1992 Toyota pickup headlight replacement - Special Tools?

[BrewMeister]

Hello all,

I am in the process of buying the subject truck for my son's first vehicle. The dealer wanted $192 to replace the headlights, which have some moisture in them. I have since order a set of conversion bulbs, wiring etc.
Thought I'd do this job, however, my only concern is that I read here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_103118442116

A "special tool" is required.

Does anyone know if this is correct, and if so, what is the tool, and if so, where can I get it?

TIA,
TTFN
Tim

[Jesster1]

no special tools are required to replace the factory sealed beam bulbs. All you will need is a phillips screw driver and 2 bulbs from your local auto parts store. If you are going to do a conversion then you will need to do some wiring and you will need a soldering iron, solder and some electrical tape. Other than that you should be OK.

[BrewMeister]

Thanks Jesster1,

Then I should be good, I ordered a wiring harness for the conversion from:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...#WiringHarness

Wish me luck...

TTFN
Tim

[nofear4189]

to change the bulbs, do u have to pull it out the back, or can you just take off the front lenses by way of the headlight adjustment screws and pull out the bulbs? My lights are really dim, so i was thinking of getting silverstars or something to brighten them up. Its literally almost too dim to tell if they're on, and in high beams, it is not much different.

-Adam

[BrewMeister]

Nofear4189,

I'm not certain if you are asking me about the lights I am converting to, or the old style. My understanding of the new conversion lights I'm attempting to install, they will be accessible from the rear (inside the engine compartment) and I can just pop out the bulb itself, and insert a new bulb into the housing.

I did a lot of reading on the subject and what I think I've learned is:

1. The wiring harness needs upgraded. ($45 appx)

2. A 200mm (also known as 7 7/8" x 5 5/8" Rectangular Headlight) conversion kit is a good option to get to a brighter, easier to replace headlight system. ($55.00 appx)

3. And the new bulbs, recommended by author linked in #1. - 55-100W H4 halogen replacement bulbs (p/n 07UV6039N - JC Whitney #ZX076039N) ($25 appx)

Total $125 and if the claims are correct should make literally a night and day difference...

Heck if I know, I don't even have the truck yet, and now with the new massive Toyota recall it may be a few days longer.

TTFN
TIM

[Bakemono]

I had a '91 4Runner and it had sealed beams. The headlight bulbs werent replacable, you had to replace the whole headlight assembly.
Maybe they changed it in '92 (for your sake I hope so).
All you need to get them out is a phillip's screwdriver.
Cap'n

[BrewMeister]

Originally Posted by Captain_Toyota

I had a '91 4Runner and it had sealed beams. The headlight bulbs werent replacable, you had to replace the whole headlight assembly.
Maybe they changed it in '92 (for your sake I hope so).
All you need to get them out is a phillip's screwdriver.
Cap'n

Capt Toyota,
Actually that the entire point of the "CONVERSION" is to provide an easily replaceable bulb, and a significant improvement in lighting, you accomplish this by replacing the sealed beam with a unit like I linked to in the above post.

TTFN
Tim

[rogerman]

yeah my 92 has sealed ones that u have to replace the whole unit. Brew did u get the ones with clear fronts where u can see the bulb? or does it look like stock?

[BrewMeister]

Originally Posted by rogerman

yeah my 92 has sealed ones that u have to replace the whole unit. Brew did u get the ones with clear fronts where u can see the bulb? or does it look like stock?

Hello RogerMan,

I got these

Mainly because they were on-sale. I haven't installed them yet, but I have received them. They look like they will be good. I'll try to post some pictures after we get them installed.

Probably not as good as these Hella's but considering they cost half as much and were in stock, I'm willing to give them a try.

TTFN
Tim

[rogerman]

yeah i like the ones your getting makes the truck look a bit more flashy. Gets some hyperwhites and that will look sweet.

[BrewMeister]

Hello all,

Well after a heavy engine de-greasing and a bit of cursing at the communist plastic clips that actually attached the grill to our 1992 Toyota Pickup, we have achieved our goal of upgrading the headlights. All in all I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

The improvement as phenomenal. The lights are extremely bright and I think the improvement in the appearance is also significant. Here are two images; a before and after:

Before -

After-

And a closeup of the actual replacement light assemble -


I can highly recommend this upgrade, just make sure you include the wiring harness to upgrade your amperage capacity.

Next the taillights...

TTFN
Tim

[rogerman]

wow thats pretty sweet. hey is your valence plastic?

[rogerman]

thats pretty sweet man. hey is your valence plastic?

[BrewMeister]

Originally Posted by rogerman

wow thats pretty sweet. hey is your valence plastic?

Thanks for the kind words, nope the valence is metal, and banged up pretty good, I've been considering replacing it. Any suggestions?

[rogerman]

oh wow looks like its plastic from the pictures. hmm well you could find a new metal one or you could get the newer styled one from performanceproducts which is plastic but has fog light cut outs.