Projector headlights for 3rd gen

[paddlenbike]

I was pretty excited when I saw this:




My other two cars at home have factory HID and factory LED headlights, so they spoil the crap out of me compared to a reflectorized halogen housing like the 4Runner has. With the above light, I envision an Acura TSX HID projector or FX35 projector in one side and a pair of nice LED fog lights (which I have on order) in the other.

The bug-eyed look of an HID retrofit has held me back. These look like a nice alternative. You'll also note the dual filament corner market lights...perfect for a bright LED DRL or turn signal in one socket and standard marker light in the other.

[Seanz0rz]

Oh, I like that!

I wonder what the quality is like, and if the outer lens is still glass.

I am very happy with my projector retrofit. My only complaint is really the aiming. With the rake of the truck, I have to nearly max out the adjusters. I also have to aim it with the truck partly full, and live with the low cutoff line when the truck is empty, or make sure the airbags are filled up when I am carrying a heavy load or towing at night, so the cutoff is at an acceptable level. That is much more to do with the dynamics of the truck though, and not the fault of the projectors.

I know what you mean about the bug eyed look. They don't install as cleanly as other housings. I will have to say though that most people never realize I have projectors until I point them our or they see the output.

[paddlenbike]

I should clarify on the bug-eye thing; in my opinion, it looks really bad on a truck like mine with a stock front end. The retrofits look much better when you combine it with an aftermarket front bumper and the satoshi mod.

I am waiting for details on the lens composition. I'm guessing they are plastic and if they are, hopefully our glass would fit. I'm seeing two year old 5th gens with badly faded plastic headlights, so glass would be nice.

[Seanz0rz]

I think leaving my reflector alone helps conceal the retrofit too. I've seen them blacked out and it looks good with certain vehicles, especially in black, but not on a white 4runner! I am not crazy about how mine look. The shrouds only make it look unfinished or something, but the light output is amazing. I'm at that point where we are just starting to look at new cars to purchase within the next 12-18 months, and if they don't have projectors, they get tossed off the list. Even halogens in projectors are better than any reflector based lighting I've come across lately.

[Kryptoroxx]

Man that looks sharp!! How much and where? I would definitely be down to consider an upgrade like that. I considered the retrofit and I agree with the bug eyed look. On top of that lighting is something I have little to no experience with and jumping in with a complete homebrew retrofit would be very challenging especially for how much you have wrapped up in expensive parts too.

[paddlenbike]

Currently they may only be available on a Russian site HERE, but someone is working on importing them for re-sale. The pics I posted above are from a U.S. 4Runner owner.

The back of it looks very mod-able.


If we get lucky, the existing projector will be good enough for a cheap HID upgrade. If not, Acura TSX projectors from TRS are $220. Or Lexus RX330 projectors with the TSX lenses for $180.



OR, you could drop a pile of money ($450 to be exact) on a set of Infiniti Q45 gatling gun projectors to replace the reflector bowl and some BMW X5 LED fog lights to replace the projectors. That combination would look amazing on a 3rd gen.

[Brilliant]

Currently they may only be available on a Russian site HERE, but someone is working on importing them for re-sale. The pics I posted above are from a U.S. 4Runner owner.

The back of it looks very mod-able

Really no need to modify the back with morimoto minis. You'll see the mini is really the only diameter and length projector that fits. Lots of details in my thread on the other site.

Randomly saw my pics up hers while looking for something else.

Been running my set up for a few months. Last road trip was nice and bright.

Pm/email if you have questions... I'm not on here much

[paddlenbike]

Pm/email if you have questions... I'm not on here much

Maybe we can change that. Welcome to the forum Brilliant!

Are the lenses glass or plastic? I'm happy to hear you like them, I might have to pick up a set.

[Brilliant]

Maybe we can change that. Welcome to the forum Brilliant!

Are the lenses glass or plastic? I'm happy to hear you like them, I might have to pick up a set.

The lenses are plastic. As to the quality of plastic, time will tell. I presume one could put on some OEM glass if they wanted to. My OEM glass was cracked so I wasnt in a rush to put them on.

Note that the plastic issue, may not be real. Good plastic lasts 80k no problem. BMW headlights for instance, use BOSCH plastic lens. I've replaced them on my BMW, at about 80k because they were cheap enough to not warrent polishing. Besides, polishing glass is a lot harder than plastic.

my truck


my TMI build of these headlights
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1687262
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1695815

[Seanz0rz]

Interesting!

I see it has the adjusting screws, but I don't really understand where they connect on that housing. I guess it manipulates the black part of the inside, holding the reflector and projector.

If he imports them, they won't be DOT approved. But neither is the TRS retrofit kit I have.