Spyder headlight install issues

[dyintorace]

First project on my new (to me) 2006 4Runner. When I bought it, I knew I would have to replace the headlights, as they were both yellowed and full of condensation on the inside of the lenses.

After researching here, I decided to go with a set of Spyder headlights. The passenger side went in perfectly. The dreaded lower bolt came out and went back in just fine.

However, when I pulled the driver side, and unplugged the amber bulb and receptacle, the plug base would not fit into the hole on the Spyder. The slots in the assembly unfortunately do not match the base. They aren't even really close. Before I started hacking at the headlight assembly, I thought I would ask here to see if others have had the same issue. Am I going to have to send it back to CarID for a replacement?

Current situation:

Old headlight assembly vs new assembly. On the second picture, you'll see some black marking. I colored the back of the tabs on the amber bulb socket to see just how far off they are from fitting in the hole. Even if I cut away the hope opening, I am not sure the bulb socket would seat at that point.

TIA for any insight.

 

[adkfinn]

I would suggest just trimming the tabs on the bulb with either a decent pair of snips or a dremel. Also, the tabs/plastic 'key' of the headlight is more a gate to prevent you from inserting the wrong bulbs or the correct ones in an incorrect orientation. I trimmed the tabs on H9 bulbs and use them in my H11 low beam positions to no ill effect. The upside: if you muck something up, it is only a cheapie amber bulb and not your new headlights...

 

[LordAbdullah]

As mentioned ^, manually fixing the tabs and trying to get the bulb to fit is probably the optimal solution. I've heard of several people messaging the seller regarding the issue, they got a bit of a refund after and perfectly capable lights!

 

[dyintorace]

Brilliant! Never occurred to me to trim the tabs on the bulb instead of the headlight! Thank you for the idea. I'll also contact the seller and see if they are willing to make any accommodation.

 

[dyintorace]

Success! Thanks for the suggestion to trim the bulb socket. Worked like a charm! First project is officially in the books!

 

[Bryanmc]

Looks fantastic!

I'll search for where to find them, but do you happen to have a quick link available of where to buy them?

 

[dyintorace]

Thanks! Really dramatic change!

I bought these headlights from CarID.

Spyder® HD-JH-T4R06-AM-BK (9023378) - Toyota 4Runner 2006-2009 Black Euro Projector Headlights with Amber Reflectors

Found out about them here. I can only comment on the fit so far. They lined up perfectly to go in the truck, but, as you read, one of the holes on the driver side didn't line up with the socket base. Some quick trimming took care of it though.

 

[Bryanmc]

Uses the same bulbs as before?

 

[dyintorace]

Sure did.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Yeah, that seems to be the weird quirk about these lights, that one socket hole is not formed correctly.

Additionally you may find that the clear-coat will flake off in about a year, just keep that in mind. Mine is flaking at the top edge, I already talked to the mobile body shop our dealer contracts with and he said he'd polish and clear the lights for me for a reasonable price (I think it was something like $50~100 for both), so I'll do that eventually.

 

[dyintorace]

Thanks for the heads up! I wonder if keeping the lenses waxed would help ward off the clear coat issue. Worth a try I guess.

 

[LIRunner03]

Not sure if anyone gave these a shot, but they are cheaper?

2003-2005 Toyota 4Runner Replacement Crystal Headlights - Black

 

[dyintorace]

Not sure if anyone gave these a shot, but they are cheaper?

2003-2005 Toyota 4Runner Replacement Crystal Headlights - Black

I have a MY 2006 truck, so those weren't an option for me.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Came in here to tell you to trim the bulb socket, looks like you already did. The lights look great!

 

[LIRunner03]

I have a MY 2006 truck, so those weren't an option for me.

You know you can change the search on the website for 2006 and the price is still cheaper at $211.00

Search

 

[dyintorace]

Came in here to tell you to trim the bulb socket, looks like you already did. The lights look great!

Thanks! I'm stoked about the difference they make.

 

[dyintorace]

You know you can change the search on the website for 2006 and the price is still cheaper at $211.00

Search

Noticed that. Given that I already bought lights and installed them, no use for cheaper prices on other headlights at this point.

 

[adkfinn]

dyintorace: If you are using H11 bubls, I highly suggest you check out running some trimmed H9's in your lows. The projector controls the light pattern enough that you won't dazzle oncoming traffic and you'll nearly double your light output, all for around $20 and a little bit of your time.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/108944-h11-h9-headlight-mod.html

 

[LIRunner03]

Noticed that. Given that I already bought lights and installed them, no use for cheaper prices on other headlights at this point.

It was meant for everyone looking for headlights, that there's cheaper options.

 

[dyintorace]

dyintorace: If you are using H11 bubls, I highly suggest you check out running some trimmed H9's in your lows. The projector controls the light pattern enough that you won't dazzle oncoming traffic and you'll nearly double your light output, all for around $20 and a little bit of your time.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/108944-h11-h9-headlight-mod.html

I had no idea! Thanks a million for linking to this. I will absolutely do this mod!