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Time required to replace headlight assemblies?

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by RLS1, Jan 21, 2019.

  1. Jan 21, 2019 at 4:01 PM
    #1
    RLS1

    RLS1 [OP] New Member

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    Hi, this is my first post. Does anyone know roughly how long it should take a professional mechanic to replace the headlight assemblies (L & R) on an '05 4 Runner? (Stated differently, what would be a fair / reasonable charge for that service?) The replacement headlight assemblies are TYC headlights with supposedly "drop in fit" that are NSF and/or CAPA certified. This is not something I wish to try to do myself. I did find two youtube videos dealing with headlight assembly replacement, (1 was specifically labeled how NOT to do this), but they don't really say about how long it should take. The local mechanic I've dealt with re: some other things claims that "the book" says 3.1 hrs., but based upon those 2 videos, and at approx $85 / hr labor (or whatever), that seems a bit excessive. Thanks!
     
  2. Jan 22, 2019 at 5:40 AM
    #2
    MP21

    MP21 New Member

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    98 T4R 2" lift 235/85r16 Hankook Dynapro M/T 07 T4R 3" ToyTech Lift with Bilstein 5100 front and rear 255/70R18 BFG A/T Ko2 JBA uppers 04 T4R 4x4 V-8 Currently stock
    Where are you located? Some places will add a little depending on rust issues and if they believe they will have to perform more that a simple replacement.
     
  3. Jan 22, 2019 at 6:24 AM
    #3
    RLS1

    RLS1 [OP] New Member

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    I am in the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The car used to belong to friend but sat outside undriven for 2 1/2 yrs once he left the area. The two videos on YouTube clearly suggest that areas of surrounding trim need to be removed .The one guy said it took him an hour just for one side because it didn't fit well, whereas the other side went in easily. Hopefully the headlights I purchased from rockauto will fit properly, as others I've gotten through them for a different vehicle have. But it's the removal of trim and the mechanic's claim that "the book says 3.1 hrs" that have me on notice. The car is currently at the mechanic's shop, as the are fixing other things. I can perhaps try calling a Toyota dealer and maybe a body shop if they'll give me an idea of the true stated "book time", but I'm certainly not going to authorize a 3.1 hr charge (& will no longer have much trust for them) if it turns out the 3.1 hrs they are claiming they'll need should really be more like 1 hr! Thanks!
     
  4. Jan 22, 2019 at 6:39 AM
    #4
    MP21

    MP21 New Member

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    Road Trip to Central Tx and Ill slap them on for ya at $0. I only do that for people commited to drive. If you are local I'd charge. LoL
     
    mr5vtps and Bob like this.
  5. Feb 6, 2019 at 2:47 AM
    #5
    RLS1

    RLS1 [OP] New Member

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    Just as a follow up, the mechanic agreed to charge me actual time, which he said was 1.5 hrs total to install new front headlight assemblies, both L and R. Thanks.
     
  6. Feb 6, 2019 at 9:45 AM
    #6
    RLS1

    RLS1 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks. It was 1.5 hrs total for the two sides combined, not 3 hrs. The car had been sitting unused in a cold climate (Northern Mich) for at least 2 1/2 yrs, and from the 2 videos I found online, the job appeared to involve taking off exterior trim above the bumper and by the wheel wells. With the how-to explanations being unclear, (1 guy forewarned that you could damage something), plus being afraid of rust & trim material being brittle in the winter cold, plus not being sure I had all the necessary tools for this job, I brought it to a mechanic this time. At least he didn't break anything! The new lights look good & perform well, so if anyone else is thinking of doing this but doesn't trust themselves to do it, just thought I'd report that the 1.5 hrs is what I was charged for "actual mechanics time"
     
  7. May 3, 2019 at 7:25 PM
    #7
    chassis

    chassis New Member

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    1.5 hours for both headlamp assemblies is about right. I did one headlamp assembly this week and it took almost an hour, but I was milking the job (as usual).
     

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