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2021 LED headlights in earlier 5th gens...

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by 4Runner fun, Nov 21, 2020.

  1. Nov 21, 2020 at 6:39 PM
    #1
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    Good evening all,
    I am curious if anyone knows what it takes or if it is even possible to retrofit the 2021 LED headlights into another 5th gen 4 runner? Say our 2019...
    Seriously, if there is a drastic difference in performance & light output it may make for a good upgrade.
    I know that the 2021's haven't been out that long. Maybe we can start to figure this out & reap the rewards.
    Any thoughts or knowledge is appreciated!
    Ryan.
     
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  2. Nov 21, 2020 at 7:05 PM
    #2
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    HIDs are better just put them in.
     
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  3. Nov 21, 2020 at 7:22 PM
    #3
    edgesalon

    edgesalon New Member

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    i thought about the same thing wondering if the wiring harness might be different to the lights because the fog lights are different also
     
  4. Nov 21, 2020 at 7:30 PM
    #4
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    I knew you would be one of the first to chime in! LMAO I know we have talked in the past about this. I wish I could get a $78 HID kit that I 1.could trust 2. Matched the color of the factory LED fogs I like very much for the price!
    I would like this to be a thread about the conversation & not lighting options as there are plenty of those. Absolutely no offense to your response! I just don't want another "use these bulbs" as most people here can search or know the options.
    Thanks,
    Ryan
     
  5. Nov 21, 2020 at 7:32 PM
    #5
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    How are the fogs different? I plug & played the OEM LED fogs with the same harness & housing as the halogen!!!
    Thanks,
    Ryan
     
  6. Nov 21, 2020 at 7:37 PM
    #6
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    When I first turned on the LED headlights in the 14 Corolla (premium S) I was astounded. Never in my life have I ever lit up the night before. And they have proper cut off blinds. I’m sure others who have the 21 have noticed too...
     
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  7. Nov 21, 2020 at 8:11 PM
    #7
    edgesalon

    edgesalon New Member

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    really i did not know that I thought they would be different because of LED lights
     
  8. Nov 21, 2020 at 8:32 PM
    #8
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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  9. Nov 22, 2020 at 12:07 AM
    #9
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    My monkey arms 6'4 were able to do it without taking the fender liners out or bumper off!
    I may or may have :( not broken one tab on the fluid guard on the passenger side... lol
    It isn't that hard to do without removing the bumper. Nor is it that hard to take the bumper off. No offense.
    Ryan.
     
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  10. Nov 22, 2020 at 4:35 AM
    #10
    jvinhj240

    jvinhj240 New Member

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    I believe 2021 has one plug different from the 2019 picture attach. Sorry pic not clear. If you can take the pics of your I can confirm. But easy swap. There are 4 connectors for the headlight.

    FA7D0C37-4E4B-4E4C-9BA7-0D86367B0DC8.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2020
    7385 and 4Runner fun[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  11. Nov 22, 2020 at 5:28 AM
    #11
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    Do I need to take the bumper off to see? Or just top engine plastic piece?
    Thanks a bunch!
    Ryan
     
  12. Nov 22, 2020 at 5:30 AM
    #12
    jvinhj240

    jvinhj240 New Member

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    I am not 100% sure, I think you have to remove the fender liner at least. This connector below the headlight. If you wanna swap the 2021 headlight I don't think there is a problem, except you must transfer 1 connector above pic. thanks all.
     
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  13. Nov 22, 2020 at 5:35 AM
    #13
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    I just woke up. I will get @ you later; when I have my brain together.
    Are you doing this also?
    Ryan.
     
  14. Nov 22, 2020 at 5:37 AM
    #14
    jvinhj240

    jvinhj240 New Member

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    no, my 4R is 2021, I swap out ALPHAREX.

    IMG_4374.jpg

    IMG_4380.jpg
     
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  15. Nov 22, 2020 at 5:43 AM
    #15
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    Those are beautiful!
    If this works... Are you looking to sell your OEM lights?
     
  16. Nov 22, 2020 at 5:45 AM
    #16
    jvinhj240

    jvinhj240 New Member

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    It already sold.
     
  17. Nov 22, 2020 at 6:41 AM
    #17
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    They are still going strong!
     
  18. Nov 22, 2020 at 3:40 PM
    #18
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    It is not warm here & my shop isn't empty yet.
    I need help; I'm looking for anyone that has knowledge of pre '21 (halogen) headlights. Or someone who has taken the bumper off & may have pictures of said wiring above.
    Please & thank you.
    @Daytonaviolet I know you have pulled the bumper & I believe you changed your headlights. Am I correct?
    Thanks all!
     
  19. Nov 22, 2020 at 3:42 PM
    #19
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    Do you know what that one wire or connector dues/ controls? This appears close to plug & play...
    Thanks.
     
  20. Nov 22, 2020 at 3:53 PM
    #20
    jvinhj240

    jvinhj240 New Member

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    Low beam. Look at the lower left, that's the only difference. I added another pic before I swap out.

    IMG_4364.jpg

    Photo Nov 14, 12 37 23 PM.jpg
     
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  21. Nov 22, 2020 at 3:58 PM
    #21
    4scooter19

    4scooter19 New Member

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    I've had good luck with HID's from DDMtuming.com. Pretty cheap and surprisingly reliable.
     
  22. Nov 22, 2020 at 4:16 PM
    #22
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    Is the turn signal also an LED from the factory? That what that looks like what it goes to (to my untrained eyes).
    Thanks for all your help!

    If Toyota won't update the platform I guess we can try & keep up with their small updates! Lol
     
  23. Nov 22, 2020 at 4:17 PM
    #23
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    I appreciate it I just want a post about the possibility of a retrofit for this.
    Thanks,
    Ryan
     
  24. Nov 22, 2020 at 4:22 PM
    #24
    jvinhj240

    jvinhj240 New Member

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    2021:

    LED Low beam headlights
    LED Fogs
    LED Tail Lights


    SR5
    SR5 Premium
    Offroad
    Offroad Premium
    Trail Special ed.
    Venture Special ed.

    Adds LED high beams

    Limited
    TRD Pro
    Nightshade
     
  25. Nov 22, 2020 at 4:45 PM
    #25
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    Are you serious! JK
    The LED headlights come with 2 LED headlight options... so, still halogen for all but 3 models!
    :goingcrazy::goingcrazy::goingcrazy:
     
  26. Nov 22, 2020 at 7:46 PM
    #26
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

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    OEM led must be pretty bad. The alpharex are fine for city driving but night highway or extended driving will give you a headache with the alpharex. They are just intensely bright fog lights and not great headlights.
    This thread has pics. Alpharex and explanation near bottom of first post
    https://www.4runners.com/threads/headlight-comparison-stock-vs-others.11875/
     
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  27. Nov 22, 2020 at 8:19 PM
    #27
    ForRun

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    Ryan I forgot to respond to this. To remove or replace the OEM headlights the bumper has to come off. No way around it. I'll hunt for some videos I saw that show clearly how to do it. Many online are not easy to follow. I was nervous the first time but after you do it you can see it's easy to do. I've done it so many times now a headlight swap takes 30 to 40 minutes... Alignment takes longer for me as I'm anal about iit and use a laser level.
    With the OEM led... Can't say for sure but drivers and a wire harness may be needed. That's how it was was I swapped my Ford truck.
     
  28. Nov 22, 2020 at 9:01 PM
    #28
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    @ForRun
    I am aware & not hesitate of how to remove the front bumper. I just don't want to just to find out what the wiring is. I should be able to find that somewhere..!
    I know you have changed a lot of bulbs & headlights. I see you say the 2021 LED'S must suck (why?)... Have you tried or seen them?
    I am definitely not a fan of retaining halogen high beams but I believe fogs cut out & we hardly need high beams in the city. I will be putting a 20" bar behind the grill (maybe for Christmas) & that should be enough for offroad also.
    Thanks,
    Ryan
     
  29. Nov 22, 2020 at 9:11 PM
    #29
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun [OP] Just the beginning...

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    Could you please expand on "drivers & a wire harness"
    We have both put OEM LED fogs in. How does this differ?
    Thanks for the knowledge!
    Ryan.
     
  30. Nov 22, 2020 at 10:56 PM
    #30
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    I know that for the Tacoma it wasn’t a direct plug and play swap. There’s just a single connector from the truck that goes to the new led headlight. So the single connector from the truck goes to multiple bulbs within the headlight housing.

    There’s a guy on Tacoma world that makes an adapter harness. I wonder if he’d consider making one for the T4R? I can’t say for certain... but I think it’s unlikely our multiple wires coming from pre-2021 4runners to the headlight will have corresponding connectors in the new led headlights.

    I could be wrong though!
     
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