Help needed with search for new headlights for 2004 4Runner

[sethchambers]

Hi all, long time lurker here.

I have dug through these forums as well as Yota looking for answers. As mentioned in the subject line, I have a Silver 2004 4Runner that I am looking to breathe some new life into. My headlights are in horrible condition, they've been buffed out several times, but are now yellowed beyond rehabilitation. I would like to get a new pair of headlights (and wold prefer something a little updated to refresh the look of the truck). My options seem limited (from what I have researched), I can either go OEM, modify some Gen 5's (not sure if I am comfortable with this option on my own), or some after market option. I keep seeing the Spec-D units mentioned, but find that opinions and reviews are really split (most negative reviews seems to comment on the poor cutoff of the lights and most positive reviews seem to mention they're good for the price).

I am not the type of person that goes with a cheap product just to save a couple of bucks. I would rather pay to get something that is quality, looks good, and will last. It seems that HID is the way to go (4300-4800k would be my pref). As far as styling I like the look of Halo or UBar units, but it's not a requirement (I'd be OK with a factory look as well). Again, my priority is on quality of light and a clean installed look. Most threads I have found just talk specifically about bulb use, but I have found very little that mention complete headlight assemblies. I would prefer to buy an assembly that is specifically made for HID projection, and not have to mod something.

Any thoughts, or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[BIGWIG711]

to be honest, the depo lights on ebay will look good, work, and last the rest of the life of the truck.

 

[simple]

Not sure I’ve ever seen 5th gen lights on a 4th gen. But if you’re willing to spend a little cash, get 06-09 lights. They look great and don’t look cheesy imo. But there’s some cost beyond the headlights. You’ll need new trim pieces under the headlights, and then you’ll need to fab some harness to go from 9006 to h11 or whatever the bulbs are, unless you get HID. And then you’ll need an additional OEM harness for the rest of the little extra parking light bulbs and stuff.

Do not, under any circumstance, go with HID if you don’t go with projector style headlight replacement.

 

[sethchambers]

Do not, under any circumstance, go with HID if you don’t go with projector style headlight replacement.

If I did want HID, which projector-based replacement would you recommend? Hesitant to go the 06-09 route, as I don't want to have to modify pieces. I'd rather just buy something ready to go...

Thanks for your reply!

 

[sethchambers]

to be honest, the depo lights on ebay will look good, work, and last the rest of the life of the truck.

...and if I want to go HID instead of halogen? Can these be modded? If so, how easily...?

 

[ZebRuaj]

If I did want HID, which projector-based replacement would you recommend?

IMO, none of the aftermarket projector headlight housings you find online do much for light cut off. You pretty much pray and spray. They just look "cool", although some are cheasy. The proper route would be to retro fit projectors into the housings. theretrofitsource.com is a good one stop shop.

Even the 06-09's projectors aren't appropriate, but better than reflector housings. I did the squirrel finder mod as I was still getting flashed on rural roads with PnP HID's.

I was a bit spoiled by the S2000 and Acura TSX with their OEM HID projectors. Some of the best out there. Miss the crisp cut offs with those cars.

 

[TowMeOut]

There seems to be a large number of aftermarket housings available but about every review I read indicates they're junk. I'm not sure how that can be with so many available.

I've got an '06 with the projection headlights. When they were polished up the light spread was pretty good. Now the lenses have yellowed quite a bit so there's a lot of splash and the low beams aren't worth much offroad (maybe they never were). So I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm thinking I'll just have the lenses re-polished and apply a few layers of clearcoat (local guy charges $75 for the service and warranties it for 2 years).

I think rather than trying to go the HID or other better bulb route I'm gonna look into an LED lightbar or similar auxillary lights. Problem is I don't have the real estate up front to mount much and I use my roof rack for kayaks and other accessories. Not much room for a lightbar there either.

 

[sethchambers]

https://www.amazon.com/Depo-312-1165L-UF-Toyota-4Runner-Headlight/dp/B00Q2C7MJM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1515287720&vehicle=2004-76-1005-968--9-6-8-4691--1-1-2282-116-1-0&sr=1-1&ymm=2004%3Atoyota%3A4runner&refinements=p_72%3A1248861011

Thoughts on these? Not HID, just halogen, but well reviewed. OEM seems to be $200/light and these seem just as well regarded.

 

[ben322]

I used the DEPO replacement lights and LED bulbs and find them very good. Granted the original housings were yellowed but the replacements have a good pattern and I'm happy with them.

 

[PeteZ06]

I have custom built HIDs by Lightwerkz.

I’ve driven many cars and these lights by far have the most light output I’ve ever had on any other car. The HID projector cut off lines on top are also the most pronounced I’ve ever seen.

Not cheap but you definitely get what you pay for with these.

 

[CookieRoe]

OP: those lights on Amazon will be just fine. However, IF you want a major upgrade, you have to do the "retro" thing. I second #Lightwerkz . I've had their retros since 2010. Because our headlights are huge, any projector will be fine. Keep in mind it will be pricey, but hey, if you want to play, you have to pay. Unless of course you are very handy/patient/Runner isn't your DD.

I have bixenons and love them. Best mod on my truck by far.

Good luck!

 

[sethchambers]

I have custom built HIDs by Lightwerkz.

I’ve driven many cars and these lights by far have the most light output I’ve ever had on any other car. The HID projector cut off lines on top are also the most pronounced I’ve ever seen.

Not cheap but you definitely get what you pay for with these.

Does Lightwerkz sell vehicle specific kits or did you assemble everything yourself? They seem to only see kits, but not the headlight assembly itself (which is my main issue). If I were to go with a retro from them or another retailer, what light assembly would I use? Checked out the website and not even sure where to begin! . Beautiful truck, btw!

 

[PeteZ06]

Does Lightwerkz sell vehicle specific kits or did you assemble everything yourself? They seem to only see kits, but not the headlight assembly itself (which is my main issue). If I were to go with a retro from them or another retailer, what light assembly would I use? Checked out the website and not even sure where to begin! . Beautiful truck, btw!

Thanks! Unfortunately I can't help you much, I bought the truck with those already installed. But I'm sure if you call them up they'll be able to help you out. From what I gathered from the previous owner.. the shop custom built the unit.. it sounded like they provided everything.

One thing for sure... they put out a CRAZY amount of light... the brights are INSANE.. they make me chuckle every time I use them.. lol

 

[Ed_C]

Does Lightwerkz sell vehicle specific kits or did you assemble everything yourself? They seem to only see kits, but not the headlight assembly itself (which is my main issue). If I were to go with a retro from them or another retailer, what light assembly would I use? Checked out the website and not even sure where to begin! . Beautiful truck, btw!

Lightwerkz can sell you a kit of sorts with projectors, shrouds, bulbs, ballasts, and wiring harness that you install yourself. Last time I checked they don't sell the headlights themselves. They've worked on OEM and aftermarket replacement headlights, this 4th-gen retro used Depos https://www.lightwerkz.net/photo/kk...orimoto-d2s-3-0-bixenon-projector-conversion/

 

[sethchambers]

Just thought I'd share the response I received from Lightwerkz:

The aftermarket u-bar lights are generally low quality.

We recommend original lights, or atleast original replica lights.

If you want us to supply a complete plug and play set. we only offer original lights, which can be pricey as you know, on top of our conversion cost. I can get you a price if you are interested once you review the price of the conversion itself.

The conversions start at $1125 with parts and labor. That includes a full projector parts package, such as this one, and the labor to instal inside a headlight assembly.

https://www.lightwerkz.net/index.ph...niversal-kit/bi-xenon-g5-r-parts-package.html

That conversion you lined me too has the front and rear halos, that runs about $350 extra. It also has the black painted housings. If you have us paint it like that its $150 extra. This customer actually provided aftermarket OEM replica lights with the black painted housings already. You could do the same if you want.

That's a little rich for my blood (I was hoping south of $500 total). I think I am going to stick with OEM, as the quality of Spec-D and other 3rd party manufacturers seems questionable. Do any of you have thoughts on OEM manufacturers? Genuine Toyota parts are $250 each at my local dealer. I've seen mention of brands like TYC and DEPO and would appreciate some insight. RockAuto (for example) has TYC for $43 each 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.7L V8 Headlamp Assembly | RockAuto

 

[Inv4drZm]

Just thought I'd share the response I received from Lightwerkz:



That's a little rich for my blood (I was hoping south of $500 total). I think I am going to stick with OEM, as the quality of Spec-D and other 3rd party manufacturers seems questionable. Do any of you have thoughts on OEM manufacturers? Genuine Toyota parts are $250 each at my local dealer. I've seen mention of brands like TYC and DEPO and would appreciate some insight. RockAuto (for example) has TYC for $43 each 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.7L V8 Headlamp Assembly | RockAuto

Yeah I was about to ask them what it would cost, and was thinking it would be $1000 including new OEM headlights. May have to build them myself if that's possible.