Just Another Broke College Student's Mod Thread/ WTB List (NC State)

[Krayziekid]

Gotcha, that is an awesome write-up btw!! I read through it but didnt realize it was you.

What made you go with LED bulbs from TRS instead of HID's?

Well i thought about going with the HIDs but i would have wanted to do the retroquik so i have proper projectors. I simply didnt really have time to do that, didnt want to mess with the headlights i just spent a lot of money on, and didnt really need the additional light output.

Im not a fan of plug and plays, no matter if its the stock projectors. i HATE them in reflectors. I have heard a squirrel finder mod is needed for good plug and play HID performance, but again, i didnt really want to mess with that.

All in all, im happy with the LED performance and i dont have any complaints. If i really need more light, then i would normally be on an unlit back road and my aux lights can handle the job.

Also, im glad you liked the guide! I couldnt find a good walkthrough so i said screw it, ill do it and make one lol

 

[tannerk15]

Im not a fan of plug and plays, no matter if its the stock projectors. i HATE them in reflectors. I have heard a squirrel finder mod is needed for good plug and play HID performance, but again, i didnt really want to mess with that.

All in all, im happy with the LED performance and i dont have any complaints. If i really need more light, then i would normally be on an unlit back road and my aux lights can handle the job.

Yea that is my problem, I dont have any additional aux lights to make up the difference. That is another thing I have been meaning to do but just dont want to drop that much money on a light bar. What kind of lights did you add?

Which bulbs did you get from TRS? I looked for the ones that you name in your signature but didnt see them.

 

[Krayziekid]

Yea that is my problem, I dont have any additional aux lights to make up the difference. That is another thing I have been meaning to do but just dont want to drop that much money on a light bar. What kind of lights did you add?

Which bulbs did you get from TRS? I looked for the ones that you name in your signature but didnt see them.

I added an OPT7 LED light bar behind my front lower grill, and i am currently toying with the idea of doing a stealth LED bar on the stock roof rack. But thats just a thought right now lol

And i bought these bulbs. https://www.theretrofitsource.com/led-lighting/morimoto-xb-led-headlight-bulbs.html#.VrJ9pPkrLVY

 

[tannerk15]

I added an OPT7 LED light bar behind my front lower grill, and i am currently toying with the idea of doing a stealth LED bar on the stock roof rack. But thats just a thought right now lol

Ive seen people do LED bar's in the lower grill and really like it. Did you do that install on your own? If so, how difficult was it?

 

[tannerk15]

I like your 4runner! keep up the good work.

Thank you!!!

 

[Krayziekid]

Ive seen people do LED bar's in the lower grill and really like it. Did you do that install on your own? If so, how difficult was it?

Yup i did it myself with a bracket from MojaveMadMan. Install was a bit tricky with a second set of hands being suuuuuper useful. Just took some time and messing around.

 

[NinjaOne]

Alright sounds good. Thanks for all the info btw! The parts list was really helpful.

Do you know anyone on here that has either paint matched the housings or painted them black? *EDIT* I found a few of the numerous threads dealing with this topic. Was hoping I could maybe see an example of how they would look or even a thread with instructions.

Did you put HID bulbs in your stock fog light housings? Also interested in putting some yellow bulbs in my fog lights while I am working on lighting.
And did you use HID's in the new housings?

Still need instructions? It would be a fun mod to do, I may come back and do it at some point.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/94693-blacked-out-headlights-06-sport-diy.html

Yes, I put the HIDs in my stock fog light housing. 25w, so output is manageable rather than blindingly bright. From some angels it looks a little green'ish, but still awesome

I added an OPT7 LED light bar behind my front lower grill, and i am currently toying with the idea of doing a stealth LED bar on the stock roof rack. But thats just a thought right now lol

And i bought these bulbs. https://www.theretrofitsource.com/led-lighting/morimoto-xb-led-headlight-bulbs.html#.VrJ9pPkrLVY

I would've preferred to use LEDs over HIDs, didn't like the pair I picked up. I might like them if I were to try them again now; part of me not liking them might be because of going from 4500k halogen to 6k LEDs. I may switch back eventually.

Also, how do you like the OPT7 lightbar? I was looking at getting one for the same application. Seemed like a nice balance between quality/output/cost, especially in comparison to Rigid :tape2: 32"?

 

[Krayziekid]

Still need instructions? It would be a fun mod to do, I may come back and do it at some point.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/94693-blacked-out-headlights-06-sport-diy.html

Yes, I put the HIDs in my stock fog light housing. 25w, so output is manageable rather than blindingly bright. From some angels it looks a little green'ish, but still awesome


I would've preferred to use LEDs over HIDs, didn't like the pair I picked up. I might like them if I were to try them again now; part of me not liking them might be because of going from 4500k halogen to 6k LEDs. I may switch back eventually.

Also, how do you like the OPT7 lightbar? I was looking at getting one for the same application. Seemed like a nice balance between quality/output/cost, especially in comparison to Rigid :tape2: 32"?

Huge huge huge fan of the OPT7 bar. It has been through hell and back with me, from mudding to dust storms to the most recent winter snow storm. Never had a problem and I have been very impressed with both the output of the bar, the quality of the sealing, and the quality of the harness that I bought from them too. I have a 32" bar in my lower grille, and my old man has a 20" bar from them in the lower grill of his 2011 Limited. We both really like them and are happy with the money spent.

I like it so much that I wish they made single row bars so I could do the stealth roof rack led bar mod with a light bar from them!

 

[tannerk15]

Yes, I put the HIDs in my stock fog light housing. 25w, so output is manageable rather than blindingly bright. From some angels it looks a little green'ish, but still awesome

I would've preferred to use LEDs over HIDs, didn't like the pair I picked up. I might like them if I were to try them again now; part of me not liking them might be because of going from 4500k halogen to 6k LEDs. I may switch back eventually.

Thanks, I found the threads with the steps. I am meeting the guy from Craigslist tomorrow to buy the housings. Planning on busting them open to paint and get rid of the amber reflector as soon as I get them.

I honestly had never heard of using LED bulbs as headlights. After reading the reviews on their website that is probably the direction I will end up going. Do you know if they make LED bulbs for the fog light housing? I want to get yellow fog lights so I am trying to decide between HID's and LED's.

 

[tannerk15]

Yup i did it myself with a bracket from MojaveMadMan. Install was a bit tricky with a second set of hands being suuuuuper useful. Just took some time and messing around.

Nice I will have to look into his brackets. Been wanting some additional lighting for a while but the cost of light bars has kept me from doing it.

Were the LED bulbs you used plug-n-play? I know that using LED's anywhere else usually require resistors to be put in.

 

[tannerk15]

LED Interior Swap

Does anyone know if I need to purchase a specific kind of LED's to install into the stock interior housings? For some reason I remember reading somewhere on this site that the LED's you put in need to have resistors attached. But then again I have seen other members that seem to just put normal LEDs in.

 

[Krayziekid]

Nice I will have to look into his brackets. Been wanting some additional lighting for a while but the cost of light bars has kept me from doing it.

Were the LED bulbs you used plug-n-play? I know that using LED's anywhere else usually require resistors to be put in.

I just put LEDs in the highs and lows, and they were completely plug and play. No resistors needed. You will need a resistor if you are putting LEDs in the turn signals however.

 

[NinjaOne]

Thanks, I found the threads with the steps. I am meeting the guy from Craigslist tomorrow to buy the housings. Planning on busting them open to paint and get rid of the amber reflector as soon as I get them.

I honestly had never heard of using LED bulbs as headlights. After reading the reviews on their website that is probably the direction I will end up going. Do you know if they make LED bulbs for the fog light housing? I want to get yellow fog lights so I am trying to decide between HID's and LED's.

Good luck =)

As Krayziekid said, you can put LEDs in the fogs or the headlights w/out modification. Fogs and lows use the same bulb on the '03-05. (9006), the '06 uses the H11 for the lows

As far as I am aware, there is no yellow option for LEDs, so you are stuck with either a film or a HID if looking for a super yellow light. LED car headlights tend to be 5-6k in temperature. I picked up my yellow HIDs for under $30 I think, 25w OPT7 HIDs

 

[RedMan84]

Enjoying reading through your plans.

Go Pack!!! GTHC

 

[tannerk15]

I just put LEDs in the highs and lows, and they were completely plug and play. No resistors needed. You will need a resistor if you are putting LEDs in the turn signals however.

As Krayziekid said, you can put LEDs in the fogs or the headlights w/out modification. Fogs and lows use the same bulb on the '03-05. (9006), the '06 uses the H11 for the lows

As far as I am aware, there is no yellow option for LEDs, so you are stuck with either a film or a HID if looking for a super yellow light. LED car headlights tend to be 5-6k in temperature. I picked up my yellow HIDs for under $30 I think, 25w OPT7 HIDs

I think I'm going to end up going with HIDs due to cost and I'm worried the led output wont be enough.
Hopefully tomorrow I will get the headlights and maybe begin the process of getting the housings painted. I dont think I am going to do black because I dont know if I would like it with my silver. Maybe a lighter color like gunmetal or something.


*edit*
After stumbling across this picture, credit to [MENTION=46728]magert54[/MENTION], I think i have decided to paint the headlights along with the grill until I can build or buy a satoshi. I really like that look.

 

[magert54]

Thanks

Thanks, I have an updated photo for you. the attachment may help

 

[NinjaOne]

Thanks, I have an updated photo for you. the attachment may help

You wouldn't have to have the part# for the 4Runner lettering? I know it is from the back of the 5th gen. If not, I can look it up

I was thinking of using the 4Runner text rather than the FJ emblem.

 

[NuclearN8]

[MENTION=132588]tannerk15[/MENTION] first off congrats on the new to you Runner, Smart purchase on a relaible vehicle.

You live in a great part of the country for sure for overlanding/ offroading/ road trips. Really scenic roads and trails so I would say forgoe the mods and spend the money on gas to go explore places on the weekends to break away from the monotony of classwork.

Looking back at my college years, I wished I would have just left my vehicles stock and used them more to get away and explore instead of dumping money into modifications. Let's be honest with eachother...there aren't many places a stock 4Runner with a good set of AT tires can't go.

The memories you make going places will outlast any temporary satisfaction you get from "modifying" the vehicle (since you'll eventually sell it anyway)... and any modifications generally make it less reliable (unless you're correcting an existing failure)

If you have enough money to do both, explore and modify, I would encourage you to put the modification money in your retirement account (unless you're already maxing that out or plan to work beyond your 70 birthday...)

sorry for the "lecture" but just trying to pass on some helpful life advice I had to learn the hard way...

 

[magert54]

You wouldn't have to have the part# for the 4Runner lettering? I know it is from the back of the 5th gen. If not, I can look it up

I was thinking of using the 4Runner text rather than the FJ emblem.

This is where I bought mine...

Toyota 4Runner (2010-2015). #7543135060: Hatch Emblem. Nameplate.

 

[tannerk15]

[MENTION=132588]tannerk15[/MENTION] first off congrats on the new to you Runner, Smart purchase on a relaible vehicle.

You live in a great part of the country for sure for overlanding/ offroading/ road trips. Really scenic roads and trails so I would say forgoe the mods and spend the money on gas to go explore places on the weekends to break away from the monotony of classwork.

Looking back at my college years, I wished I would have just left my vehicles stock and used them more to get away and explore instead of dumping money into modifications. Let's be honest with eachother...there aren't many places a stock 4Runner with a good set of AT tires.

The memories you make going places will outlast any temporary satisfaction you get from "modifying" the vehicle (since you'll eventually sell it anyway)... and any modifications generally make it less reliable (unless you're correcting an existing failure)

If you have enough money to do both, explore and modify, I would encourage you to put the modification money in your retirement account (unless you're already maxing that out or plan to work beyond your 70 birthday...)

sorry for the "lecture" but just trying to pass on some helpful life advice I had to learn the hard way...

Thanks for the advice! Definitely no need to apologize for the "lecture", I'll take any advice I can get!

I completely agree with you, the memories of road tripping/ offroading will long outlast the modifications. I don't spend every dollar I get on upgrading my car, although it may seem like it sometimes lol. This is actually the less expensive of some of my other hobbies, collecting old signs/advertising and collecting silver and gold coins.

I look forward to taking some weekend roadtrips once schoolwork dies down some. Which leads me to my next question for my fellow forum members. Other than URE, what are some other good places to go offroading? Places dont have to be in Central NC, but close enough for a weekend trip. I have been itching to go to the mountains of North Carolina and just go wandering!