Headlamp Replacement Advice

[TN22Corps]

Going to replace both headlamp assemblies on my 1996 SR5.

From what I've read throughout the forums, anything from 1996-2002 will fit my truck, right?

Next, when considering a possible HID conversion down the road, is there a difference to be aware of among the lens? (From a scattered pattern perspective, so as not to blind everyone) I'd prefer the JDM, black style, but cost is king. Thanks for the time guys!

The first 2 look different... is this just the way the were shot? Thoughts?

 

[KeatonMP]

Niether of those assemblies were designed for use with an HID bulb so both with have a scattered light pattern. Alot of guys here on the forum use HID in the OEM assemblies anyway and say they dont get flashed by other drivers so it's up to you.

Oh, and Welcome to the forum!

 

[Atreyus]

From personal experience those black housing JDM ones suck the light pattern is scattered and would be good for a projector retro fit, I'm still trying to sell mine lol.

 

[NickF]

JDM headlights are nice but have a ****ty pattern, if you throw HIDs in those you're bound to blind someone unless you make a projector.

Also, how much are yoiu looking for for your headlights Atreyus?

 

[TN22Corps]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Any commentary on noticeable differences between the first two assemblies? (other than one is LH and the other is RH, haha).

Confirmation that they'll fit my '96?

 

[Elton H]

id keep looing for some oem ones

 

[JohnsD90]

Ok, i don't have any personal experence myself with this, but when i met up with 004Gunner, he bought the Headlamps off ebay and he said they were horrible, and he showed he actually had to sodor stuff in to get it to point straight and that it had no adjustment, but both headlamps and 2 different times and the "depo" brand one worked pretty close too OEM, but he still reccomend getting a used set off a 4runner.

 

[Jon]

I have the JDM black outs with HID's and the pattern is pretty scattered. Still needs adjustment. I'd go 2002 factory lens with HID.

What the reason for replacing them any way?
New JDMs (same 6000K HID kit in both pics)

Old 97 factory lenses before they got filled with mud.

 

[rjaudi]

Just look around I scored a set of OEM 99+ headlights for 110 with shipping from a junkyard.

 

[TN22Corps]

If I were to stick with incandescent, would the aftermarket lamps be an issuee?

Jon, your HIDs look a whole lot brighter, but your stock headlights seem to have a much further range.

I need to replace them because the front end is tore up (bumper, grille, and turn signals to be replaced also). The headlights are cracked and I've resealed them, but the damage is done. They light up but don't produce significant driving light, maybe 10ft.

I'd like to find someone local to do a fabricated bumper (nothing fancy, no off-roading... well my wife will be driving..) as long as it would be cheaper.

Since I've been on the forums... maybe switch to a satoshi (?) grille.

I'll upload some pictures of the before if anyone's got some tips.

 

[96743runner]

I had the 99+ "Eagle Eyes" brand aftermarket headlights and like everyone said, they SUCK!!!!! They were a total waste of money and IMHO they aren't really safe to drive with since the pattern is so scattered. The ones I had could never be aimed, even by a professional shop, and the corner lenses couldn't fit with these headlights. They were also not sealed well and the quality was definitely well below OEM. My advice is to save your money and go with used or new OEM.

 

[broncosi]

Go with either of them. If you do a retrofit, which im assuming you would since just plopping HIDs into the open housing is illegal and dangerous to other drivers, then the reflective housing is not used.

 

[Jon]

I've pulled them up since the pics. Same range just scattered light. I'm going with some 7" off roads when I get my new bumper.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

If you want to do it right, look around for some good used 99+ housings. They are what you will want no matter which headlight route you go. Also, if you want to do HIDs right, you really need to do a retrofit, which you will want 99+ housing for as well.

Also, before you do HIDs, you really should look around a little on these forums:

HiDplanet : The Official Automotive Lighting Forum

They have everything you need to know.

 

[TN22Corps]

Ended up going with eBay Eagle Eye brand. Definitely not OEM quality, but it's not too bad. Thinking about a projector mod later down the road, so I'm not too concerned with the pattern (which, btw, is pretty bad lol). Thanks for the discussion.