DIY Budget Retrofit Headlights - 3rd gen 4runner

[@chasepowell3801]

Great video, thank you!! From experience in my semi truck that had projectors, LEDs are horrible in them. In the rain they didn't work well at all and overall the light field was bad, unless it was completely dark and no other light source around. I found a video, sorry don't have the link reference, but the person was explaining that Projector lens require 360 degree of light like a HID provides and LED bulbs only give 180 degree of light and that creates dead spots in the light pattern. So I ordered a set of HIDs installed them and what a difference!! I will never use LEDs in a projector again unless the led bulb has 360 degrees of lights, not just strips of LEDs on each side for 180 degrees of light. Just something to share if you go the LED route.

[@charandeeplotte428]

Great video. - loved watching it. I just found out that the smaller washers are for fitting the projector lens in H7 housing and the larger ones are for a H4 housing.

[@billpiech7564]

I can't find a bulb to fit the Nilite Projector. The Hikari that you recommend in the other video won't work either. Morimoto said they don't sell anything to accommodate the Hilite Projector you used.............Did you use LED or HID for this project? I'm stuck. I bought all this stuff and at the last step, the Hikari bulb doesn't work and neither does the Moto Holder.?????..........................

[@potentetravels]

Ewwww, any update?

[@OAK_MTN]

Thank you so much for sharing this video, gave me the confidence boost to do mine!

[@martinhogan5970]

Great vid. Purpose of the centric ring is to fill the space between the 2.5” and 3” projector.

[@scubbarookie]

I really like the fact that your approach is genuine, and not all fancy talk and such. This is gonna be one of my go-to's when I get all the proper items ready for the install. Thank you bro! P.S. I really your ride!

[@tjadventures]

Your video is really good because you are explaining everything in a pretty simple way to understand and it’s also nicely made! I just wish you would have explained how to do the wiring in order to make everything work with the oem plug.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

You need to get a wiring harness I believe I have a link to one on my website check the description.

[@seacrestleather6049]

Just wrapping this up today. Great video, thanks for breaking it down step by step.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Of course, glad I could help 👊

[@hannahgreene1563]

Great video! Not many of these out there. Your rubber gasket goes on the inside of the housing between your projector and the housing instead of on the back side. Nice Work!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Hid's are way less maintenance then leds And leds don't last Long love hid retrofit sorce

[@austinsoffroadgarage]

Great Video. No to many people take this on. I built mine too.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Thanks man, yeah I agree a lot of it has to do with not being sure what fits with what especially cause you’re buying stuff from different sources.

[@darcioessa8966]

Hello there thanks for the awesome video, im seeing that u used the 2.5" projector lens, and put a 3" shroud if im not mistaken!? Im looking foward to do the retrofit with a 3" projector lens it will work? thanks in advance

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Yup the 2.5 shroud looks to small, I made that mistake the first time I made one.

[@bmxtaz]

Two years later how are the holding up?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Haven’t run into any issues, still have them on my 4Runner! 👍

[@jonh6189]

This is such a thorough video with great explainations! Thank you so much!!

[@TrailReady4Runner]

That’s awesome to hear thank you so much for the support. I was a little nervous it was too long.

[@padilla5]

Excellent. Very helpful.

[@Asian_Connection]

This is so good man!

[@a.f.e]

Thanks man can’t wait to do mine!

[@TrevorDyck]

Nice walk through. Not a fan of the wires being routed that way though where they just get smashed by the projector assembly and the housing. Is that the only way to route them without making a separate hole with a grommet or something?

[@619mustang]

Yup. It's either how he did it in this video, use a pre-existing hole if one is present, or drill new hole(s) in the reflector bowl.

[@ThatGlock45]

Nicely done. What Harness did you use to connect the high beam connector. And what harness did you use to jump the factory 3 prong to the 2 prong. Or wh9ch wires did you connect to the factory plug? Like red to x and black to x

[@TrailReady4Runner]

There should be a link to my website in the description and I’ve listed the harness there.

[@joshuabulitta7859]

Can you recommend hid bulbs to buy for this setup? Awesome video!!

[@TrailReady4Runner]

In my bio I have a link to my website where I recommend the HIDs that I got

[@lanceharlin1776]

Thanks for the video. I ordered everything using links you provided so hopefully you get a little something from that. What bulbs are you using from retrofit? I’m finding the hid kits anywhere from like $160-$400. Thanks again man, awesome video.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Thanks man, I appreciate that. I’m using HIDs for the Retrofit source I added a link to them on my website. tr-4r.com/toyota-4runner-retrofit-projector-headlights/ Honestly you can use any H1 bulb

[@darrellharbin8776]

Yellow halos are for switchbacks.

[@skazcix4141]

The new bolt for the projector is so bad now I wish they kept it the same there’s no straight ridges to tighten it up. It’s kinda annoying it’s just round now with some grooves. It doesn’t fully keep the projector sturdy anymore.

[@NotMrrager]

Show us a picture of these at night! And can you see the back angel eye ring what is the point of it? GREAT VIDEOS!!

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Similar to this, the white light is the back halo light. instagram.com/p/BpMl7Bbhxr8/?igshid=mjjdx4hygtai

[@lukaschymik2825]

Does anyone know how I would be able to wire the halos as my drl instead of it being my low beam? Would like the halo only for the drl and not the low beam

[@crazyscotsman1976]

what centric ring? there is the mini h1 or fxr 3.0 2.5" or the oem 2.5? what one do i need? im trying to order all my mirimoto stuff today for my 97 runner lol..do you also know if i need the canbus Bi- Xenon h4/9003 or the Motocontrol Bi-Xenon: H4/9003. many thanks in advance and great vid

[@TrailReady4Runner]

You’re very welcome thank you for the support. Dang to be honest I can’t remember let me see if I can find my receipt but I’m almost positive it’s the mini h1 shroud. For the bulb is completely up to you.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Just looked at my receipt and it is the mini H 1 shroud.

[@crazyscotsman1976]

@@TrailReady4Runner awesome matey and thanks for getting back at me

[@kewkew2]

Awesome thank you

[@kenphan2779]

Can you show me how to buy adapter for the cable high beam. Where is to connect to.??My car is Fj Cruiser

[@TrailReady4Runner]

If you go to the website I believe I have a link

[@cesarordaz1619]

What website ?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

@@cesarordaz1619 tr-4r.com/toyota-4runner-retrofit-projector-headlights/

[@cesarordaz1619]

Thank you very much . i just bought the missing piece to the project. Thank you very much for everything @trail ready 4runner

[@billpiech7564]

I couldn't find the shroud that you used on the "retrofit source" that you recommended in the part list. I like the one you used. Please help.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

I just looked and I don’t think they make it anymore 👎 Parts list: tr-4r.com/toyota-4runner-retrofit-projector-headlights/

[@billpiech7564]

@@TrailReady4Runner Okay. Thanks.

[@GNARLJOE]

I followed your parts list and prepped everything for assembly only to find out the shroud I got was to big to fit in the housing. It just wont fit flush. Total bummer.

[@yourbuddyaj]

I’m in the middle of this right now and am trying to situate the harness/bulb type/design I’ll I need to make it work since the H1 is a single filament bulb with a different connector. Any insight?

[@stevenmcnally7074]

What bulb did you use. I'm finding that the factory h4 bulb won't fit the projector housing. Should I switch to a h1?

[@a_tacolypse]

yes, most retrofit projector's are h1 or bi-led's built in nowadays. for this specific application it'll be an h1 bulb to fit in the projector

[@MasterWizardAVH]

Have you tried the LEDs in the projectors yet? I'm looking into doing a retrofit on my 3rd gen. Stuck between HID or really good LEDs.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Unfortunately I haven’t done LED yet. But I think I might try at the problem is trying to find an H1 LED that fits.

[@MasterWizardAVH]

I'll keep an eye out for a video in the future or mail a set to try out.

[@xarch7208]

so how's it going with the headlights? I would recommend HIDs just because the quality of LEDs are a bit more broad.

[@kennyman338]

That bulb holder clip sucks. It's better to use a morimoto bulb holder. And running those halo harness it's better to drill a hole to route the wires thru and not sandwiching it between the projector. You only need one of those silicone washers.

[@spamcan2261]

Will those headlights fit a 97 4runner?

[@joshhaning8785]

This is great, you spent about what 200-250 on all the parts ?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

I can’t remember off the top of my head but I think so if you go to my website I believe I have a price break down or the total. The link should be in the description

[@paulcarlson7441]

Where can I get the adapter for the stock harness to the projector?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

I have one linked on my website I think 💭

[@tommyd6665]

Do I need to wire the connector from the projector if my OEM headlight uses a single bulb for Low Beam and Separate bulb for High Beam?? No right?? I leave it unconnected????

[@tjadventures]

If your high beam is separate from your low beam, I think you can find projectors that don’t have the solenoid for high beams and you can just put it in an not worry about wiring. But if you get the dual projector setup and you want to use it as a single, you can leave the solenoid disconnected and it will just work as low beam. If you low beam doesn’t turn off when you turn your high beam on, you can connect the solenoid to your high beam so that when you engage high you get both your high beam illuminated and you also take the cutoff out of the way on the low beam for extra lighting.

[@lanceharlin1776]

The HID bulbs didn’t last long, are the leds on your site plug and play or do I need a harness? I know Amazon says they are not a fit for 3rd gen 4runners because they are H1 bulbs. Help 😂

[@TrailReady4Runner]

I’ve never tested the LEDs but if you went ahead and did the projector retrofit then you need to purchase H1 bulbs.

[@lanceharlin1776]

I finished my lights today. What HIDS do you recommend from the retrofit source? Will it come with an adapter for the light as well? Thanks again for the video.

[@yungMajin909]

I got leds do i need a adapter?

[@xarch7208]

get morimotos.

[@johnagudelo1645]

Thanks brother!

[@TrailReady4Runner]

You’re very welcome

[@1mtk]

What bulb would fit? Also what adaptor would I need for the high beam? Thanks.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

you'll need an H1 bulb. On my website, I have a link to a High Beam adaptor. tr-4r.com/toyota-4runner-retrofit-projector-headlights/

[@yungMajin909]

Do i need to worry about heating the headlights in this cali hot weather?

[@miketoti144]

What size angel eye did you use for the first attempt with the Amazon projector and Amazon shroud?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

There’s a link to my website with more details I can’t remember off the top of my head.

[@kewkew2]

What's up Bro are you put of Cali? Central Valley?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

In LA close to Pasadena.

[@haydenb8853]

Hey bro, lights holding up yet?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

@@haydenb8853 still going strong.

[@tyrellynn4575]

what adhesive do we use to glue the glass lenses back on?

[@westonrodriguez9633]

Do you have to run H1 bulbs or will any LED work ?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Unfortunately with the projectors that I linked below you have to use an each one bulb. But you can probably find a projector that uses a different bulb

[@kenvanguard9144]

If I was to do the 3" projector retrofit, will it work? I kinda like the bigger projector beside the 2.5

[@projectjster]

Yes they will, I have the morimoto D2S 5.0 in my 2001 4Runner and they are perfect in there.

[@lifeofky4037]

Yessssss!!!!!!!! Thank you!

[@jands93]

What kind of spray paint did you use?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

I just went to Home Depot and got a satin black regular spray paint. It doesn’t have to be High temperature or anything

[@jands93]

Btw do you know where the high beam wires go?

[@cameronsmith3098]

is everything you linked in the description all you need for a complete finished product? also what is the exact shroud you used, the apollo 2.0?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Yes, I also have a link to my website with Full part list & Write up available. You could use any shroud that's 2.5 inches

[@cameronsmith3098]

@@TrailReady4Runner Awesome man! got em ordered!! great video

[@cameronsmith3098]

another question, do i need aftermarket led/hid bulbs with this? or can i use the ones that come with the amazon projector set?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

@@cameronsmith3098 So you’re gonna need to buy a H1 bulb. and also a H4 to H1 adapter I’ll add it to the list above.

[@cameronsmith3098]

@@TrailReady4Runner Okay, so the amazon projector’s H1 bulb isn’t good quality? It says it come with one just wondering.

[@zixxrJ]

what is the adapter for the high beam

[@Remydelco]

Do you think the same parts used here would work in a 2nd gen Tacoma headlight housing?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Yeah I’m almost positive it would if I remember correctly the housing looks almost the same.

[@Mikedeansawyer]

Can you tell me what bulbs you installed?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Any H1 HID will work. I also link to one on my website.

[@nerybarrios99]

Does anyone know what the high beam adapter to the factory plug?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

On my website I have a link to a harness for HID’s tr-4r.com/toyota-4runner-retrofit-projector-headlights/

[@nerybarrios99]

@@TrailReady4Runner thank you!

[@chadlarkin8505]

@@TrailReady4Runner Sorry if this is a dumb question but you mentioned that harness is for HID's, I am currently doing this mod but using LED's, will that harness work for LED's as well or will I need a different harness?

[@Asian_Connection]

Does reheating damage the Halo lights?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Nope it doesn’t because it’s not in there very long we’re just reheating enough to get the glue to melt a little bit.

[@vb1gbg]

Anyone know if this setup pass a Virginia state inspection?

[@princea8989]

Which harness would i need to wire these up? If i used led h1 bulbs can i just wire them straight to my 9003 female plugs?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

If you go to my website, link in the description I have a recommended harness if you go with a HID kit. I haven’t found one for LEDs but I know they sell one.

[@chadlarkin8505]

Did you ever figure this out? I'm buying everything right now to retrofit with LED's but am stuck on figuring out if I need a harness

[@albertquintero5412]

What’s good projector brand not from Amazon

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Check out the: www.theretrofitsource.com

[@albertquintero5412]

Okay I got halos, retrofit now I just need harness what do you recommend

[@jst2071]

You might want to update your video. You say HIV bulbs/ights quite a few times. I'm pretty certain you mean HID (High Intensity Discharge) bulbs/lights

[@Asian_Connection]

can 3rd gen 4runner fit a 3" projector light?

[@davidseck1146]

I can't for the life of me figure out how these pins hold the h1 bulbs in. They sit loosely..

[@God1ess]

Can I not use the OEM headlights from my ‘98?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Yes you can

[@God1ess]

@@TrailReady4Runner aweosme thanks for the reply.

[@anthonygonzalez9422]

@@God1ess The '98's have that foggy glass that kind of sucks. Everything will work, but it will probably look better with the 99-2002 glass.

[@austin31376]

Anyone done these and figure out a way to shift the light up on the road? Mine are super bright up close and nothing far away

[@anthonygonzalez9422]

The Toyota (or TYC) headlight housings have adjusters so you can shift the light vertically or horizontally. You can see them from the back @ 14:22. They look like gears and you come at them from the top with a long Philips screwdriver.

[@joshuabell8638]

I've looked on Amazon for kit and cannot find it

[@TrailReady4Runner]

Look in the description I have everything linked to Amazon there’s also a link to my website were I put a little bit more description into the build.

[@joshuabell8638]

@@TrailReady4Runner awesome thank you I appreciate it

[@jimmyvaughn7584]

Can I hire you to build me one?

[@potentetravels]

Had anyone used the OEM housings instead of new?

[@TrailReady4Runner]

It should be the same process. 👍

[@potentetravels]

​@TrailReady4Runner I also saw someone ask about a harness? I'm gonna go with leds. Got a link? Appreciate your help

[@TrailReady4Runner]

So on my website, you can find a link to a wire harness that I used for my HID’s. Now since you’re going with LEDs, you’re gonna need a harness that goes from H4 9003 to (H1 if that’s the LEDs you get for the projector) headlight relay harness.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

OK, so I believe I figured it out. I believe if you buy this harness and Cut the H10 Female connector and replace it with 2 Spade Connector it will work. Now again I haven’t tried this so it’s not 100% certain it will work, but I believe it should. Harness For H4 9003 Hi/Lo Wiring Controllers: $9.99 amzn.to/3wPQCsq

[@MrAlboogie04]

How much do you sell these for?

[@ZachStead-fx2cw]

Did anyone else have a hard time getting the projector to bolt down all the way?

[@skazcix4141]

I did the new bolts they made are really bad now I tried using vise grips they secured it pretty good but not super tight.

[@billpiech7564]

I'm pissed. I sent that comment below 2 years ago. Spent all that time and money and it doesn't fit. Like I wrote below. My headlights are sitting in the garage. I'm waiting for something to fit that Nilite Projector. GUYS DON'T BUILD THIS

[@TrailReady4Runner]

The nilite projectors are made to hold an h1 hid bulb. I’m not sure why standard A-10 bulb wouldn’t fit, That’s what I think I remember putting in mine.

[@S0N0FJACK]

Ovens and butter knifes? No amount of meth in the world would make me tweak out on some headlights like this

[@anthonygonzalez9422]

That's how homemade retrofits have been done for years. lol what are you talking about

[@saddestoftimes411]

Hey brotha, not a bad attempt but lots to learn still. How would you like to re-do this with a high quality Bi-LED projector from our company? Send us a message here or on our instagram via @BX_Built - we'd love to sponsor your channel as we are learning video content our selves and want to network with as many talented content creators possible.

[@TrailReady4Runner]

thanks for the support, this video took a long time to shoot and edit but if you guys are willing to be patient just because I’m super busy at the moment definitely reach out.