Headlights 03-05 vs 06-09

[iBison]

I've got an 04 and I'm picking up a set of 08 headlights quite cheap. I've read a number of threads and I know they are halogen, but are they any better than the 03-05?

Also, I know the best way to go is to retrofit, but if I stick HIDs in the stock 08 headlights how much, if any improvement will there be over halogen?

 

[Stuck CAPS]

I've got an 04 and I'm picking up a set of 08 headlights quite cheap. I've read a number of threads and I know they are halogen, but are they any better than the 03-05?

Also, I know the best way to go is to retrofit, but if I stick HIDs in the stock 08 headlights how much, if any improvement will there be over halogen?

1) For the 03-05 they are better, but you're going to need to swap the trim under the headlights, which is ~$25-$30 each side. And unless you want a gap between the headlight and the grille you'll need an 06-09 grille, which will need to be cut or you'll need to cut the bumper for the fit. They are projectors, though, so they should have better light output over reflectors.

2) You will NEED to stick in HIDs, unless you want to modify the wiring/base (not to sure on it, [MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] has done this, he'll know more) because the wiring on the 03-05 connectors won't work for the 06-09 lamps, iirc.

Edit: HID's are a HUGE improvement, because the light output is a lot higher. Just stick around 4300k. iirc, that's the optimum light output.

 

[earthrealm]

06+ hvae projectors, y dont u buy drop in hid-projector kit.......am running them on my 05 n ther awesome!.spec d. alredy blacked out

 

[iBison]

Thanks for the info. I know the hid in the halogen projectors isn't ideal but it will be a step up. I e seen photos of the gap using these and I'm not terribly concerned.
[MENTION=78511]earthrealm[/MENTION], those are cool, but my truck is silver and I'm not diggin the black.

 

[gaterose]

I've got an 04 and I'm picking up a set of 08 headlights quite cheap. I've read a number of threads and I know they are halogen, but are they any better than the 03-05?

Also, I know the best way to go is to retrofit, but if I stick HIDs in the stock 08 headlights how much, if any improvement will there be over halogen?

I never tried the '06 lamps with halogen bulbs but the HIDs are awesome in there. It's about the same price for the HIDs as for the plugs and bulbs for the H11 conversion.

 

[iBison]

Sweet. Can't wait to get them in.

 

[iBison]

06+ hvae projectors, y dont u buy drop in hid-projector kit.......am running them on my 05 n ther awesome!.spec d. alredy blacked out

I just saw some photos of your truck in another thread. I didn't think I'd like the black on silver, but it looks much better than I thought. Nice truck.

 

[FourWheel]

I'm going to slightly hijack this thread as its on a similar topic...

In the stock 06-09 projector housing, is there a heat issue with wiring in 55watt HID's?
I've searched all over the forum, and unfortunately (for me), everyone who has 55w HID also has a retrofit from what I can tell.

I know all about the squirrel glare, etc.

I've looked at the Spec-D before, but have read that there are fitment issues with those?

 

[iBison]

I was a bit concerned with putting HIDs in the halogen projectors, but I've read some posts that claim they actually work pretty well. I'm concerned with the width of the light projection, is it as wide or close to halogens?

Would the HIR bulbs be a good option for the high beams?

Also, the 08 headlights are different than the 04s I have in the number of bulbs they use. Is the yellow in the photo below the same bulb/socket as the marker light on the 04? What is the other one (red circle) for, DRL. turn signal? What bulb does it take and any idea of older cars that I could scrounge a couple sockets off of?

Thanks for the help.

 

[kevinpt]

I was a bit concerned with putting HIDs in the halogen projectors, but I've read some posts that claim they actually work pretty well. I'm concerned with the width of the light projection, is it as wide or close to halogens?

Would the HIR bulbs be a good option for the high beams?

Also, the 08 headlights are different than the 04s I have in the number of bulbs they use. Is the yellow in the photo below the same bulb/socket as the marker light on the 04? What is the other one (red circle) for, DRL. turn signal? What bulb does it take and any idea of older cars that I could scrounge a couple sockets off of?

Thanks for the help.

upper is dtrl/ signal and lower is marker

 

[edrynan]

can anyone help me with the wiring of the leds on the spec d lights i have them all installed just got a pretty lame wiring diragram from spec d and dont want to mess it up please help. I havent seen the light output on the projection lights but if anyone knows how much the hid swap would be that would be great to know also. Thanks

 

[Jason B]

Here's a headlight swap guide for putting 06-09 lights and grille in a 03-05:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/203327-how-do-03-06-headlight-swap.html#post2088772