Headlights Upgrade

[mrfastvrod]

Lights just suck on my '96 plus all the adjusting screws are either broken or frozen and won't move.I reading all the posts and found these on ebayhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Toyota-4-Runner-Left-Driver-Right-Passenger-Side-Headlight-Lamp-Pair-Set-/170751408541?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1999%7CModel%3A4Runner&hash=item27c193b99d&vxp=mtr
Are these OEM or cheap aftermarket?They should fit my 96' right?
I'm thinking to run some PIAAs on the pushbar.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Here's a headlight upgrade for you:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...it-97-4runner-project-toyota-4runner-org.html

UPDATE:

Pics below:








:surfer:

 

[mrfastvrod]

Nice job,but thanx too much money and work.Will find another way to make them bright)

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

For that price they are certainly not oem. Some have had issues with the reflectors being sub-par to the oem lights and making a mess of the light. Best bet is to keep an eye out for Toyota lights, I have a spare set I may consider parting with.

 

[bergeron37]

I've heard certifit headlights are pretty close to OEM yet still not OEM. I don't know I've been looking at them but havent pulled the trigger.

 

[nissanh]

Nice job,but thanx too much money and work.Will find another way to make them bright)

Buy high wattage bulbs. Buy from a reputed store (not the ebay, amazon). I got 100 W for low beam in my car and is bright.

Yes, don't buy aftermarket. YOu can adjust it one time.... after that all the plastic wheels that used to adjust the beam won't turn.

Buy TOYOTA lights
I can get you the passenger side (TOYOTA)

 

[mrfastvrod]

thanx guys for your input.
Whitson and nissanh pm sent

 

[ellner357]

Yeah I've had crappy aftermaket ones I've paid a decent price for. The reflectors sucked ass!!! I returned them. I would never buy non oem headlights unless it was for an hid refit.

 

[hrt4me]

I also have for sale a complete set of headlights...

 

[IanB]

Stick with OEM headlights, the aftermarket just don't stack up. A nice set of '99+ would be a nice upgrade for you, with some upgraded bulbs too.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Look OP, if you read my lights thread you can at least see lots of pictures of how the lights assemble and disassemble.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...it-97-4runner-project-toyota-4runner-org.html


The cheap but still quality (mostly) OEM suggestion is just swap the glass.
JUST THE GLASS HANZ@!! Read below.


What you can do and should do:

1) buy a set of TYC "OEM compatible" cheapo lights off EBAY ($75 a set)

2) Bake and swap over the clear TYC glass (see my how to thread for info)

3) Buy better bulbs ...Install PIAA bulbs ($45), 4300k not hyper white (6000k = lower lumins)
PIAA 10704 Night Tech 60/55 Watt H4 Upgrade Bulb - Pair : Amazon.com : Automotive

4) If you housing piece is broken then buy a new OEM one or try the TYC
Remove the adjustable black housing piece and replace it with a new one. $40.
OEM Parts Online ----> Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

99 Headlight Assembly ---> 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping


5) Do NOT swap out the OEM light reflector because that is what determines the light pattern.
---> The cheap non-OEM reflector's light pattern is always well HORRIBLE ....

I don't know if you can only swap the TYC adjustable plastic but you can buy it for about $45 online per side at CamelBack Toyotas ONLINE Internet Parts store (not main store)





DIAGRAM BELOW

 

[nyvram]

Not to hijack this thread..but short of swapping the headlights out, is there an easy way to improve the looks of the 98 and older glass?

Mine don't look bad I guess..not fogged up or anything..they just are kinda..."boring".

edited: I WANT WHAT BRIAN HAS!!!!!!!!! :crying:

 

[Jaystoy]

Do a search for Daniel Stern lighting for an education on aftermarket bulbs.

 

[tyr0981]

The OEM buckets (headlights) aren't that great either... the only way to improve your light is to install QUALITY projectors, other than that, thier is no hope for improvement.

Ask anyone who's tried new bulbs, or polishing (whatever), Projectors are the only way.

i Promise you.

 

[nyvram]

i have seen cars built in the mid 2000s with simply awful nasty fogged glass.

what the heck? i guess i should just be happy toyota built a decent glass headlight for our trucks that still looks good after a little soapy water & elbow grease 16 years later and stick with the $8 autozone bulbs unless i go all out with a HID refit?

 

[Illicitdream]

Not to hijack this thread..but short of swapping the headlights out, is there an easy way to improve the looks of the 98 and older glass?

Mine don't look bad I guess..not fogged up or anything..they just are kinda..."boring".

edited: I WANT WHAT BRIAN HAS!!!!!!!!! :crying:

A cheaper way is to get exactly what IanB was saying. A 99+ Glass headlight would clean it up. See the difference...

 

[BrianSD_42]

Just to be clear because I said A LOT ...

The cheap but still quality (mostly) OEM suggestion is just swap the glass. JUST THE GLASS HANZ@!! Read below.

The cheap but still quality (mostly) OEM suggestion is just swap the glass.
JUST THE GLASS HANZ@!! Read below.


What you can do and should do:

1) buy a set of TYC "OEM compatible" cheapo lights off EBAY ($75 a set)

2) Bake and swap over the clear TYC glass (see my how to thread for info)

3) Buy better bulbs ...Install PIAA bulbs ($45), 4300k not hyper white (6000k = lower lumins)
PIAA 10704 Night Tech 60/55 Watt H4 Upgrade Bulb - Pair : Amazon.com : Automotive

4) If you housing piece is broken then buy a new OEM one or try the TYC
Remove the adjustable black housing piece and replace it with a new one. $40.
OEM Parts Online ----> Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

99 Headlight Assembly ---> 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping


5) Do NOT swap out the OEM light reflector because that is what determines the light pattern.
---> The light pattern is always well HORRIBLE ....

I don't know if you can only swap the TYC adjustable plastic but you can buy it for about $45 online per side at CamelBack Toyotas ONLINE Internet Parts store (not main store)