HID Bulb Upgrade

[Cree]

Does anyone have directions on how to remove the headlights?

If you're pulling them to put in HID's, I suggest a hammer to the lens. Save a couple of swings for yourself.

There are several bulbs out there that offer HUGE upgrades in lighting options that won't blind the piss out of everyone you meet on the road. Don't require adding in wiring that you're probably under qualified to install anyway.

 

[Ed_C]

Does anyone have directions on how to remove the headlights?

Remove the grill and corner lights (search around,the info is on this forum).

Remove the outer screws holding the trim panels below the headlights, there's no need to fully remove them but you will have to swing them out of the way.

You'll see the several nuts and bolts fastening the headlight to the radiator support, remove with a 10mm socket.

 

[jbtvt]

Don't lie to the kid, Ed! It's every 16 year old's god-given right to have to all the roads in the US to themselves! Now kid, Cree up above gave you the right instructions. Follow to the letter.

 

[skier46er]

If you're pulling them to put in HID's, I suggest a hammer to the lens. Save a couple of swings for yourself.

There are several bulbs out there that offer HUGE upgrades in lighting options that won't blind the piss out of everyone you meet on the road. Don't require adding in wiring that you're probably under qualified to install anyway.

I appreciate you answering my question. I started this thread to simply ask a question and everyone went on a rant about how bad HIDs are. I've had it.

 

[Cree]

I appreciate you answering my question. I started this thread to simply ask a question and everyone went on a rant about how bad HIDs are. I've had it.

You're welcome.

If you want to actually be able to see better, check out either the Sylvania Silverstars, or my personal favorite, the Phillips Extreme Vision Plus. Half the cost of the Sylvania's, but more output. Less bulb life though.

If you just want HID's so you can brag to your buddies that you have HID's, you're just wasting your money. Unless you do a full conversion with housings, you won't be able to see any better than you do already, you'll just be seeing it in a different color of light.

 

[csp]

I started this thread to simply ask a question and everyone went on a rant about how bad HIDs are.

If you had been paying attention the rant was about cheap, plug an play HIDs in your reflector housings.

There's nothing wrong with HIDs done the correct way in a projector housing retrofit.

 

[skier46er]

If you had been paying attention the rant was about cheap, plug an play HIDs in your reflector housings.



There's nothing wrong with HIDs done the correct way in a projector housing retrofit.

I realized that. I didn't even ask about the retrofits though

 

[csp]

Spoken like a true 18yr old. Someday you're realize that people trying to steer you in the correct direction is helpful, regardless of what you don't want to hear or don't ask.

 

[Unner]

Innovited AC 55W HID Kit H4 H7 H11 H13 9003 9005 9006 9007 6000K Hi Lo Bi Xenon | eBay

edit; just realized that is the 55w kit. That company but as I said, I'd agree with the 35w kit comments.

I run these on my civic, they are VERY bright! I have never even needed hi-beams with these.

Their customer service is excellent. I got a set where only one ballast bi-beam function was working, I emailed them and within 48 hours I had another kit in my mailbox.

I found them by doing lot's of Amazon review reading, it's cheaper to get them on ebay. I agree about using the 35w kit, I use the 55w kit in my civic and I get hi-beamed pretty often and we aimed them low, with proper housings. They are just SUPER BRIGHT so the wieners on the road who don't understand staring at lights blinds you, have an issue with it.

Obviously you don't. Let me elaborate unless this was an attempt at humor?

Yes, staring at a light blinds you. If I didn't "understand" this, I'd be blind running CNC plasma for 9 years without shaded lenses ever at sub-12" distances daily. The reason is where the person CHOOSES to stare or place their eyes. Do you get that part?

I have a 2014 Corolla S. The car has FACTORY Toyota LED headlights. I haven't driven that car ONCE at night without being flashed. Is that my fault? The housing is designed for it, the cutoff is where it should be, the reason is where people CHOOSE to stare! If you can't manage to drive down the road without staring at my car/truck like a deer, that isn't my problem.

My Civic lights are probably about as bright as the Corolla. The cutoff was measured, the light doesn't scatter, the housing is correct. People have a hard time in life. Just like loud car's are speeding car's. See the point?

Hope that helped out? No matter what, a bright bulb that illuminates the road well at night, is going to piss those same people off. The headlight height is higher, it projects from a worse position no matter what if you choose to STARE into the bulb.

I'm doing something wrong by trying to EXPLAIN my setup versus just SHOWING you guys! Professionally aimed, even your "monster 550 hp" BMW headlights won't outshine these badboys. I got the D's in there with the rabbit's on em.

BTW, I do run M3 projectors in my 890 WHP foxbody, I've experienced greatness. If you ever end up in WA bring your fancy lights and I'll be the problem and we can run em for fun. I'll like the road up for both of us on lowbeams. :cheers:

You're the kind of people we don't need around here. We can't even figure out what you're arguing about, it seems like you're just arguing for the sake of arguing.

Oh look out folks, we've got a badass here!

Let me know when you figure out how to make them do this and we can talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qMiPtpurLI


It's pretty damned petty that you're so worked up about this you've felt the need to add it to your signature.
Now, I'm done with this one, even if you aren't. :violin:

My thoughts exactly. Good thing foxbody's are always driven by the classiest of people.

Nah, I guess I expected you not to act like a BMW driver and not be an uptight prick. I am screwing around and having fun with this banter. I said I was a smartass, to clarify the text to verbal tone barrier.

You noted your car and it's approximate HP, probably whatever they told you when you signed the check. Cool, a 1 series, **** man, props! See, that's me messing around, also like saying now you and all the college female freshman have the same car!

I'm a car enthusiast/gearhead first and a smartass right behind it. Life is short, especially when I'm gonna blind someone and get hit head on soon. If you knew me and my friends, well, you'd have to build your own car and not show off your headlights first off. Then you would realize it's all in good fun. I guess it's the wrong crowd with some of you here. Most people have families and you don't really flip shit wheeling, that's my fault for assuming.

If I wanted to "show off my money" like my comment about my housing costs, I'd probably have bought a BMW too. Your wrong though, I don't have money like I use to working 70 hr weeks. So, I'd probably have to get a 1 series like you, then I would be a tight ass and have less fun in life. Who wants that?

Enjoy those shoulder prowling headlights, always ready to visually pave the way for your pavement descent when it broke down again. I know where the low road is, good thing my projection still shines that high an I see you :hello:

Not sure what your issue is. Jeremy is one of the more knowledgeable and well spoken members here. You're just making a fool of yourself.

Assuming you're referring to a 4Runner as a "truck", even with 3" of lift your headlights are lower than many fullsize pickups and SUVS that are bone stock. Aimed correctly your cutoff line should be under the mirrors of any vehicle in front of you. If they aren't you still have some aiming to do.

My 4Runner is lifted in excess of 3" and the headlights in my stock height F350 (which has projectors) are still 5" higher at the centerline of the lens. Haven't been flashed one time and my travels are constantly in hilly areas.

Coming over a hill yes every car with projectors will shine up and be very bright, but lifted trucks and full size trucks are horrendous to be behind you in something that sits low like my Supra. There's nothing that you can do about that though, I wish they made auto dimming side view mirrors for situations like that.

I appreciate you answering my question. I started this thread to simply ask a question and everyone went on a rant about how bad HIDs are. I've had it.

Bottom line is drop in HIDs are bad. You need to retrofit projectors into your housings to use HIDs properly. If you can't afford that get new better halogen bulbs and run new wiring to them to make sure they are getting full voltage. Sorry the thread didn't go the way you intended, but all of this can be found by searching as well.

HIDs in halogen housings don't look cool, they look obnoxious, and are incredibly blinding. You aren't getting any more useful light out of it either. That is just an illusion because they throw light everywhere and light up the trees above you, and the road about 10 feet infront of your truck. That's not where you need more light, you need it down the road ahead of you. On the other hand an HID retrofit looks amazing, won't be blinding, gives MUCH more useable light, and you'll get crazy compliments from car guys. I give instant props to anyone who has one done.

Look on TacomaWorld for The Retrofit Source's ongoing group buy. I think they give 25% off to TW members so if you aren't a member just sign up and get your discount!

 

[99Runnr]

You can come in 2 days later and ball hug if you want to. The moderator asked us to play nice, your buddy already messaged me mafia style about how I conduct myself on here? Did you miss that post in your quoting rampage?

Well, I am on this board every single day. I look to help people, I've given away FREE stuff, I've sold stuff for super cheap, I've mailed item's and talked to people off the board already. I'm a upstanding member, I even had 4 people I've met off Craigslist join the board. Guess that is trumped by being a smartass for an hour cause I sneezed at Jesus.

So don't storm in and days after the fact with your nonsense either. I stated I was a smartass, I made smartass remarks, perhaps if people didn't assume I don't understand staring at the sun will blind you, I wouldn't initiate the sarcasm? If your going to play along, don't cry when it's over. I don't take the internet that seriously, I laughed at the mockery we had with headlights, being a smartass became easier and easier when extreme examples were given, all over one detail misunderstood by people. Hitting tree's and hitting me head on cause I have RETROFIT headlights. I made the comment FIRST OFF to not get the bulbs I have, cause people STILL flash me.

Loosen up, we weren't arguing life an death. Merely headlights and housings. Certain thing's were offered up to extend the childish behavior, I'm easily entertained so, my apologies again? People getting so butthurt over stupid banter is why we can't even say Merry Christmas now lol.

 

[Algiers]

You're welcome.

If you want to actually be able to see better, check out either the Sylvania Silverstars, or my personal favorite, the Phillips Extreme Vision Plus. Half the cost of the Sylvania's, but more output. Less bulb life though.

If you just want HID's so you can brag to your buddies that you have HID's, you're just wasting your money. Unless you do a full conversion with housings, you won't be able to see any better than you do already, you'll just be seeing it in a different color of light.

I've been considering the Silverstars but will look at the Phillips. I have a 97 and was curious if it would be wise to replace the headlights altogether with the 99-02 or some other option. They are pretty dim and I'm looking to improve them without going too crazy with it.

 

[Ed_C]

I've been considering the Silverstars but will look at the Phillips. I have a 97 and was curious if it would be wise to replace the headlights altogether with the 99-02 or some other option. They are pretty dim and I'm looking to improve them without going too crazy with it.

Yes the 99-02 headlights are an improvment...factory Toyota ones that is, from what I've read here the beam pattern is all over the place with the aftermarket replacements.

 

[99Runnr]

Most aftermarket lights are a pain period. Condensation issues, aimed improperly, cheap replacements and they function as such. Not sure about these trucks in particular, but there are a few aftermarket brands known to cost a bit more (like $120 instead of $60), however they advertise against the condensation issues.

Anzo was the aftermarket housing I used on another car, I think they make housings for 4runners. When I researched my OTHER car, they were the top choice for aftermarket. As I said, not sure about 4runner's in particular.

I also ordered those bulbs mentioned, the Phillips extreme vision. Saw them on sale for like $24 shipped so I will make a thread if they are worthy of showing the improvements. I don't expect a ton for the cost, but not looking to spend $400 or more to retrofit this truck.

 

[Cree]

I've been considering the Silverstars but will look at the Phillips. I have a 97 and was curious if it would be wise to replace the headlights altogether with the 99-02 or some other option. They are pretty dim and I'm looking to improve them without going too crazy with it.

I would try to find some 99+ housings.

Most aftermarket lights are a pain period. Condensation issues, aimed improperly, cheap replacements and they function as such. Not sure about these trucks in particular, but there are a few aftermarket brands known to cost a bit more (like $120 instead of $60), however they advertise against the condensation issues.

Anzo was the aftermarket housing I used on another car, I think they make housings for 4runners. When I researched my OTHER car, they were the top choice for aftermarket. As I said, not sure about 4runner's in particular.

I also ordered those bulbs mentioned, the Phillips extreme vision. Saw them on sale for like $24 shipped so I will make a thread if they are worthy of showing the improvements. I don't expect a ton for the cost, but not looking to spend $400 or more to retrofit this truck.

I'm betting you won't be disappointed. It's a very noticeable improvement. However, I will HIGHLY recommend you disable your DRL's if you haven't already. They have a pretty short bulb life (around 1200 hrs IIRC). Not an issue really for regular night driving, but could go pretty quick if they're on all the time.

 

[Algiers]

Has anyone done a switch to 99-02 from older model? I assume it should just bolt on but wanted to check in cases they changed anything or if it would create any issues. Also they are pretty pricey so I guess I'll be off to the junk yards.

That or maybe I'll investigate the retrofit. It's probably beyond my limited skill level but if anyone knows of a solid DIY thread I'll check it out. (I know there are a ton but it seems to be all over the place as far as the process and results)

 

[Cree]

Has anyone done a switch to 99-02 from older model? I assume it should just bolt on but wanted to check in cases they changed anything or if it would create any issues. Also they are pretty pricey so I guess I'll be off to the junk yards.

That or maybe I'll investigate the retrofit. It's probably beyond my limited skill level but if anyone knows of a solid DIY thread I'll check it out. (I know there are a ton but it seems to be all over the place as far as the process and results)

If you're serious about a retro, there are a few guys that will build you a set. Search this sub forum. I can't recall user names at the moment.

 

[Algiers]

If you're serious about a retro, there are a few guys that will build you a set. Search this sub forum. I can't recall user names at the moment.

Thanks. I'm not exactly serious yet on the retrofit and would prefer to just upgrade my bulbs to a better halogen. That said, if my housing is causing the bulk of the problem, I would probably go with the retrofit over buying new OEM since the cost is high enough either way.

 

[99Runnr]

I would try to find some 99+ housings.



I'm betting you won't be disappointed. It's a very noticeable improvement. However, I will HIGHLY recommend you disable your DRL's if you haven't already. They have a pretty short bulb life (around 1200 hrs IIRC). Not an issue really for regular night driving, but could go pretty quick if they're on all the time.

Thanks for the head's up. If they are an improvement and last for awhile, I'll be content until I do a retrofit. To be honest, I don't even think my truck has DRL? It's a 99, but I don't recall seeing anything before. I always fire it up in a dark garage an it seems to stay dark. This requires an investigation..

 

[MTD]

If you're serious about a retro, there are a few guys that will build you a set. Search this sub forum. I can't recall user names at the moment.

Me. and sub opcorn:

 

[Cree]

Me. and sub opcorn:

I was thinking you and Rickashay, but was on mobile at work. Glad you spotted it.