HID Head lights
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kingpin748
New member
Use the search button. There are a couple of threads.
PolkManiac
New member
This has been discussed. The 5th gen models do not have projectors, so any true HID install will require a retrofit of the stock reflector housings with projector lamps, this is going to be a difficult process.
VerticalToy
New member
Order the lights from DDM tuning. They will have a light to fit your application. They are lifetime guarantee and they are cheap. Their shop is located in Huntington Beach, Ca. i got my 6000k 55W light from them over a year ago and they are still perfect.
philsey
New member
I too, totally disagree. This, from someone who has actually done it.
No, they aren't projectors, but the cutoff is good, and the improvement in light is good. My install is a few months old, and I have never been flashed at, not once. I am quite happy with the results.
I used Xenon Depot's kit, and went with the recommended 4300K, as this is where you derive the most lumens. Their customer service is excellent and the parts of very high quality.
(Do some searching, lots has been written)
EDIT: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/65812-installing-hid-kit-2010-sr5-pics.html
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T4Fun
Banned
the current 4runner lights are not "designed" for HID lights, unless you put a projector of some sort in there. you can put hid lights that can fit in place of bulbs, and you can scream and yell all you want about cut off and so forth, but it is not the right nor proper way the HID lights should be. The reflectors were designed for halogens, not hids.
There are very few cars/suvs that come from factory with HIDS in reflectors (one example is the older RX). Most all hids from factory come with projectors. These aftermarket outfitters sell you these hid kits and leave you to believe it is ok and proper to do. Just look at the cars and see for yourselves. I cant think of any car nowadays without projectors and hids from factory.
There are very few cars/suvs that come from factory with HIDS in reflectors (one example is the older RX). Most all hids from factory come with projectors. These aftermarket outfitters sell you these hid kits and leave you to believe it is ok and proper to do. Just look at the cars and see for yourselves. I cant think of any car nowadays without projectors and hids from factory.
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adio3x
New member
I just installed XenonDepot Xtreme 6500k lows and 3000k fogs, love them. I could care less about cut offs, as long as the lights better than stock lights, its all good. I do get flashed at, especially for being lifted, my fogs do a lot of damage for people driving infront of me lol.
Dispense
New member
I agree with the above poster. HID bulbs in anything but a projector is going to cause at least some glare.
I had bought a kit once, installed in my car, and immediately took them out. I refused to put any driver in the position of looking at that glare. Then proceeded to retrofit projectors like I should have done initially.
It's just not safe for other drivers, Mississippi is TERRIBLE for people throwing in HIDs in every type of housing. I hate driving at night here....
I'll be picking up a late 2010 or new 2011 model soon, and will definitley being retrofitting projectors again. You can't beat a proper HID set-up!
Here is a couple photos of my Firehawk with TSX projectors and 55w ballasts D2S bulbs. btw, retrofitting a car with pop-up headlights was a complete pain in the &^%.
I had bought a kit once, installed in my car, and immediately took them out. I refused to put any driver in the position of looking at that glare. Then proceeded to retrofit projectors like I should have done initially.
It's just not safe for other drivers, Mississippi is TERRIBLE for people throwing in HIDs in every type of housing. I hate driving at night here....
I'll be picking up a late 2010 or new 2011 model soon, and will definitley being retrofitting projectors again. You can't beat a proper HID set-up!
Here is a couple photos of my Firehawk with TSX projectors and 55w ballasts D2S bulbs. btw, retrofitting a car with pop-up headlights was a complete pain in the &^%.
Attachments
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T4Fun
Banned
i edited the above message, but since you posted it, no flames here. Get yourself a nice set of tsx projectors and another set of 4runner headlights and do it the right way. I have them if you want it...I was going to do it but then as you can see on my signature...
Dispense
New member
I believe you when you relate your experiences, I am interested in seeing how the kits measure up in the 4Runner, mostly because a retrofit can be expensive! Any pics of cut-offs? I personally believe this is a true measure of safety.
But I like to go balls out too, and a nice bulb with 55w ballasts behind em' are breathtaking :thumb3: Like turning night into day =)
I edited my first post with pics of my HID retrofit on the first page if your interested in seeing a TSX projector.
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XenonDepot
New member
To install an HID kit or to not install an HID kit is a topic that has been discussed many times on this board. Here is what you're going to find:
1) People that are against installing HID kits in reflective & projector headlamps that are designed for halogen applications. FYI - OEM toyota halogen projectors allow a slight amount of light to bleed upwards to illuminate overhead signs which would constitute as glare. There is no doubt that you will have some light bleed upwards when installing an HID kit as an HID kit is designed to replicate the vehicle's OEM beam pattern. If the headlights allow light bleed there is no way an HID kit will prevent this from happening.
2) The 5th gen T4R have a very nice cut off even though the headlights are reflective. Modern day reflective headlamps are able to offer a a pretty sharp light/dark cut off that is much better then previous reflective headlamps (and even projectors). You will find by searching this board that people that have installed an HID kit in their 5th gen T4R are quite happy with the results and cut off.
There is no question that a retrofit that is done properly is going to get you the best possible light output. However, keep in mind the following:
1) You are modifying your brand new headlights (no more warranty). Should you experience any moisture/condensation issues you are going to be on your own.
2) Still not considered to be "street legal" unless you actually have your headlight tested and stamped that it is DOT compliant with the HID projector.
3) There will be an increased cost in retrofitting your headlights.
I do not want to get into a debate as to whether HID kits are good or bad as it's a topic that has been heavily discussed on many different forums and I believe that the general consensus is that people usually agree to disagree.
The best thing you can do before doing anything is spending some time to ask questions and read reviews/posts. Make sure you make an informed decision as opposed to going by what other members tell you is good or bad.
Steve
1) People that are against installing HID kits in reflective & projector headlamps that are designed for halogen applications. FYI - OEM toyota halogen projectors allow a slight amount of light to bleed upwards to illuminate overhead signs which would constitute as glare. There is no doubt that you will have some light bleed upwards when installing an HID kit as an HID kit is designed to replicate the vehicle's OEM beam pattern. If the headlights allow light bleed there is no way an HID kit will prevent this from happening.
2) The 5th gen T4R have a very nice cut off even though the headlights are reflective. Modern day reflective headlamps are able to offer a a pretty sharp light/dark cut off that is much better then previous reflective headlamps (and even projectors). You will find by searching this board that people that have installed an HID kit in their 5th gen T4R are quite happy with the results and cut off.
There is no question that a retrofit that is done properly is going to get you the best possible light output. However, keep in mind the following:
1) You are modifying your brand new headlights (no more warranty). Should you experience any moisture/condensation issues you are going to be on your own.
2) Still not considered to be "street legal" unless you actually have your headlight tested and stamped that it is DOT compliant with the HID projector.
3) There will be an increased cost in retrofitting your headlights.
I do not want to get into a debate as to whether HID kits are good or bad as it's a topic that has been heavily discussed on many different forums and I believe that the general consensus is that people usually agree to disagree.
The best thing you can do before doing anything is spending some time to ask questions and read reviews/posts. Make sure you make an informed decision as opposed to going by what other members tell you is good or bad.
Steve
I'm sorry, but that's incorrect. Stand in front of two 4R's, one with the halogens and one with HIDs, and if you can't tell that the HID equipped 4R throws more light (and more "spill" light) then your eyes need checking. IMO, Toyota halogen reflectors are the worst to put HID bulbs in. If you HAVE to have HIDs, at least buy a casper shield to help reduce the glare.
Go to hidplanet.com and spew that statement and see what kind of flame war ensues.
Although halogen reflectors advance in technology every year, they're still not designed to contain the increase in lumens from an HID bulb.
Ever see a HID setup in a new Taco?....they have got to be one of the WORST for glare.
I'm still wondering why Toyota did away with the projector headlights that the last gen 4 had. At least a halogen projector has a cut off shield inside to reduce the glare.
XenonDepot
New member
T4Fun
There are several reasons however some of them would be:
1) A projector headlight will provide you with a nice color output which you will not be able to achieve with a reflective headlamp unless you go with a higher kelvin bulb (which you cannot legally do).
2) Many manufacturers now have adaptive headlights which would require the use of a projector.
Why do some OEMs use projectors and some use projectors for halogen applications? Clearly they both have to comply with FMVSS.
Steve
There are several reasons however some of them would be:
1) A projector headlight will provide you with a nice color output which you will not be able to achieve with a reflective headlamp unless you go with a higher kelvin bulb (which you cannot legally do).
2) Many manufacturers now have adaptive headlights which would require the use of a projector.
Why do some OEMs use projectors and some use projectors for halogen applications? Clearly they both have to comply with FMVSS.
Steve