Mc1337sauce's (Modest) 1997 4Runner Build

[Mc1337sauce]

Do my eyes deceive me or are those LHD Surf headlights? Where did you find those and are they plastic or glass lens? Have you tried them out in halogen form?

As for projectors, you may want to hold on for a while until TRS/Morimoto releases the 4th generation Mini D2S.

You are pretty much bang on. They are RHD aftermarket Surf headlights with plastic lenses, purchased in Japan. I got them from a forum member, but I believe the same ones are available here. The chrome on the reflector buckets is pretty meh, but I plan on respraying them a high gloss metallic silver when I retrofit to match the corner lamps a little better, as I have noticed with this and other Toyotas that the corners are a less shiny silver/chrome than the headlamp buckets. I have not tried them in halogen form, but since they are for a RHD truck, they would have to be completely reaimed and since they are aftermarket, the beam pattern is probably crap.

For the projectors, I have been debating on going with a DDM kit at the moment. I have a lot of other projects coming up and currently on my plate, so I have time to think about it either way, but I have access to Denso ballasts and Philips bulbs for decent prices, so I think a DDM kit with my own personal upgrades may be the way to go, because there is little discernible difference in output between TRS and DDM kits on the road from what I have seen. I don't know when I will end up doing the retrofit, though, since I have another rather large addition for this truck coming soon and I have also been thinking about the purchase/import of an HDJ81 LC if I can find a minty one...we'll see what the future holds.

 

[absalom]

I just finished installing a DDM 55w D2S 4300k retrofit on my HDJ81. It's my 5th retrofit, and 2nd w/ DDM ... loving their stuff so far. I'm not far from you if you'd like to see it in person.

 

[Ed_C]

You are pretty much bang on. They are RHD aftermarket Surf headlights with plastic lenses, purchased in Japan. I got them from a forum member, but I believe the same ones are available here. The chrome on the reflector buckets is pretty meh, but I plan on respraying them a high gloss metallic silver when I retrofit to match the corner lamps a little better, as I have noticed with this and other Toyotas that the corners are a less shiny silver/chrome than the headlamp buckets. I have not tried them in halogen form, but since they are for a RHD truck, they would have to be completely reaimed and since they are aftermarket, the beam pattern is probably crap.

For the projectors, I have been debating on going with a DDM kit at the moment. I have a lot of other projects coming up and currently on my plate, so I have time to think about it either way, but I have access to Denso ballasts and Philips bulbs for decent prices, so I think a DDM kit with my own personal upgrades may be the way to go, because there is little discernible difference in output between TRS and DDM kits on the road from what I have seen. I don't know when I will end up doing the retrofit, though, since I have another rather large addition for this truck coming soon and I have also been thinking about the purchase/import of an HDJ81 LC if I can find a minty one...we'll see what the future holds.

Funny, I was going to mention that same eBay seller in my previous post :thumb: I think you meant LHD not RHD, see how looking at your headlights the horizontal "facets" on the reflector look like this -----\ like on North American headlights. If it were LHD the reflector would be /-------

 

[Mc1337sauce]

I just finished installing a DDM 55w D2S 4300k retrofit on my HDJ81. It's my 5th retrofit, and 2nd w/ DDM ... loving their stuff so far. I'm not far from you if you'd like to see it in person.

I'd love to check out your truck sometime, not just for the retrofit, but for the DIESEL...lol. I showed my dad your truck and he's actually ready to import an HDJ81 right now, so if you have time to PM me any pointers on the purchase and import process (i.e. what auction company and proxy bidder you purchased through, what the process was, how shipping worked, etc.) that would be wonderful. I'm reading through your build thread on "the other forum" as I type this, so hopefully I can glean some information from there as well.

How is the heat with the 55W bulbs you used in your retrofit? I am going to be painting the housings to better match my corners and also to get rid of the peeling chrome, and even though I am using high-temp paint and clear I am a bit worried about heat damage, especially over time, hence my tendency to lean toward using 35W bulbs and ballasts. I'm fairly sure I will be going with the DDM D2S kit, as the price difference between that and TRS kits is rather large while the real-life difference is negligible, but I still have not decided on which version to go with. Also, if you have any info on which shroud fits best into the 4Runner housing with minimal trimming that would be great info to have handy as well.

Funny, I was going to mention that same eBay seller in my previous post :thumb: I think you meant LHD not RHD, see how looking at your headlights the horizontal "facets" on the reflector look like this -----\ like on North American headlights. If it were LHD the reflector would be /-------

You're definitely right there - perhaps the LHD 4Runner reflector design was mistakenly used for Surf headlights by whatever company made these lights. You never know with third party products. They were definitely made for the Japanese market, though, hence why I assumed they were RHD spec. Either way it doesn't affect my use of them, since they will be retrofitted - I really bought them just for the internal adjusting buckets and lack of nipples on the lens. If you are looking for a set to use as halogen headlamps, this would be your cheapest option, but as you can see in the close-up pic, the chrome application is not great. I would recommend either e-code headlamps from a LHD Euro Surf (extremely expensive, close to $1000) or purchasing some used RHD Surf lamps from Yahoo Auctions Japan. You can get a minty pair for under $200, though you may come close to double that price once shipping is factored in.

 

[absalom]

Just bring the old man with you

 

[Ed_C]

You're definitely right there - perhaps the LHD 4Runner reflector design was mistakenly used for Surf headlights by whatever company made these lights. You never know with third party products. They were definitely made for the Japanese market, though, hence why I assumed they were RHD spec. Either way it doesn't affect my use of them, since they will be retrofitted - I really bought them just for the internal adjusting buckets and lack of nipples on the lens. If you are looking for a set to use as halogen headlamps, this would be your cheapest option, but as you can see in the close-up pic, the chrome application is not great. I would recommend either e-code headlamps from a LHD Euro Surf (extremely expensive, close to $1000) or purchasing some used RHD Surf lamps from Yahoo Auctions Japan. You can get a minty pair for under $200, though you may come close to double that price once shipping is factored in.

If I did order those ebay ones I wouldn't do halogens either,was just curious if you did light them up just to see how crappy the beam was LOL. I agree the reflector finish (and pattern) are a little suspect. Maybe they copied LHD euro spec reflectors. I do like the lack of nipples and the adjuster setup, you can adjust it all you want and the outer lens still stays flush with the corners. You can thank the DOT's archaic regulations for the dumb sealed beam style adjustment for the USDM headlights.

 

[Mc1337sauce]

Just bring the old man with you

I can probably do that, he works 60+ hours a week though so I'll have to see when he'd be available. I'll shoot you a PM when I know. I'm sure he'd love to talk to you about the process and see the truck in person anyway...ever since I showed him your build thread he's been dying to pick up a diesel Toyota.

If I did order those ebay ones I wouldn't do halogens either,was just curious if you did light them up just to see how crappy the beam was LOL. I agree the reflector finish (and pattern) are a little suspect. Maybe they copied LHD euro spec reflectors. I do like the lack of nipples and the adjuster setup, you can adjust it all you want and the outer lens still stays flush with the corners. You can thank the DOT's archaic regulations for the dumb sealed beam style adjustment for the USDM headlights.

Well, stay tuned...I should have the retrofit done in the fairly near future which should help you make a decision on the lights, but with school starting back up I'm more than likely going to be pretty busy. Hopefully they turn out decently, I'm pretty picky about the fit and finish so it might take a while just for me to get the lamps perfect...while I would have loved to retrofit a set of OEM lamps, I simply cannot justify spending $1000 on a pair of headlights, even if they were perfect - that's a good chunk of the cost of the whole darn truck! Assuming my lack of experience with retrofits doesn't result in a horrific mess (shouldn't, threaded body projectors look idiot-proof), they should give you an idea of a best-case end product with these lights.

I feel you with the DOT regulations, but hey, at least we can change our own bulbs now instead of swapping the entire housing when it burns out.

 

[absalom]

The newly installed DDM's ...

 

[Mc1337sauce]

The newly installed DDM's ...

Damn, making me want to get in gear even faster with this retrofit. Driving a LS460 at night was my motivation for this - proper, high quality HID projectors are life-changing...lol. What shrouds are those? I like the look, but they also appear to possibly be too large to easily fit into a 4Runner housing...maybe that's just an illusion of the height of the LC lights, though.

 

[absalom]

Damn, making me want to get in gear even faster with this retrofit. Driving a LS460 at night was my motivation for this - proper, high quality HID projectors are life-changing...lol. What shrouds are those? I like the look, but they also appear to possibly be too large to easily fit into a 4Runner housing...maybe that's just an illusion of the height of the LC lights, though.

I had nearly the exact same setup in my 4runner, except with e46 shrouds. Fit with plenty of room to spare. Install took about 3 hours.

The Land Cruiser lights have much less room, and the install took about 11 hours and was completely custom.

 

[Mc1337sauce]

I had nearly the exact same setup in my 4runner, except with e46 shrouds. Fit with plenty of room to spare. Install took about 3 hours.

The Land Cruiser lights have much less room, and the install took about 11 hours and was completely custom.

I really like the look of those E46 shrouds...they help fill up the headlamp a bit more so it doesn't look so bugeyed. Do you remember if you used the regular or extended version? I can't tell from the pics in your build thread on here. I do see that you painted your housings, so if you didn't have any issues with the 55W kit I'll probably go for that one as well.

 

[absalom]

I really like the look of those E46 shrouds...they help fill up the headlamp a bit more so it doesn't look so bugeyed. Do you remember if you used the regular or extended version? I can't tell from the pics in your build thread on here. I do see that you painted your housings, so if you didn't have any issues with the 55W kit I'll probably go for that one as well.

They were just bog standard E46 shrouds that I had lying around from a previous project. I only painted them black because the shrouds were old and scratched. I ran 35w on my old Golf TDI, and while they were decent, it was hard going from 55w to 35w and I'd never do it again. Headlights are usually my first mod on any vehicle I buy, it makes a massive difference.

 

[Mc1337sauce]

Well looks like I'll be putting my OEM grill back on at some point. The parking garage gates at ASU gouged the hell out of my Elford grill yesterday and today...ever since they switched RFID systems, I have had to touch the front end of my truck to the gate, and now it's finally caused damage. Problem is it'll keep doing so until the system is fixed (it won't be), so I may be in the market for some front end protection shortly. Over $700 a year for parking and I receive this crap...

 

[T4R2014]

Complain and make them pay the value of the grill. You are paying them tuition and that doesn't mean they can get away with crap that damages your vehicle. If my school pulled that crap with me, I would be making them pay me for a new OEM grill with a price quote from my local dealer's parts department.

 

[shootmymime]

Complain and make them pay the value of the grill. You are paying them tuition and that doesn't mean they can get away with crap that damages your vehicle. If my school pulled that crap with me, I would be making them pay me for a new OEM grill with a price quote from my local dealer's parts department.

Well looks like I'll be putting my OEM grill back on at some point. The parking garage gates at ASU gouged the hell out of my Elford grill yesterday and today...ever since they switched RFID systems, I have had to touch the front end of my truck to the gate, and now it's finally caused damage. Problem is it'll keep doing so until the system is fixed (it won't be), so I may be in the market for some front end protection shortly. Over $700 a year for parking and I receive this crap.

My words exactly

EDIT: Problem is it'll keep doing so until the system is fixed (it won't be), so I may be in the market for some front end protection shortly.

I may have thought of an idea how to fix (remove) that gate....

front end protection

 

[Mc1337sauce]

Complain and make them pay the value of the grill. You are paying them tuition and that doesn't mean they can get away with crap that damages your vehicle. If my school pulled that crap with me, I would be making them pay me for a new OEM grill with a price quote from my local dealer's parts department.

My words exactly

EDIT: Problem is it'll keep doing so until the system is fixed (it won't be), so I may be in the market for some front end protection shortly.

I may have thought of an idea how to fix (remove) that gate....

front end protection

You sign a liability waiver when you park at ASU, they cannot be held liable for any damages while you park on campus whatsoever. Only option is to file a claim through the board that oversees universities in Arizona.

I dunno what an OEM grille costs, but I think a new Elford one would cost even more to import from Japan, if I could even find one. For the time being, I'm keeping this one on - it's damaged anyway. Looking for a JAOS grill guard right now - if I can't find one, it's ARB time.

I wish I could "fix" the gates for them, but...cameras...lol.

 

[T4R2014]

Complain anyway. File that claim as well. Their gate is damaging your vehicle. It is faulty.

 

[Mc1337sauce]

Complain anyway. File that claim as well. Their gate is damaging your vehicle. It is faulty.

Already taking care of both complaint and claim. Physically went down to their office earlier to report it in person as well. Since the RFID receivers angle down, if you drive a lifted truck you're out of range (despite clearing the garage ceiling). Their solution? Drive a car until it's fixed. Yeah, thanks, great solution. Hopefully some compensation comes from the board. In the meantime I'm stuck with looking for a grill guard as the solution. Needless to say I'm pretty damn steamed.

 

[T4R2014]

Your 4Runner isn't much taller than mine considering its running 31's with 2WD coils on spacers(correct me if I'm wrong). What about bros that drive diesel trucks? They are taller than most lifted 4Runners when stock. You are dealing with a bunch of asses. Best of luck to you on getting a settlement in your favor.

 

[Mc1337sauce]

Your 4Runner isn't much taller than mine considering its running 31's with 2WD coils on spacers(correct me if I'm wrong). What about bros that drive diesel trucks? They are taller than most lifted 4Runners when stock. You are dealing with a bunch of asses. Best of luck to you on getting a settlement in your favor.

It's on 265/70/17s with 2.5 inch spacers on the 2WD coils. It's taller than a stock 99 Highlander, but by how much I don't know since I'm not gonna whip out a tape measure on some random Joe's truck. There's a stock Silverado who I have seen mash the gates as well, and similar damage actually occurred to my friend's G63, but he just fixed it himself. Any truck will have issues...only one that hasn't is my 2WD Xterra, but it's pretty low for an SUV.

Funny story about the lifted diesels. One of my friends had one that cleared the garage max height so he tried to park in there. Once he hit the third floor his roof absolutely smashed one of the signs showing what direction to drive, tearing it out of the concrete ceiling. So much for minimum clearance being consistent.

Thank you for the well wishes on getting this resolved...if nothing else, I at least want the darn gates fixed to properly function. These issues could have been avoided if the system were properly vetted, but ASU would rather spend $250M on a new football stadium. /endrant