retrofit guys said "bolt in" it meant less than 10 hours of dremel work! [emoji23] I ended up attempting this retrofit on the Eagle Eyes brand headlights because I want sport smoked chrome housings, clear lenses, and a non broken tab. So far so good.

 

[Ed_C]

I don’t think the projectors are size specific,the letters might just be something the manufacturer uses for production dates etc. but I’d verify with Lightwerkz.

Did you have to clearance the brackets to clear the projector bowls? There are slight differences in bowl design compared to the Morimotos but the bolt patterns should be the same.

Careful with the towel,someone on a Taco forum apparently set the towel he had in the oven on fire while baking a headlight.

 

[riceandpho]

if you used oem housing, i dont think there is alot of work involved. towel in the oven is all bad, you can just set the lights on the rack, just make sure its not the lens on the rack. 250 for 10 mins is all you need.