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Has Anbody Swapped Their Stock Headlights For Aftermarket?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by DFrasier88, Feb 4, 2016.

  1. Feb 4, 2016 at 10:15 AM
    #1
    DFrasier88

    DFrasier88 [OP] New Member

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    Hello All,

    I've been doing some research about swapping headlights, and I haven't found much solid information.

    I've been wanting to swap my stock headlights out with smoked headlights, but I've been reading a lot about the electronic headlight leveling system, and people are saying that aftermarket headlights will lose this feature.

    Is this feature worth keeping? Can you keep it with aftermarket? Is swapping at headlights out easy (i've only swapped taillights, never headlights) I'm a beginner when it comes to doing this stuff. I would just really appreciate any feedback.

    Thanks everyone! Cheers!

    s-l500.jpg
     
    56Pete likes this.
  2. Feb 4, 2016 at 11:00 PM
    #2
    decade

    decade New Member

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    Good question. I want to know too if there's any aftermarket headlight with level adjuster.

    Also, anyone thinking about open up the headlight and black it out? I know a 4Runner guys did his, and it's awesome!

    45707d1307415221-blacked-out-oem-headlig_876b979cd52149b2af84d4340d16eeb3d468ac0a.jpg
     
  3. Feb 5, 2016 at 5:59 AM
    #3
    Jason

    Jason New Member

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    I done mine..
     
  4. Feb 5, 2016 at 6:00 AM
    #4
    Jason

    Jason New Member

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  5. Feb 5, 2016 at 7:28 AM
    #5
    DFrasier88

    DFrasier88 [OP] New Member

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    Basically, I know I can replace the headlights. I found a good set. I guess I just want to know that I won't have to adjust the settings of the headlights, and the height level of the low and high beam. Would that be automatic?

    I just basically want to know the consequences of me getting aftermarket headlights.
     
  6. Feb 5, 2016 at 7:46 AM
    #6
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    @DFrasier88. I can shed a little light on your questions.

    Adjustment: The motor for the adjustment is on the headlight housing itself and cannot be removed. Thus if you remove the headlight you will loose this option. If you would like to have it with an aftermarket headlight you will have to find one that specifically lists that it has this feature. If it doesn't list this then you wont have this option. I lost this function with my aftermarket headlights.

    Removal and re-installation: Easy. You remove 3 screws/bolts, one push tab and pull off the lower plastic cover. Not hard at all. No hidden screws like the Tacoma has.

    Black Head Light Mod (BHLM): This is the mod that you are referring to that some have done to paint/black out their headlight chrome surround. This is done by putting the headlight in the oven to soften the sealer and allow you to pull it apart. I have done this in my tacoma and was planning to do this to my tundra until i got the aftermarket set. Here is the link to the one i did on my Tacoma (similar process to what you would have to do) https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-free-mods.4838/#post-45442

    I do not recommend smoking the outside of the headlights because it will decrease the light output from your headlights.
     
    jfrd30 likes this.
  7. Feb 5, 2016 at 7:58 AM
    #7
    DFrasier88

    DFrasier88 [OP] New Member

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    Ok great. Truly appreciate the reply.

    Now my next question is, are the headlight heights automatically correct when you put them in, or will I have to adjust them in some way?

    Or is it just bolt them in, and you're good.
     
  8. Feb 5, 2016 at 8:00 AM
    #8
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Most the time you can just bolt them in and go however if you notice they are high or low you will have to adjust. Adjustment is with screws on the housing.
     
    jfrd30 likes this.
  9. Feb 6, 2016 at 5:16 PM
    #9
    decade

    decade New Member

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    I believe they should have it set, so it's just bolt-on. But yes, you can also adjust it if necessary. I have done it with my 4Runner so it's easy.
     
  10. Feb 6, 2016 at 5:18 PM
    #10
    decade

    decade New Member

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    Yeah, this headlight mod is very common for 4Runner and probably for Tacoma. I am wondering any Tundra people did it, because it has the level adjusters with the headlight. Will love to see if someone has this mod and provide a write-out.
     
  11. Feb 9, 2016 at 8:44 AM
    #11
    DFrasier88

    DFrasier88 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah, that would be very cool
     
  12. Feb 9, 2016 at 9:27 AM
    #12
    GQ 66

    GQ 66 (Input clever saying)

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    If you're wanting to have the "blacked out" look and keep the level adjuster, I would suggest looking into getting a retrofit projector kit installed. I did mine myself and it took a few days (mainly waiting on paint to dry) and it was simple. I color matched mine to magnetic grey and the level adjuster works perfectly.
    IMG_4190.jpg IMG_4191.jpg IMG_4192.jpg
     
  13. Feb 9, 2016 at 10:05 AM
    #13
    decade

    decade New Member

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    Love it. I wish I have this skills and patient to do it... haha~ Nice job!
     
  14. Dec 25, 2016 at 9:50 AM
    #14
    Surfobx

    Surfobx New Member

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    I just installed Spyder HID aftermarket head lamps in my 2014 Tundra Limited. I took off the auto level Motor from the stock lights and put them on the Spyder lights. They work perfectly. Just back out the leveling screw until you can twist to unlock then screw fully out.
     
    PermaFrostTRD and NewImprovedRon like this.
  15. Dec 25, 2016 at 10:46 AM
    #15
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.

    I knew you could transfer the motors over on a 3rd gen to Spyders. What I'd like to know is whether this works for 2nd gen as well. @csuviper, On 2nd gen, at least, the leveling motors _are_ removable.
     
  16. Dec 25, 2016 at 3:22 PM
    #16
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    I have eagle eye headlights and don't have the capability of the levelers.
     
  17. Dec 25, 2016 at 4:29 PM
    #17
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    Gotcha. Thanks!
     
  18. Jan 9, 2017 at 9:44 AM
    #18
    Theyfzman

    Theyfzman New Member

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    Got these off eBay they fit good and haven't leaked or fogged up yet been about 3 months so far IMG_0464.jpg
     
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  19. Jan 9, 2017 at 9:56 AM
    #19
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    Just ordered Anzo Tails and headlights.
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2017
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  20. Mar 30, 2017 at 7:50 PM
    #20
    jelloway

    jelloway New Member

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    Surfobx, Do you have a method or a better description of how you took the motor off of the stock headlights and fit them up to the Spyder HID lights? I am wanting to do this exact same MOD on my truck. Just can't believe how crappy these stock headlights shine! Light is a problem on these trucks from what I have seen and I am definitely doing an aftermarket Spyder HID light setup!
     
    reequatro likes this.
  21. Dec 12, 2017 at 7:35 PM
    #21
    AMG_Eric

    AMG_Eric '16 AMG C63s '10 Tundra '09 E92 M3 '67 Chevelle

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    BUMP
    BUMP....looking for a solution also.

    I'd be happy with stock and just painted black on the interior.
     
  22. Dec 22, 2017 at 8:57 PM
    #22
    rvl456

    rvl456 2017 SR5 TSS CrewMax 5.7L 4x4, Short Bed

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    none yet, Headlights will be 1st project
    I got me ANZO® 111318 - Black U-Bar Projector Headlights and they look awesome. Now I am looking to modify my fog lights so I can turn them on anytime.
    Any ideas?

    20171214_152750.jpg
     
  23. Dec 22, 2017 at 9:38 PM
    #23
    mtnbiker1978

    mtnbiker1978 New Member

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    FYI the TRD Pro headlights are black on the interior. They are made with black plastic rather than chrome. Simple swap, and they have the leveling capabilities too.
     
  24. Dec 26, 2017 at 4:14 PM
    #24
    AMG_Eric

    AMG_Eric '16 AMG C63s '10 Tundra '09 E92 M3 '67 Chevelle

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    IS this for gen2? i have a 2010 tundra and just did a light bar and SIDE bumper LED road lights

    2017-12-26 12.32.43.jpg
     
  25. Dec 26, 2017 at 4:53 PM
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    mtnbiker1978

    mtnbiker1978 New Member

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    Oh, my bad. The Pro lights are 3rd gen.
     
  26. Dec 28, 2017 at 1:22 PM
    #26
    rvl456

    rvl456 2017 SR5 TSS CrewMax 5.7L 4x4, Short Bed

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    This is how they look at night, I also did the mod to have the foglights at any time.

    20171225_193731.jpg
     
  27. Sep 22, 2019 at 11:48 AM
    #27
    jayhawk

    jayhawk New Member

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    So I just bought replacement headlights for my 2011 Tundra. It said not compatible with auto leveling. I didn't even I had any headlight leveling on the truck. I think CSUViper answered the question, but can I just leave the leveling motor off of the new headlights and have normal operation without the leveling option? Will they function properly?
     
  28. Sep 22, 2019 at 11:58 AM
    #28
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Will work just fine. The plug for leveling won’t have a place to get plugged in. No problem. Manually level if they are off
     
  29. Sep 22, 2019 at 2:09 PM
    #29
    jayhawk

    jayhawk New Member

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    That's what I was hoping, thanks very much for your quick reply CSUVIPER!
     
  30. Sep 22, 2019 at 2:30 PM
    #30
    kgb4187

    kgb4187 New Member

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    I have DEPO lights on, easy installation but I didn't have a leveling motor.

    IMG_20190910_170157.jpg
     
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