Quad Retro (yes another)

[Kryptoroxx]

Whew! I thought the 3rd gen 4runner research could get hectic. From what I have read and learned I have 2 basic choices.

Dual d2s 5.0 projectors (over a grand for parts) for dual lows/highs (dual 3.0")
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/bixenon-morimoto-mini-d2s-stage-3.html

1x d2s 5.0 and clear glass setup for dual lows/single high (2.5" and 3.0" projectors)
(700 bucks for the setup)
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/bixenon-morimoto-mini-d2s-stage-3.html
H9 Morimoto Elite HID Systems | H9 HID Headlights
Clear glass upgrade

This setup would be a hybrid which I don't think anyone has done. It would be interesting though to work through. The high beam would be replaced with a retrofit for low/high beams and the stock projector upgraded for HID with the lack of high beam

Then it comes down to headlights to build off of. I can either build off of the OEM projectors. I have an led strip to do angel eyes on the bottom of the headlight (not sure how it would turn out honestly. I would replace the adhesive with 3m body moulding tape since it is the best sticky stuff out there)

I could also spring for these to build off of. The advantage would be a built in angel eye and I think they look pretty sharp. Not sure how they measure up to OEM headlights. I can toss moisture out since I will be sealing the lights up after doing the retrofit anyway and I could likely get away with using the OEM plastic covers and/or bases if there is a serious quality difference as well.
2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner Black LED Tube DRL Projector Headlights

I guess I'm split on the extra expense of $250 for the new set of headlights. It would give me the opportunity to build without pressure which would be nice. Just trying to manage costs where I can and not go completely overboard. I do have some secret customization that I am working on as well. We will see if they pan out the way that I want.

The wiring on these is another issue. I believe what I would have to do is split the high/low switch to two plugs so that I could add the second set of low/high headlights.

I will be adding some videos and pictures of the build process to this and hopefully this will take some of the confusion out of retrofits. They really are impressive. The light output from my 3rd gen is far superior to the 4th gen stock setup and definitely is worth upgrading especially if you happen to live out in the country where there aren't many lights to help guide your way in the dark. The only down side to these is in heavy snow fall. Having some auxiliary led lights or strong fogs mounted down low assist with cutting through the heavy stuff because using your high beams quickly turns low vis into a white wall of fluff that you are driving through.

 

[Dirtrider216]

Unless your goal is a novel build that hasn’t been done before, I could also suggest a setup similar to what I did and have zero complaints with

I went with D2s 4.0 in the low beam socket and morimoto profile hi lens led light in the high beam socket (these have a threaded shaft that fits perfectly in the high beam hole of 06+ lights with no modifications needed)
I ran the wires so that I have only low beam projectors for low beam and then I have the highbeam projectors + the profile hi lens LED when I flip hi beam on
Also if your oem housings are in good condition, a recommendation I would make that I did is to buy a cheap set of housings off of eBay/rock auto I paid $160 for a set and then use the lens from the cheap housing + your oem rear (gray plastic) housing so that you have a new lens in front but you know the rear housing is high quality still

Dual projectors would also be very cool and honestly if you’re in the $700 range anyway you might as well skip the clear glass for oem projectors and go dual 5.0 so you don’t kick yourself afterwards



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Unless your goal is a novel build that hasn’t been done before, I could also suggest a setup similar to what I did and have zero complaints with

I went with D2s 4.0 in the low beam socket and morimoto profile hi lens led light in the high beam socket (these have a threaded shaft that fits perfectly in the high beam hole of 06+ lights with no modifications needed)
I ran the wires so that I have only low beam projectors for low beam and then I have the highbeam projectors + the profile hi lens LED when I flip hi beam on
Also if your oem housings are in good condition, a recommendation I would make that I did is to buy a cheap set of housings off of eBay/rock auto I paid $160 for a set and then use the lens from the cheap housing + your oem rear (gray plastic) housing so that you have a new lens in front but you know the rear housing is high quality still

Dual projectors would also be very cool and honestly if you’re in the $700 range anyway you might as well skip the clear glass for oem projectors and go dual 5.0 so you don’t kick yourself afterwards



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If TRS does a great black friday deal I might go dual d2s 5.0 projectors but I like your idea as well. Still on the fence about the other set of housings. I kind of like the angel eye look but i also don't want to be getting back into these lights so it might be a kiss upgrade and stick with the halos from trs. The other thing I'm adding is the moni pods for the drl circuit. I'll pull the reflector and get a little more room but they offer the mod pods in amber.

Since I'm doing a bumper I'll get to the lighting choices there when it comes time. The headlights are primary though. Everything on the bumper save some amber fogs can only be used offroad really.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[Ed_C]

If you're going to use the OEM headlights, there are adapter brackets for fitting Mini D2S type projectors in place of the stock lowbeams 2003-2009 Toyota 4 Runner MD2S 4.0/G5 C-Bracket – Custom Brackets & Designs

If you really want to do quad mini D2S type projectors I'd suggest NHK G5-BRTs in the lowbeams and NHK G5-EX in the highbeams. The EX has the most intense highbeam of any 3" mini D2S, only thing more intense is the 3.2" G5-EXL.

 

[riceandpho]

to me honestly if doing quads, i suggest using 2 different type of projectors, why have 2 of the same kind, when you can have 2 different ones, one might be better than the other in terms of output and function. i like doing the oem projectors, but these are getting rare since alot of the new folks like the aftermarket stuff.
if i can do quads, i keep my s2k for the lows and add the rx350 in the highs. have a switch inside to switch between projectors depending on mood.
pretty sure the rx350 will not fit in the lows since after lift, the final height adjustment will make the projector hit the shroud.

 

[apohl17]

[MENTION=83502]Kryptoroxx[/MENTION] You keep reading my mind and starting these helpful threads, man! My secret winter project that nobody is supposed to know about was going to be a unique retrofit for my rig... I had actually planned on going dual, but all of the research and threads I read on the HIDforum and others say how it's almost not worth it because you are never going to have an even pattern with multiple cutoff lines and hot spots. I think the only one I saw that the output looked "normal" was with an RX350 and s2k. Also with that comes the complexity of aiming to get it perfect, which seems trivial but probably would involve spacers to rotate the high beam reflector down, lots of fiddling around, and then lots of JB weld to lock 'er down tight when it's done and hope nothing shifts.

Since then, I've been toying with what to do for highs. I already have some D2S Mini 5.0's as a bi-xenon - OEM low replacement, and was searching for something fitting... Until I saw [MENTION=164284]Dirtrider216[/MENTION] 's lights. Wowza, I like that. PM inbound, I want to know more!

In terms of housings, go aftermarket, but don't cheap out. The ProtuningLab should be good, but not many people run them yet. I went TYC...

 

[Kryptoroxx]

If you're going to use the OEM headlights, there are adapter brackets for fitting Mini D2S type projectors in place of the stock lowbeams 2003-2009 Toyota 4 Runner MD2S 4.0/G5 C-Bracket – Custom Brackets & Designs

If you really want to do quad mini D2S type projectors I'd suggest NHK G5-BRTs in the lowbeams and NHK G5-EX in the highbeams. The EX has the most intense highbeam of any 3" mini D2S, only thing more intense is the 3.2" G5-EXL.

I like those brackets! Thanks for the link.

@Kryptoroxx You keep reading my mind and starting these helpful threads, man! My secret winter project that nobody is supposed to know about was going to be a unique retrofit for my rig... I had actually planned on going dual, but all of the research and threads I read on the HIDforum and others say how it's almost not worth it because you are never going to have an even pattern with multiple cutoff lines and hot spots. I think the only one I saw that the output looked "normal" was with an RX350 and s2k. Also with that comes the complexity of aiming to get it perfect, which seems trivial but probably would involve spacers to rotate the high beam reflector down, lots of fiddling around, and then lots of JB weld to lock 'er down tight when it's done and hope nothing shifts.

Since then, I've been toying with what to do for highs. I already have some D2S Mini 5.0's as a bi-xenon - OEM low replacement, and was searching for something fitting... Until I saw @Dirtrider216 's lights. Wowza, I like that. PM inbound, I want to know more!

In terms of housings, go aftermarket, but don't cheap out. The ProtuningLab should be good, but not many people run them yet. I went TYC...

Sorry for busting your idea LOL. I'm looking at all kinds of options. I only want to do this once.

The housings look like they are fairly high quality but we (as a group) have been fooled before. I am leaning towards getting them and seeing if I can use the OEM backs and transfer everything else over into them though. I will be a slow upgrade in any case to go to dual projectors.

to me honestly if doing quads, i suggest using 2 different type of projectors, why have 2 of the same kind, when you can have 2 different ones, one might be better than the other in terms of output and function. i like doing the oem projectors, but these are getting rare since alot of the new folks like the aftermarket stuff.
if i can do quads, i keep my s2k for the lows and add the rx350 in the highs. have a switch inside to switch between projectors depending on mood.
pretty sure the rx350 will not fit in the lows since after lift, the final height adjustment will make the projector hit the shroud.

I wouldn't mind finding some OEM projectors but to be quite honest I have experience with TRS and liked their quality level. I was just looking at fleabay and it seems like I could match something up with the 3.0" d2s. Maybe a smaller 2.0 projector would look better on either side. I like this thinking.....off to do some research on it.

I might be able to save some serious cash on this if I can just the d2s 5.0 and then just a harness and bulbs for the others. I'd rather not try to make my own harnesses and I appreciate TRS for making it a lot easier lol.

 

[Ed_C]

I'd buy from Lightwerkz instead, they'll have Black Friday deals soon.

They're one of the largest TRS/Morimoto dealers, probably one of the first to test and sell the G5 projectors I mentioned before, and also sell the adapter brackets (although I'd verify the price since it's advertised as $70 from them but $55 direct). If they stock the items (which they usually do) your order gets shipped the same day you order, can't say the same about TRS when I've placed orders from them.

 

[apohl17]

I'll second this ^^^

Lightwerkz was great to work with when I did my 3rd gen retros, and I will likely go through them my second time around!

 

[Ed_C]

Their sales/customer service guy Brandon is a Toyota owner :thumb: FJ Cruiser with a steel bumper (Demello I think)

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I'd buy from Lightwerkz instead, they'll have Black Friday deals soon.

They're one of the largest TRS/Morimoto dealers, probably one of the first to test and sell the G5 projectors I mentioned before, and also sell the adapter brackets (although I'd verify the price since it's advertised as $70 from them but $55 direct). If they stock the items (which they usually do) your order gets shipped the same day you order, can't say the same about TRS when I've placed orders from them.

I'm taking a look. Admittedly I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to this as it is a completely different world than offroading but I learn quickly. I thought some of the Corolla projectors might be a good mix to mount (if there's room). They're plentiful and cheap. Plus I think the angle might work with the high beam area pretty well. Lots of things to consider.

I also found a better source for Angel Eyes.
Parts Only :: Parts :: Lens & accessories :: exLED Slim Panel Lighting Silicone LED Bar Ver.2 (65cm) (1ea) - exLEDusa, beyond the limit

Considering that they are likely better than anything Cramazon sells and by reports bright enough for DRL use I'm hopeful that I can get this done.

Definitely sold on doing one of the d2s 5.0 50w setups though. I think that will go great in the low beam area and provide an excellent light output. The Corrolla biled could fill in on the high and with some vertical adjustment I believe I can get everything lined up and in good order.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Their sales/customer service guy Brandon is a Toyota owner :thumb: FJ Cruiser with a steel bumper (Demello I think)

We should talk to him about becoming a vendor perhaps then. That would be a great addition since most (not all of course) members here are like me.....noobs or maybe one build of headlights to improve over OEM.

 

[riceandpho]

I like those brackets! Thanks for the link.



Sorry for busting your idea LOL. I'm looking at all kinds of options. I only want to do this once.

The housings look like they are fairly high quality but we (as a group) have been fooled before. I am leaning towards getting them and seeing if I can use the OEM backs and transfer everything else over into them though. I will be a slow upgrade in any case to go to dual projectors.



I wouldn't mind finding some OEM projectors but to be quite honest I have experience with TRS and liked their quality level. I was just looking at fleabay and it seems like I could match something up with the 3.0" d2s. Maybe a smaller 2.0 projector would look better on either side. I like this thinking.....off to do some research on it.

I might be able to save some serious cash on this if I can just the d2s 5.0 and then just a harness and bulbs for the others. I'd rather not try to make my own harnesses and I appreciate TRS for making it a lot easier lol.

i too have alot of experience with trs, started with the d2s 2.0 and that was not the best projector to use, swapped out to rx-afs in my truck for couple of years, then i wanted more and just settled with s2k.
other car is using rx350 and good old fxr 3.0 3inch, every setup i had is different and one is better than the other. price and longevity. my truck is all oem parts, other ride is a camry and using aftermarket housings, so is the tacoma, the lens dont last that well.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

i too have alot of experience with trs, started with the d2s 2.0 and that was not the best projector to use, swapped out to rx-afs in my truck for couple of years, then i wanted more and just settled with s2k.

other car is using rx350 and good old fxr 3.0 3inch, every setup i had is different and one is better than the other. price and longevity. my truck is all oem parts, other ride is a camry and using aftermarket housings, so is the tacoma, the lens dont last that well.

If I was going to do a pair of 3.0 and 2.5 just for the variety what OEM projector do you suggest? I am not up to speed on the oem types. I've seen the corollas and the Rx350s in action and either would be fine paired with the d2s 5.0. The 4.0 is by far better on my 3rd gen than any oem that I have seen on the road though.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[riceandpho]

If I was going to do a pair of 3.0 and 2.5 just for the variety what OEM projector do you suggest? I am not up to speed on the oem types. I've seen the corollas and the Rx350s in action and either would be fine paired with the d2s 5.0. The 4.0 is by far better on my 3rd gen than any oem that I have seen on the road though.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

if you want high and low, the 350 might be a tight fit in the beam area, if you do aftermarket, the g5 is pretty good for the money

 

[royal T4R]

Im really sorry for not being able to input anything to the topic at hand but id like to ask for assistance to retrofit into 03-05 housings.


Ive read countless of threads but I honestly get a headache trying to follow it all. Is there anyone I can shoot some questions to in this thread?

 

[Ed_C]

Im really sorry for not being able to input anything to the topic at hand but id like to ask for assistance to retrofit into 03-05 housings.


Ive read countless of threads but I honestly get a headache trying to follow it all. Is there anyone I can shoot some questions to in this thread?

What questions? These two threads are pretty informative:

Installed Morimoto D2S HID Projectors on my '04 - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Mini H1 retro - https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-...e*-finished.html?highlight=projector+retrofit

 

[originalg00kster]

Im really sorry for not being able to input anything to the topic at hand but id like to ask for assistance to retrofit into 03-05 housings.


Ive read countless of threads but I honestly get a headache trying to follow it all. Is there anyone I can shoot some questions to in this thread?

Nut and Bolt method should work. Look it up on youtube, Lightwerkz has a great video on it.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

if you want high and low, the 350 might be a tight fit in the beam area, if you do aftermarket, the g5 is pretty good for the money

Since the d2s 4.0 served extremely well for my purposes by themselves I could look for a high only option but I could simply get the clear glass upgrade for the outer projector and run low beam hid in those and call it a day. Since the original is a 2.0" the size difference would be an interesting mix and the 3.0" would fill the high beam area nicely.

Going to keep shopping around and see what sticks. Black Friday is coming soon.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Since the d2s 4.0 served extremely well for my purposes by themselves I could look for a high only option but I could simply get the clear glass upgrade for the outer projector and run low beam hid in those and call it a day. Since the original is a 2.0" the size difference would be an interesting mix and the 3.0" would fill the high beam area nicely.

Going to keep shopping around and see what sticks. Black Friday is coming soon.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

So I've got some rx350 projectors inbound and a spare set of OEM housings.

Came across a wiring conundrum however. Since the low beams and high beams are separate circuits I'm guessing I will just have to find the hot wire for activating the high beams and split it for the outer and likewise for the inner so everything comes on at once. I know it will be a tight fit on these but I'm fairly certain there is enough headspace in there for either minis or the d2s 5.0 to hang out with the rx350.

I will be running 35w systems for both. I think if I bumped to 50 I'd start melting stuff at some point.

Glad to be underway on this project and just a few days before black friday too.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk