Dim headlights, what bulbs are you using?

[Veritas]

My headlights appear to be very dim when driving around town at night, what are you guys using to brighten it up. I did a forum search but found most recommendations were for replacing the headlights themselves, which I am not interested in doing. So is there a set of lights you guys have found that can be easily installed that provide much better lighting?

 

[montana_jeepn]

I think most folks upgrade to the 06+ lights (or is it 07+?)I don't like the little gap, but I am actually thinking about it. I installed brighter bulbs I picked up at Walmart after trying the ProTuning lab junk.

 

[Scoobs]

My headlights appear to be very dim when driving around town at night, what are you guys using to brighten it up. I did a forum search but found most recommendations were for replacing the headlights themselves, which I am not interested in doing. So is there a set of lights you guys have found that can be easily installed that provide much better lighting?

The search function is your friend. There are numerous threads on this, here are some of many.

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

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/199482-regular-headlight-bulbs.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/108944-h11-h9-headlight-mod.html

The answer is that if you have an 06 to 09 the best route without going to HIDS is to replace the low beam bulb with an H9 bulb and replace the high beam bulb with a HIR 1 bulb ( 9011).

You have to modify the base of the H9 bulb, both the flanges and the tabs inside the connector to make it work. Use search to find thread on modifying the H9 bulb.

You can save yourself a step on the H9 by buying harness adapters so the base is plug and play. That way you just have to modify the flange on the bulb .

H9 bulbs are available everywhere. HIR 1 are harder to find but they are out there. HIR 1 can also be purchased here

http://store.candlepower.com/hirlighting.html

H9 harness adapters available here. Better quality wiring than those on Amazon and E-Bay. H8 or H11 to H9 adapter

Headlight Adaptor | Innovative Wiring LLC

 

[Gdmeadors]

I have an '06 and feel that the stock headlights are very bright. I do have the projector lens which were standard starting in 2006.

 

[Gdmeadors]

Are your lenses scratched or hazy? Mine are very clear so all of the light shines through brightly.

 

[yosh2000]

also remember bulbs lose their lumen output with age, when was the last time you changed the bulbs out?

 

[fullboogie]

Heck, I use Silverstars and they are bright as can be.

 

[A/V1]

Heck, I use Silverstars and they are bright as can be.

Me too. I've got Silverstar Ultras in my headlights & fogs, & I definitely don't feel the need to install HIDs. I also get flashed from time to time when I run without my fogs on - I assume because they think my brights are on (I do have them aimed properly).

 

[Top Shelf Synthetics]

HIR bulbs have worked well for me

 

[slotoyo]

5K hids from toytec!:clap2:

Not really a bad install just had to take out my battery to place the ballast in a clean spot.

 

[Tyota89]

I tried everything in my 2005 when I had it. Nothing was enough until I retrofitted the light. I had silverstar which were in between if you dont want to swap or mod.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

[MENTION=69712]Veritas[/MENTION]

Are your lenses in good condition? Cracking or hazing can drastically reduce performance of the lights. I recently converted to an '06~'09 style headlamp and converted converted my connectors to the factory H11's that those headlamps use. I ran Silverstar Ultras in my old '04 headlamps before switching to ZXE's; I'm running the Silverstar ZXEs and I love them. They're as good as the Ultras, but give off a whiter light from what I have noticed.

On a side note, have you had to jump start the vehicle recently? Does the rest of the lights in the vehicle seem dim perhaps? I'm curious if you're experiencing old headlamp lenses/bulbs or an electrical issue.

 

[Veritas]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies, the lenses on the lights are actually doing really well for 110k miles they are very clear, I would say there is almost no hazing and I haven't seen any cracks in it. I have wet sanded and buffed bad lights in the past but I don't think this is the case here, now that you guys mention it, it could be old bulbs or just a lack of good quality bulbs, I don't think I have changed the bulbs in the past 5 years!

As for jumps lately and other electrical problems I haven't had any of those either, outside of my previous rough start issues(don't think it was electrical caused), which included a brand new battery, she is all good.

Maybe I will check out the silverstars and see how that looks, before I jump into any mods or anything excessive. I appreciate the replys and will report back once the new bulbs are in place and I have tested them.

One last question what kind of life are you guys getting out of the silverstars? I know they are at a higher intensity so will wear faster, is it an annual thing? I think I read they go about 125hrs total, which seems a little low.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Uhm, my first set lasted a little over a year or two before one burned out and I switched to the ZXE's. The ZXE's lasted over a year and were still doing good in my old '04 housings. But I also don't do a lot of night driving.

 

[Veritas]

Hmm OK I am looking around at all this now, never knew so much stuff was out there about headlights! Lol

So in my ignorance tell me something and see if I understand this correctly, there are 4 lights on the front of the vehicle:

1. High Beams - 9005 - Brightest lights used for night driving through the woods, but not on streets as they blind drivers
2. Low Beam - H11 - These are the lights that you use when driving in the city and turn on your lights at night
3. Fog Lights - 9006 - Fog lights mounted on the bottom of the bumper, used for foggy conditions
4. Daytime running lights - 4157 - Lights for day use

So, if I want to replace my driving lights for city use I need to buy H11 Low Beams correct? I also want to buy new fog lights and those would be the 9006, correct?

Just found this chart but want to make sure i am understanding these terms correctly:

2008 Toyota 4Runner Lightbulb Size Guide

Low Beam Headlight Bulb Size: H11
High Beam Headlight Bulb Size:*9005*or*9005 HID Upgrade Kit
Parking Light Bulb Size: 2827
Front Turn Signal Light Bulb Size:*4157NALL
Rear Turn Signal Light Bulb Size:*992 (7440A)
Tail Light Bulb Size:*LED
Stop Light Bulb Size: LED
High Mount Stop Light Bulb Size:*921
Fog/Driving Light Bulb Size: 9006 <---
License Plate Light Bulb Size:*168
Back Up Light Bulb Size:*921
Front Side Marker Light Bulb Size: 2827
Rear Side Marker Light Bulb Size: LED
Glove Box Light Bulb Size: 37
Map Light Bulb Size: 168
Dome Light Bulb Size:*DE3175
Step/Courtesy Light Bulb Size: 194
Trunk/Cargo Area Light Bulb Size:*DE3175
Daytime Running Light Bulb Size:*4157

ETA: I just bought the GE NIGHTHAWK SPORT 9006 Halogen Replacement Bulb, (Pack of 2) from amazon, they were only $17 with the coupon they have and the GE H11-55 NHS/BP2 Nighthawk Sport Replacement Bulb, (Pack of 2) for $14. I hope they work well and last longer then the reviews have stated...