Consolidated Lighting Info Thread

[Angelo]

So you want to learn about the lighting on your 4Runner, huh? Thinking about making some changes? Well take a deep breath, here goes...

After buying my T4R and starting to cruise this forum it is clear that some of the most asked questions (and first "mods" people do) are regarding upgrades to the OEM lighting both inside and out. From what I have seen its a rare day when someone doesn't either ask an often-repeated question about lighting or post up some new install, mod, or innovation.

I'm going to attempt to consolidate both general information and install instructions here so we have a one-stop shop for all things lighting in the 5th Gen forum.

I realize I will probably never get ALL of the available information included here without some help so if anyone has any good resources and suggestions that are missing, please speak up and I'll tack them to this thread. Also, realize this is pretty much always going to be a work in progress. I’ve tagged a few of our members before on my responses to other threads about their lighting upgrade walkthroughs; please forgive me, guys, if I tag you / your threads here also for consolidation purposes- if you’d rather not be tagged please PM me and I’ll remove the tag.

Let's light 'em up. :flamethrwoer2:

Vendors:

- A vendor member on the forum that has hooked up many of our members with Halogen, LED, and HID upgrades is [MENTION=12905]XenonDepot[/MENTION] (KB Car Stuff). Their website is XENONDEPOT - HID & LED Lighting Products and you can pick up most if not all of the interior or exterior bulbs, ballasts, relays, etc. you would need for the T4R there. They offer many sales as well as a small forum discount by using the coupon code "T4R" (no quotation marks) on checkout.

XenonDepot 4Runner Bulb List: XenonDepot | 2016 Toyota 4Runner HID Kits | Replacement Bulbs | LED Lighting

- Another vendor member is [MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION], their website Performance Parts and Accessories. Suspension, Exhaust, Brakes, and many many aftermarket lighting options, and excellent customer service.

- Not a vendor member on the forum but also used by many members for LED and HID kits is The Retrofit Source | The Best HID & LED Projector Headlight Upgrades (TRS). They also offer a fairly wide selection of LED and HID kits, as well as true HID projectors, but as yet there is no truly "plug and play" HID projector for a 5th Gen retrofit (more on this in the HID section below).

- Amazon is also obviously a good resource for cost-comparison purposes, but understand that Amazon doesn’t generally police it’s vendors for authenticity / brand name quality (i.e. true Philips bulbs). And with that in mind…

A quick word on getting what you pay for:

You’ll see a lot of us using the above vendors and you’ll see a lot of the same brand names used for upgrades: Philips, Morimoto, Osram, Rigid Industries (RI), Hella, XenonDepot, etc…There’s a reason for this. Just like tires, suspension upgrades, and everything else we do to our rigs, you get what you pay for. If a Chinese LED interior lighting set is being sold on eBay 14 bulbs for $20, it’s probably going to start flickering on you about a year or two or maybe sooner after installation. If that’s okay with you, great. Just be aware that if something is priced way below what you see for comparable items, there’s a reason for it.

 

[Angelo]

Exterior

EXTERIOR LIGHTING UPGRADES:

Headlights - Low Beams

- HIDs:

NOTE: The 2010-13 T4Rs utilize the older style “reflector” housings for the low beams that are NOT suitable for upgrade to HID without a retrofit to a true HID projector housing- HIDs are just too bright. The 2014 and newer T4Rs come with a halogen projector housing for the low beams that many people are "upgrading" to the 2-3x brighter and whiter HID bulbs. Be aware that putting an HID kit into a halogen projector is a hotly debated topic all around message boards for just about every vehicle out there, not to mention illegal: The geometry for a true HID projector is different than a halogen projector and HID bulbs within a halogen projector housing WILL CAUSE a slight but uncontrollable amount of glare above the cutoff which is an annoyance and danger to oncoming drivers. Saying that the glare from the HID kits is “not that bad” is easy when you’re not the one who has to look at them coming at you, but you have to decide what is right for you and the people you’re driving at. If you're interested, here's my experience with HIDs in the halogen projectors: Consolidated Lighting Info Thread - Page 3 - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

With all that said, MAKE SURE YOUR HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED CORRECTLY no matter what bulb you're using. For a non-lifted 4R, the center of the low beam projector lens is approximately 40" from the ground. A good rule of thumb for headlight fall over 25' is 2 inches. That means your cutoff should be 38" off the ground on a completely level surface at a distance of 25 feet. The up / down adjustment dial is accessible with a large philips head screwdriver through a hole in the front plastic guard underneath the hood above the headlight assembly. A Google search will yield tons of great instructions for aiming the low beam projectors appropriately.

Aiming your low beams:

How to Adjust Headlights - Car Headlights

HID Conversion, Xenon Light, Kits, bulbs >> Blog Archive How to adjust HID headlights | HID Conversion, Xenon Light, Kits, bulbs

- HID Installs / Pics:

As it stands currently there are no direct "plug and play" HID projector retrofits for the 5th Gen T4R housings, but [MENTION=153717]Biggu[/MENTION] did a DIY retrofit with Lexus GS350 projectors and has the most detailed writeup and pictures around currently. [MENTION=110090]iLuXoR817[/MENTION] trimmed one up to fit a 2014 model and [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] has installed a special aftermarket upgrade from Lightwerkz. [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] used the XenonDepot Philips Xtreme HID kit (4300k) into the OEM projectors and has great install and before / after pics, and [MENTION=103267]Saker[/MENTION] used the Morimoto kit from The Retrofit Source and also has a great install writeup. I'm sure there are others out there, too.

- HID Projector Retrofit '17 T4R from (Biggu): 2014-2017 HID Projector Retrofit DIY - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

- HID Projector Retrofit '14 T4R from (iLuXoR817): 2014 HID Retrofit - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

- HID Bi-Xenon Retrofit '10 T4R from (philsey): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...hid-projector-retrofit-installation-pics.html

- HID retrofit using Lexus HID projectors (via [MENTION=128345]kustom54lighting[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/202187-2015-4runner-custom-headlight-retrofit.html

- HID retrofit with Lexus HID projectors (via [MENTION=79237]sigepbiker[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/222983-champs-build-adventure-thread.html#post2511464

- MTN4RNR: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...riving-adventuring-mtn4rnr-5.html#post2223930

- Saker's Midnight Build: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/174334-hid-upgrade-one-go-2.html#post1760927 and http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/174334-hid-upgrade-one-go-2.html#post1762336

- Halogen Bulb Conversion:

A few forum members have also swapped a halogen H9 high beam bulb into the H11 low beam spot after some minor trimming of the metal fitment at the base of the bulb with great results. You can see some of that here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...light-bulb-conversion-h11-h9-9005-9011-a.html

- LED Low Beams (drop-in bulbs and retrofits):

As mentioned above in the HID section, any drop-in bulb that doesn't have the exact same geometry / shape as the OEM halogen (H11) low beam will cast light differently to the OEM projector. Aside from the bulb geometry itself, the main difference between the stock halogens and LEDs is that LEDs provide the whiter kelvin lighting temps and draw less amps from the battery while the halogen bulb upgrades provide better lumens than the stock bulbs but at a warmer temp and waaaaay cheaper than LEDs.

- XenonDepot H11 LED drop in kit (via [MENTION=60898]Paragon1[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/202707-xd-led-low-beams-came-today.html

...and an interesting comparison of stock, LED, and HID kits available straight from the horse's mouth here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/202707-xd-led-low-beams-came-today-2.html#post2083418

EDIT 3/16/18 My H11 - H9 LB swap recently burned out (as informed by my friendly neighborhood law enforcement, haha) and I decided to try the newest generation of XenonDepot H11 LEDs in the low beam spot. I am overall sort of "meh" with the result, you can read that review here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ated-lighting-info-thread-21.html#post2935679

- The Retrofit Source is now selling an LED Retro-Quik unit that fits seamlessly into the 5th Gen OEM projector spot. I have yet to see any reviews, install write-ups, or other information on these units. If anyone has jumped into this project please let me know.

- As of 8/2019, Morimoto (as sold by The Retrofit Source / Xenon Depot) released their Tri-LED projector headlights for the 5th Gen. The overall reviews on these is that the light is better downrange than stock halogens but not as good as HID drop-ins in the OEM projector. Issues currently being reported include:

- The projectors "lateral" light for cornering is poor / dangerous without the use of fog lights for backup.
- Those running LEDs in any other spot (i.e. rear turn signals) are getting a hyperflash from the new headlight turn signals without the use of a resistor in-line, which involves cutting the harness on the headlights.

Headlights – High Beams

- HIDs are not considered ideal for high beams because they generally have a 30-45 second warm-up time.

- Installing LED bulbs into the ‘14+ T4Rs high beam spot is complicated by the fact that they also serve as the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). LEDs in the HB spot will either run ALWAYS as HBs (even in DRL mode) if you use a CANbus module or have a rapid flicker (HB strength light) if you do not use a CANbus.

**UPDATE: Xenon Depot has now issued a dimmer module that is back compatible with their LEDs that will dim the DRL signal to true DRL strength. Users have noted that there is still a flicker in DRL mode with this module.**

- DDM tuning Sabre LEDs in the HB spot here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/220824-ddm-tuning-saber-led-drl-high.html

- Disabling the DRLs (via Saker): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...e-but-keep-auto-headlights-4.html#post1978748

Fog Lights

There are many different styles of upgrade to the fog lights, from fairly straightforward bulb replacements to complete retrofit kits. To be a functional upgrade for true fog light use during inclement weather or other low-visibility times, the warmer / yellow light temperatures are favored. To this end, many choose to simply use Lamin-X yellow tint over the lens of the OEM fog lights.

- Toyota OEM LED retrofit (via [MENTION=172034]LimeLED[/MENTION]): https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-...em-led-fog-lamp-installation.html#post3200179

- Philips Ultinon Yellow LED Fog Light replacement (via [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...riving-adventuring-mtn4rnr-6.html#post2234946

- Morimoto XB LED Fog Light (includes housing and bulbs, via [MENTION=4307]matoolie[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...fog-light-assemblies-2014-other-5th-gens.html

- Baja Designs Plug N Play LED Fog Light Kit: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...t-kit-bd-44711-plug-play-totalautomotive.html

- Toyota OEM (Highlander) LED Combo DRL / Fogs: 2in1 LED DRL Fogs and video install: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inS6EIBdZNw

- Aiden James Custom LED DRL / Fog upgrade: http://www.aidenjamescustoms.com/exterior-lighting.html and see [MENTION=133836]adam.friedman.33[/MENTION] install pics here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/214743-led-strip-fog-light-2.html#post2312160

There are also more than a few forum members who have retrofitted LED Dually lights such as the Rigid Industries D2 in either white or amber colors. Be aware that most "Pod light" LED retrofits (Baja Designs Squadrons, Rigid, etc.) are off-road lights only, they're too bright and / or have the wrong pattern to be used as fogs without blinding others on the road. An additional voiced concern with LED fog is the lack of heat produced to keep the lenses clear in snow and ice. Your mileage may vary.

Turn Signals / Reverse Lights / Misc

Sequential Turn Signals (via [MENTION=103267]Saker[/MENTION]): Sequential Turn Signals

Replacing the side mirror puddle lights (via [MENTION=66390]ROBSCOOL[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1635487-post20.html

Philips 921 reverse light LEDs (via [MENTION=83083]rigtec[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/211468-philips-921-leds.html

Amber LED Marker Lights in Grille (via [MENTION=123371]fargo4x4[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/195802-fargo4x4-build-thread.html#post2051855

Amber LED Marker Lights in Grille (via [MENTION=62757]chudiddy[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/185958-chudiddy-inferno-trd-pro-build-21.html#post2273422

LED Marker Lights (via [MENTION=104579]CRFofiddyF[/MENTION] and [MENTION=125906]Shred_Head[/MENTION]): 5th Gen Marker Lights in Grill

LED Bars / Duallys / Non-OEM Fogs

A whole consolidated post could be made of just the additional non-OEM exterior lighting that forum members have added to their T4Rs. The idea for this thread came from trying to upgrade the existing (OEM) lighting, so this is by no means going to be a clearinghouse for every available exterior lighting mod. However, here are some resources for getting you started on various installs for additional non-OEM lighting.

LED Light Bar install (Saker): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/164966-led-light-bar-install-2014-toyota-4runner.html

LED Stealth Light Bar install (barryhiram): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...bar-upper-grille-%9212-sr5-%96-installed.html

LED Light Bar install (via [MENTION=120701]Cymon[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...o-you-can-behind-grill-light-bar-install.html

LED Light Bar install (ChrisFix YouTube video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8GY69Ci7l4

LED Reverse lights – Below bumper mount (ChrisFix YouTube video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVG7X-ae298

LED Reverse lights - Below bumper mount (Saker): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ackup-lights-trailer-power-2.html#post2188716

LED Reverse lights – Flush bumper mount (via [MENTION=81322]barryhiram[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ht-mod-%96-sr5-factory-bumper-rigid-sr-q.html

--LED Light Bar mounts--

Behind Grille Mounts (via [MENTION=133346]BradBrad619[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/211930-2014-2016-behind-grill-light-bar-mounts.html

No Drill, RI Grille Mount: http://www.rigidindustries.com/led-grilles/40596

**Work In Progress - Suggestions Welcome**

 

[Angelo]

Interior

INTERIOR LIGHTING UPGRADES:

Interior / Cabin LED Replacement

Many members have upgraded the interior lighting of the 4Runner with LEDs. Most LEDs are a whiter color temperature than the OEM halogen bulbs, depending on what kit / bulb manufacturer you go with, LEDs can also be much brighter than the OEM halogen bulbs, too. LEDs universally draw less amps per bulb than standard lighting. It should also be noted that some members have brought up that LED light is often considered “harsher” light, resulting in sallower skin tones or light that is more apt to highlight skin flaws in mirrors.

Most of the interior bulbs on the SR5, Trail, and TRD Pro are “194” bulbs, with the exception of the hatch (x2) and dome (x1) which are “3022” festoon-type bulbs. The Limited has various other stock LEDs OEM installed such as those directly under the seats.

4Runner Bulb List (via XenonDepot): http://www.xenondepot.com/2016-4runner-hid-headlight-kit-bulbs-s/33130.htm

Recommendations have been made on various threads for the bulbs sold by JDM ASTAR, VLEDs and Fyre Flys. The makers of the interior LED install video below, PrecisionLED, sell kits for the 4Runner also, though some members have noted that this kit is one of the “whiter but not brighter” LED kits. Experiences from [MENTION=122201]Friggin Idiot[/MENTION] and others seem to point to Philips interior LEDs as being one other notable culprit of this. However, [MENTION=130190]TrkyMfns[/MENTION] notes recently that it depends on which Philips LEDs you buy, specifically recommending the Philips X-tremeVison bulbs (pics and amazon links on this page: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...e-interior-map-lights-philips-194-leds-6.html)

VLEDs Shop by Bulb Number: http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers.html

PrecisionLED 4Runner Kit: http://www.precisionled.com/catalog...=&make=Toyota&model=4Runner&year=2009-Present

FyreFlys LED 4Runner Kit: http://shop.fyreflys.com/12x-LED-light-interior-package-kit-for-2003-2014-Toyota-4Runner-T41.htm and their eBay store ("4Runner" search results): http://stores.ebay.com/Fyre-Flys-LE...Runner&_armrs=1&_from=R10&_ipg=&_trksid=p4634

Install Video (Precision LED): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O30-rctTDA

LED Replacement / Install - Fyreflys (via [MENTION=120209]tigger[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/207663-tiggers-build-mis-adventures-4.html#post2270470

LED Replacement / Install - DIY (via [MENTION=113429]RysiuM[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/206081-my-version-interior-led-lights.html#post2127406

LED Replacement / Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/163153-2014-interior-led-swap.html

LED Replacement / Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/62252-interior-lighting-mod.html

Engine Compartment Lights

Anti-Dark Engine Lights: http://anti-dark.com/product/universal-engine-light/

Engine Compartment LED Strip (via [MENTION=54940]Snooperstyle[/MENTION]): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/70907-engine-compartment-light-mod.html

Engine Compartment LED Strip (via Saker): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1680932-post45.html

**Work In Progress - Suggestions Welcome**

 

[BowJanked]

Perfect thanks for your hard work

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

Good job. I'm really interested in a rear fog light, preferably one that will go into my rear hitch receiver and plug into the 4 pin trailer light connector.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Nice work, so far. Thanks for the mention on the HID's!

 

[Angelo]

Good job. I'm really interested in a rear fog light, preferably one that will go into my rear hitch receiver and plug into the 4 pin trailer light connector.

Thanks man. I've actually looked around a bit for something like that, too, but I think you probably got the best responses on it in your thread as far as existing solutions. If you end up creating your own solution definitely LMK so I can add it here.

 

[Dog Runner]

Thank you so much for this consolidated thread, it should be easier to search for us noobs....

 

[PDPGAUGE]

I'll be getting in Philips ultinon yellow LEDs this week and put on some before and after pics. I also purchased the Philips ultinon LEDs to try them in the low beams. I wasn't able to actually find a comparison with these vs stock halogens in a 4Runner, so I wanted to try them myself. Though it's been highly stated its not bright enough.

I'll be posting my shots on here instead of creating a new thread lol

 

[philsey]

Nice job ... you put a lot of work into this and it shows.

Perhaps [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] will want to sticky this somewhere for all the ´I searched but.....´ lighting questions still to come?

:thumb3:

 

[Angelo]

I'll be getting in Philips ultinon yellow LEDs this week and put on some before and after pics. I also purchased the Philips ultinon LEDs to try them in the low beams. I wasn't able to actually find a comparison with these vs stock halogens in a 4Runner, so I wanted to try them myself. Though it's been highly stated its not bright enough.

I'll be posting my shots on here instead of creating a new thread lol

Perfect, I don't think we actually have "live" shots in comparison to the stock halogens. Please take before and after photos! Thanks man.

 

[Angelo]

Nice job ... you put a lot of work into this and it shows.

Perhaps [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] will want to sticky this somewhere for all the ´I searched but.....´ lighting questions still to come?

:thumb3:

Thankyousir. It'd be an honor.

 

[RysiuM]

- LED bulbs in Low Beam spot:

The general consensus on the Halogen vs. LEDs in our halogen projectors is that compared to each other, these two give off about the same amount of light.

Nice written article but what I'm missing here is the fact that any LED bulb is useless as a low beam in either reflector or projector housing. The amount of light is not the issue here but the lighting pattern completely destroyed by the LED bulb geometry. Either for projector or reflector housing to work as a low beam with significant cut-off line which was designed to not blind oncoming traffic as well as cars in front of you (back mirror blinding), the light source must have shape, size and position exactly as the lamp design expected. Any change in size, shape or position of the light source and the cut-off is gone. While some good quality HID bulbs are very close to original halogen bulbs, there is no LED bulb on the market which will have the LED chip placed exactly where the halogen filament is and emits the light in 360 directions. Simply not possible.

I saw some H4 bulbs with one LED chip is placed where the short beam filament in the original halogen H4 bulb is, and (as it's claimed by the sellers) it supposed to create a clear cut-off in H4 housings, but the user experience is quite opposite. The reason is again in bulb's geometry (LED light source position and lighting pattern). Doesn't work in in my 95 Tacoma (converted to H4).

 

[barryhiram]

So after buying my '16 T4R and starting to cruise this forum it is clear that some of the most asked questions (and first "mods" people do) are regarding upgrades to the OEM lighting both inside and out. From what I have seen and experienced lighting upgrades are some of the most useful and cost effective upgrades to our rigs, and its a rare day when someone doesn't either ask an often-repeated question about lighting or post up some new install, mod, or innovation.

I'm going to attempt to consolidate both general information and install instructions here so we have a one-stop shop for all things lighting in the 5th Gen forum.

I realize I will probably never get ALL of the available information included here without some help so if anyone has any good resources and suggestions that are missing, please speak up and I'll tack them to this thread. Also, realize this is pretty much always going to be a work in progress. I’ve tagged a few of our members before on my responses to other threads about their lighting upgrade walkthroughs; please forgive me, guys, if I tag you / your threads here also for consolidation purposes- if you’d rather not be tagged please PM me and I’ll remove the tag.

Let's light 'em up. :flamethrwoer2:

Vendors:

- A vendor member on the forum that has hooked up many of our members with Halogen, LED, and HID upgrades is [MENTION=12905]XenonDepot[/MENTION] (KB Car Stuff). Their website is XENONDEPOT - HID & LED Lighting Products and you can pick up most if not all of the interior or exterior bulbs, ballasts, relays, etc. you would need for the T4R there. They generally offer a small forum discount by using the coupon code "T4R" (no quotation marks) on checkout.

- Not a vendor member on the forum but also used by many members for LED and HID kits is https://www.theretrofitsource.com/ (TRS). They also offer a fairly wide selection of LED and HID kits, as well as true HID projectors, but as yet there is no truly "plug and play" HID projector for a 5th Gen retrofit (more on this in the HID section below).

- Amazon is also obviously a good resource for cost-comparison purposes, but understand that Amazon doesn’t generally police it’s vendors for authenticity / brand name quality (i.e. true Philips bulbs). And with that in mind…

A quick word on getting what you pay for:

You’ll see a lot of us using the above vendors and you’ll see a lot of the same brand names used for upgrades: Philips, Morimoto, Osram, Rigid Industries (RI), Hella, XenonDepot, etc…There’s a reason for this. Just like tires, suspension upgrades, and everything else we do to our rigs, you get what you pay for. If a Chinese LED interior lighting set is being sold on eBay 14 bulbs for $20, it’s probably going to start flickering on you about a year or two or maybe sooner after installation. If that’s okay with you, great. Just be aware that if something is priced way below what you see for comparable items, there’s a reason for it.

Great thread Go2Slp!

Might I suggest adding TotalAutomotiveLV to your vendor list? Great pricing and excellent customer service!

Another possible thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...r-upper-grille-%9212-sr5-%96-installed-2.html

 

[Angelo]

Nice written article but what I'm missing here is the fact that any LED bulb is useless as a low beam in either reflector or projector housing. The amount of light...360 directions. Simply not possible.

All very well said, and an excellent explanation of WHY there isn't more light coming out of the stock halogen projectors when you replace the OEM bulbs with the LEDs currently available on the market. I actually saw your post to this effect on an LED thread earlier today and it definitely bears inclusion in the appropriate section above. Thanks.

 

[Angelo]

Great thread Go2Slp!

Might I suggest adding TotalAutomotiveLV to your vendor list? Great pricing and excellent customer service!

Another possible thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...r-upper-grille-%9212-sr5-%96-installed-2.html

Thank you! Done and done.

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

OK here is where I stand on rear fog light.

About 99% of my driving is in NC and VA. So I researched light laws in both states. NC makes no mention of a rear fog light but just basically says any add on light must be operable to pass inspection and of course there are color requirements for front/rear. VA does list a rear fog under add ons, but only says it must be red and meet SAE standards. Neither state has any requirement as to location or when it could or could not be on.

So an add on at the hitch receiver, secured by a hitch pin, that plugs into the 4 pin trailer light connector seems to be the cheapest and also legal in both states. If I go out of those states I can research the law or just unplug and remove it. And if I want to avoid any hassle at inspection, I can remove it at that time as well.

On a couple other places, not this site, I’ve seen where folks have used a Bully CR-007A, the A being the one with a tail and brake light function. They have replaced the 1157 incandescent with a LED 1157. Specifically a JDM Astar Super Bright 5730 Chipset 1157 2057 2357 7528 LED bulbs w/projector, brilliant red. The claim is the tail light function of this LED bulb is about the same brightness as the brake light function of the incandescent. Thus with the tail lights on this light supposedly would be as bright as a brake light.

Are there any thoughts on this LED bulb or another LED bulb that might be even better?

And these might even be a better LED bulb choice as supposedly even brighter.

JDM ASTAR Extremely Bright PX Chipsets 1157 2057 2357 7528 LED Bulbs ,Brilliant Red

JDM ASTAR Extremely Bright Max 50W High Power 1157 2057 2357 7528 LED Bulbs ,Brilliant Red (supposedly brightest) but long putting it about 1/4 inch from the lens.

BTW I've read that red LED behind a red lens is actually brighter than white behind red. Can anyone confirm?

 

[mdogg]

However, the general consensus seems to be that the glare from the ’14 and newer halogen projectors with HID kits in them is that it's “not that bad”… which is an easy thing to say when you’re not the one who has to look at them coming at you. Anyway, plenty of people are doing it and you have to decide what is right for you and the people you’re driving at.

With all that said, MAKE SURE YOUR HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED CORRECTLY. A Google search will yield tons of great instructions for aiming the low beam projectors appropriately.

General consensus is also that heroin is "not that bad". Plenty of people are doing it and you have to decide if heroin is right for you.

If you do use heroin, MAKE SURE YOU USE A CLEAN NEEDLE.

 

[PDPGAUGE]

Seems like there is experience with lighting and retrofitting in this thread. Hopefully someone can answer this.

From what I read the side mount bulb projectors aren't as "good" as rear mounted bulb projectors. Do yall think it is better/worth to do a "proper HID install" and retro fit an "okay" HID projector vs doing a PnP HID kit in the t4r halogen projector that are "decent" for a PnP mod?

 

[Angelo]

General consensus is also that heroin is "not that bad". Plenty of people are doing it and you have to decide if heroin is right for you.

If you do use heroin, MAKE SURE YOU USE A CLEAN NEEDLE.

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