Headlight mod. OK. I'm confused..ya just say NO right??

[popsmoto]

So, I have a 2000 4 runner and I want to improve my head-light situation as best I can (live in Alaska). So what is the final, final opinion about headlight bulb replacement?? I switched to Phillips XP and got two years of OK light. Do Sylvania give better light???Funny, wanted to change a couple of words there. Are there other easy changes? Lets simplify this for people once and for all, and non of this "duck you", these worked fine for me and you don't know what you are talking about. I KNOW any mod will not last as long as OEM so I don't need to hear about that.
What I am looking for is "I did this and love it, or, wish I did that". Any extra informative info would be greatly appreciated. Happy Christmas and Merry Easter.eace:

 

[Wrek]

You can spend time trying out replacement bulbs, or just bite the bullet and upgrade to a projector retrofit with HID's. Spending that money sucks to begin with, but the first time you drive at night with your new headlights you will wonder why you waited so long. I have HID headlights and fogs and it was the best money I've spent so far.

 

[Jaketino]

How much does it cost on average to do the retrofit?

 

[kernel.panik]

I think retrofits run about 500 and up. Check out TheRetroFitSource or VLEDs.

From another post I picked up some GE Platinum bulbs off amazon for $18.99 ($10 rebate till dec. 31 brings it down to $9) and the light output over stock is incredible. I just did this this week, so I don't have any info on longevity, but I'm impressed.

HIDs are the Sh!T, but they come with a price!

 

[KidVermicious]

I've used the GE Nighthawks on other trucks in the past and liked them.

For some awesome HID-for-dummies info, check out this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/157538-school-me-hids.html.

 

[tyr0981]

500$ :wtf:

Projetors: 140$ TRS

Shrouds (for the purdy effect): 45$: TRS

HID's: 41$ DDM Tunning

that's ~250$ and exactly what i did ~4 years ago. Only other thing you need is tools (dremel mostly) and sealers to re-seal the headlight housing. It is one of the best Mod's i've ever done to the 4runner! i can actually SEE SAFELY! at night, no blinding others either...

The stock headlights on the 4runner are crap, the bulbs aren't the issue, it's the reflector housing (buckets), they cannot be improved except to have a projector stuffed into them! many write up on here, do a search and spend an afternoon in the garage working on it, you'll be very happy!

:deadhorse:

 

[kernel.panik]

500$ :wtf:

Projetors: 140$ TRS

Shrouds (for the purdy effect): 45$: TRS

HID's: 41$ DDM Tunning

that's ~200$ and exactly what i did ~4 years ago. Only other thing you need is tools (dremel mostly) and sealers to re-seal the headlight housing. It is one of the best Mod's i've ever done to the 4runner! i can actually SEE SAFELY! at night, no blinding others either...

The stock headlights on the 4runner are crap, the bulbs aren't the issue, it's the reflector housing (buckets), they cannot be improved except to have a projector stuffed into them! many write up on here, do a search and spend an afternoon in the garage working on it, you'll be very happy!

:deadhorse:

my bad... I was looking on TRS at the kits being around $200+ and the projectors starting around $200...
Must have been looking at the wrong stuffs...

EDIT: I just looked again...I was WAAAAY wrong...

 

[tyr0981]

my bad... I was looking on TRS at the kits being around $200+ and the projectors starting around $200...
Must have been looking at the wrong stuffs...

TRS has entire "kits" around that price, but like I've said, i'm a cheap bastard! :tea:

 

[MTD]

For my FX-R retrofit (pretty much best of the best) everything straight from The Retrofit Source (which I reccomend don't use ddm tuning hid kit you get flicker) I paid $320 shipped. You need to get on the 25% off deal on Tacoma world and that is what it costs. Unfortunately they won't be starting the deal again till the first of the year but hey if you want to wait that is what I would do. If you're apprehensive about doing the retrofit yourself PM me and I can give you a quote. But I guarantee you with parts even with some one like me installing them it will be a lot cheaper than $500.

 

[jeepj667]

Your best LEGAL upgrade would be Philips Extreme Power bulbs with an upgraded harness.

 

[MTD]

Your best LEGAL upgrade would be Philips Extreme Power bulbs with an upgraded harness.

I'm Pretty sure it was mentioned above that the HID projectors are technically not legal. I don't advocate doing something illegal, but at least a projector retrofit is not going to be obnoxious like HID's in stock housings.

 

[tyr0981]

No "flicker" here.... my G/F's car had another issue with the projectors, TRS replaced / upgraded them without issue. i did have a DDM bulb fail finally this year, after 4 years of daily use (they're on all the time in my rig). had to drop another 13.50, vs. 45$ mori-moto's!

:frisky:

 

[MTD]

No "flicker" here.... my G/F's car had another issue with the projectors, TRS replaced / upgraded them without issue. i did have a DDM bulb fail finally this year, after 4 years of daily use (they're on all the time in my rig). had to drop another 13.50, vs. 45$ mori-moto's!

:frisky:

Hmmm.... I wonder How the output compares to the motos? I couldn't use them in mine unfortunately because FX-R are D2S but it Could cut my costs when I do Retros for my buddies.(If they are Ok with it that is LoL)

 

[yosh2000]

TRS has entire "kits" around that price, but like I've said, i'm a cheap bastard! :tea:

obviously, you ran DDM!

OP, either do a HID retrofit or dont waste your time. TRS's mini projectors are a cheap way to get some of the best light you can. If you really want near top notch headlights, use their FX-R kit with OEM ballats (mashushita denso) with phillips 85122 bulbs. while it will be a little more involved with the mounting, you will get pretty much be best light you can, second only to a TL retrofit.

I have retrofitted my own headlights several times and have done over a handful for guys over on tacomaworld.

 

[Wrek]

Your best LEGAL upgrade would be Philips Extreme Power bulbs with an upgraded harness.

If you do a proper projector retrofit with HID's and aim them correctly, you will never have a problem. I'd be willing to bet money on it.

Most people don't even realize that mine are aftermarket. They ask, "What year did those headlights come off of!?"

 

[TheDurk]

If you do a proper projector retrofit with HID's and aim them correctly, you will never have a problem. I'd be willing to bet money on it.

Most people don't even realize that mine are aftermarket. They ask, "What year did those headlights come off of!?"

Maybe in WA, but do not underestimate the asholicity potential of some NJ cops.

 

[Wrek]

Maybe in WA, but do not underestimate the asholicity potential of some NJ cops.

I guess that may be true.

I guess my point was more of, take the time to make it look factory and they may never even know different.

Do drop in HID's in a factory housing, and they will definitely know it isn't factory.

 

[tyr0981]

Hmmm.... I wonder How the output compares to the motos? I couldn't use them in mine unfortunately because FX-R are D2S but it Could cut my costs when I do Retros for my buddies.(If they are Ok with it that is LoL)

Mine are D2S 35 watt also, again ~15$ vs 3x the price, i imagine the quality of the Mori's are better, that being said, you could wreck 3 bulbs before the price difference catches up!

 

[Mr.4runner]

I had the same issue. I didn't have the time or money for the retro fit. So I tryed some 55w 6000k hid kit and it did the job. It's bright enough even for when I go out to the desert. And it only cost me about $60.

 

[tyr0981]

I had the same issue. I didn't have the time or money for the retro fit. So I tryed some 55w 6000k hid kit and it did the job. It's bright enough even for when I go out to the desert. And it only cost me about $60.

their is a bit of improvement because the HID increases light output so much, making all the road reflectors 'light up', the problem is how it blinds everyone else on the road due to the enormous amount of light scattering and diffracting EVERYWHERE! and why your high-beams are basically useless now if i'm not mistaken....?

'HID Kits" the plug and play kind, are a very poor 'band-aid', they're also being cracked down upon here in Oregon, so do oncoming traffic a favor, and maybe your insurance rates too, and avoid the kits, you won't regret the right projector, I Guarantee it!

:girl: