How to do the 03->06 Headlight Swap.

Actually you have been a big help, i looked around and it appears the best option is to just cut the ends off and solder things together, just like you did with steps 9 - 21 on your first page.

Good write up by the way.

Thanks dude! I'm glad you liked it. It really is one of my favorite mods I have done.
 
Yeah it is my favorite mod as well, just wish it was not so expensive (went and bought OEM headlights) and I should have done it years ago.

I agree. I tried the TYC aftermarket lights, but they gave me problems and trouble. The OEM lights are hard to beat.
 
I can get aftermarket lights from TYC, DEPO, Eagle Eyes, etc. Has anyone tried a brand they've liked? If you can find one that has worked well in this application there's a lot of $ to be saved.
 
I can get aftermarket lights from TYC, DEPO, Eagle Eyes, etc. Has anyone tried a brand they've liked? If you can find one that has worked well in this application there's a lot of $ to be saved.

ive had TYC ones in my 4runner for a year now. Zero issues.
 
Great write-up. I may be able to help for those not looking to spend a fortune on headlights. Depo is one of the better choices for aftermarket headlights, better than TYC. I can get the Depo versions of these and can probably help you guys out. Has anyone tried the Depo yet?



How much for the Depo blacked out set like the ones used in this write-up?
 
I finally did this headlight upgrade this past weekend and am loving the new look! Thanks OP for helping me through the process.

Items used:
- TYC 06+ Sport model headlights (gunmetal) from RockAuto - half price compared to OEM, so far they look great and have no quality issues.
- (2) OEM painted filler pieces in black from Partznet.com - paid extra for OEM because I didn't want to go through the trouble of painting them.
- (2) OEM Parking/DRL/Turn signal wiring harness from Partznet.com
- wires and connectors from an extra relay harness
- Rust Oleum 280702 American Accents Ultra Cover 2X Spray Paint, Gloss Clear,
- electrical tape
- zip ties
- LED headlamp

Some notes/tips:

- I left the original DRL/turn signals alone and just cut and reconnected the wiring for the parking lights. Now I'm thinking I should have just cut the original DRL wiring and rerouted it to the new headlights. Make sure you know which DRLs you want to use before you start this project.

- If you had issues with your fog lamp sockets going bad (mine had melted/fallen apart from heat), this is the perfect time to replace the harnesses while the headlights are out. I have an HID kit for the fog lamps so I had to make sure there was a good connection between the original wiring and the relay harness I installed. I had an extra set of connectors and wiring from an extra relay harness I had.

- I would recommend getting some kind of gloss spray with UV protection and treating the headlights prior to installation (www.amazon.com/Oleum-280702-American-Accents-12-Ounce/dp/B00KZ6LYMM).

- You don't have to remove the bolt that is next to the filler panel. It is only there to hold the filler panel in place. When you start prying the plastic panel that goes across the middle of the bumper, do only enough so that you can remove the headlights. It will be a pain to put back in place and you will probably break at least one of the pieces that attaches the panel to the bumper if you don't take your time.

- the bolt screw holes next to the headlamp that hold the inner side down will not line up correctly on the 06+ headlights. Only way to fix this is to drill a new hole in that area.

- If you don't have enough light, I would highly recommend a LED headlamp. I did this at night in a garage and had very little light available.

- Take your time and do it right the first time!
 
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How to do the 03->06 Headlight Swap.

Sorry no pics of the install process. But I have a pic of what it looks like now!

5616de810470ff137d42bbe4b64ab392.jpg


Wanted to add that if you break the fasteners on the middle plastic bumper liner, you can just use zip ties to secure it.

e5c29ee4353961a25c4762203af95390.jpg


I also drilled a new hole to put in the remaining screws on the inner part of the headlamps.

ba6b13f5141550ad9773b84a874a747f.jpg
 
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I can get aftermarket lights from TYC, DEPO, Eagle Eyes, etc. Has anyone tried a brand they've liked? If you can find one that has worked well in this application there's a lot of $ to be saved.
Found this reference for CAPA certified aftermarkets parts. Might help in selection. I found this thread about 4 hours to late. I just ordered TYC CAPA lights for 03-05. I think I would have tried this conversion if I had caught it soon enough. Still might make a call and try to anyway.

http://www.capacertified.org/wp-content/uploads/daily/CPApp.pdf
 
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for those who got the headlights off rockauto.. how are the headlights holding up? any yellowing, water getting into the assembly? Still debating if I should go OEM or just settle with TYC, amazon or rockauto assemblies.

Thank you!
 
How did the headlight swap workout long term? I have an 04 that I want to convert so I have the integrated turn signal (I have an aftermarket front bumper so no turn signal in front=bad).
 
Fella's I can get you this 06-09 lights. I deal with 3-4 factories that make these lights that are certified OEM aftermarket and nice lights, Call or text me 717-319-2100 and I'll give the first few people on here that do them a nice price.
 

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