'99 headlight Install on '98

Ritzy4Runner · 05-19-2008, 10:07 PM

Got the parts I needed to finally finish my headlight upgrade. This looks soooo much nicer. So here is the install. I also have the directions for doing this install if you can't find the complete lamp & bucket assembly. I ended up using my old buckets as both lamps I found (at two different yards and times) had broken mounting clips. No worries figured out how to disassemble and I can tell you how if you want to save some cash. Both head lights cost me a total of $40 using my old buckets. So here is the install!

1996-98 to 99-02 Head Light Upgrade

This upgrade will consist of upgrading the main head lights on the Gen 3 1996-98 4runner to the 1999-2002 head lights. This is a pretty straight forward modification and only requires some simple hand tools and the time to perform the exchange.

This is or can be a direct replacement of the entire lamp and bucket assemblies. I my case, I acquired the two lamp assemblies with “broken” buckets. Each was missing one of the grill tabs for attaching the grill back on once the modification was completed.

Some hand tools you will need:

3/8 drive ratchet handle
6”-8” 3/8 drive extension
10mm deep socket
Needle nose pliers
#2 Philips screw driver

Material:
Left and right 99-02 head light assemblies.

If you do not have the complete assembly or like myself located the headlights with damaged buckets, not to worry. You can use the stock OEM buckets from your 96-98 but you will need the rubber boots from the 99-02 so be sure to retrieve them when you get the newer head lights.

First thing you will need to do is to remove the grill. Very simple process, once you understand how to remove it. Locate all points where the grill attaches to the radiator supports. You will note that each pillar that attaches to the grill has an open side. Inside this support you can see a small plastic tab protruding through a slot in the front side of the support. Pressing lightly in an upward direction which will free the tab from the grill.

Once all the tabs have been pressed releasing the grill mounting posts, slowly lift the grill from it’s location up and out.

With the grill removed, you can now prepare the rest of the front for the head lamp removal.

Begin by removing the philips head screw from the corner lamp.

Grasp the corner lamp firmly in the hand and begin pulling the lamp straight out from it’s mounting. It may be necessary to wiggle the lamp slightly. The lamp should literally pop out of its housing in the fender.

Let the corner lamp hang to the side. This will reveal the two securing nuts on the outer side of the bucket assembly.

Beneath the lamp assembly is a small rectangle piece of trim held in place by a single screw. Remove this screw.

Be careful not to pull to much on the trim as it is attached to the fender with a plastic clip that can be easily broken.

Now you will be able to access the lower inner securing bolt. Remove this bolt.

Remove the two outer lamp assembly nuts.

Remove the upper inner bolt. The lamp assembly will now be free of the mounting location so be careful not to let it fall.

Grasp the assembly with both hands and pull it clear of the mounting studs on the outer edge enough to access the electrical plug on the back of the lamp.

Grasp the plug and pull from the lamp pins.

Remove the lamp assembly.

This is the two styles of lamps side by side. The 96-98 is on the right while the replacement 99-02 is on the left.

If you are using a complete lamp assembly then installation is literally the reverse order of removal. Install the complete assembly by attaching the lamp connector to the rear of the lamp.

Place the lamp assembly in position over the studs and install the nuts but do not tighten until both bolts and nuts are installed. Screw in the lower bolt. Then the upper bolt.

Attach the lower trim panel.

Install the corner lamp assembly by simply aligning the lamp with the opening and push into position.

Install the holding screw.

You are done with the lamp install. Repeat the procedure on the other lamp and when completed you are ready to install the grill.

Install the grill by aligning the tabs on the mounting locations with the grill supports then gently push the grill in place. You will hear a slight snapping noise as the clips click into position. Stand back and admire!

If you do have any questions on replacing the buckets, just PM me and I will do a short write up complete with all the pics you need to replace the buckets on the new lamps.

pitpatt · 05-19-2008, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the write-up man! Def. just got added to the Favs. list

Elton · 05-19-2008, 10:53 PM

looks nice i was goin do a write up but didn't feel like it i have the 99 headlights and grill looks super nice with the 99 grill too

Fo_SheeZy · 05-20-2008, 12:35 AM

Nice, now get some OEM 99-02 Corners or clear corners to go along with the upgrade!

blarchitect · 05-20-2008, 06:40 AM

Good upgrade. I wish I had all the time you do for modding!

Ritzy4Runner · 05-20-2008, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fo_SheeZy

Nice, now get some OEM 99-02 Corners or clear corners to go along with the upgrade!

Yeah been wanting to do the clear corners but I modded my OEM corners with interior blinkers (see my write up on making blinkers in your corners) and have them wired in so they look good but I would like to finish off the look.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blarchitect

Good upgrade. I wish I had all time you do for modding!

Hey Blarchitect, I hope the wiring diagrams helped you out. Not so much I have all the time for the mods, I enjoy working on my truck when I get the chance. I just picked up the Tundra brakes (rotors & calipers) from a 2001 so this had the 199mm brakes, so I plan on trying to do the brakes in the next week or so. I'll try to do a complete write up them as well. I know they have been done, but its fun to do one

Thanks guys for the comps. Its fun to do these mods then post so others can benefit. Thats what this site is all about. Iknow its made it easier for me to do a few seeing how they are done. When they are easy to accomplish it helps others to say "Hey, I can do that!"

Rock Slide · 05-20-2008, 08:09 AM

Interested in selling your '96 -'98 Driverside light for cheap?

I got a buddy who needs one.

Nice install by the way.

SC4Runner · 05-20-2008, 08:20 AM

Nice, I'd like to do this someday.

05-19-2008, 10:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ritzy4Runner Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 489	'99 headlight Install on '98 Got the parts I needed to finally finish my headlight upgrade. This looks soooo much nicer. So here is the install. I also have the directions for doing this install if you can't find the complete lamp & bucket assembly. I ended up using my old buckets as both lamps I found (at two different yards and times) had broken mounting clips. No worries figured out how to disassemble and I can tell you how if you want to save some cash. Both head lights cost me a total of $40 using my old buckets. So here is the install! 1996-98 to 99-02 Head Light Upgrade This upgrade will consist of upgrading the main head lights on the Gen 3 1996-98 4runner to the 1999-2002 head lights. This is a pretty straight forward modification and only requires some simple hand tools and the time to perform the exchange. This is or can be a direct replacement of the entire lamp and bucket assemblies. I my case, I acquired the two lamp assemblies with “broken” buckets. Each was missing one of the grill tabs for attaching the grill back on once the modification was completed. Some hand tools you will need: 3/8 drive ratchet handle 6”-8” 3/8 drive extension 10mm deep socket Needle nose pliers #2 Philips screw driver Material: Left and right 99-02 head light assemblies. If you do not have the complete assembly or like myself located the headlights with damaged buckets, not to worry. You can use the stock OEM buckets from your 96-98 but you will need the rubber boots from the 99-02 so be sure to retrieve them when you get the newer head lights. First thing you will need to do is to remove the grill. Very simple process, once you understand how to remove it. Locate all points where the grill attaches to the radiator supports. You will note that each pillar that attaches to the grill has an open side. Inside this support you can see a small plastic tab protruding through a slot in the front side of the support. Pressing lightly in an upward direction which will free the tab from the grill. Once all the tabs have been pressed releasing the grill mounting posts, slowly lift the grill from it’s location up and out. With the grill removed, you can now prepare the rest of the front for the head lamp removal. Begin by removing the philips head screw from the corner lamp. Grasp the corner lamp firmly in the hand and begin pulling the lamp straight out from it’s mounting. It may be necessary to wiggle the lamp slightly. The lamp should literally pop out of its housing in the fender. Let the corner lamp hang to the side. This will reveal the two securing nuts on the outer side of the bucket assembly. Beneath the lamp assembly is a small rectangle piece of trim held in place by a single screw. Remove this screw. Be careful not to pull to much on the trim as it is attached to the fender with a plastic clip that can be easily broken. Now you will be able to access the lower inner securing bolt. Remove this bolt. Remove the two outer lamp assembly nuts. Remove the upper inner bolt. The lamp assembly will now be free of the mounting location so be careful not to let it fall. Grasp the assembly with both hands and pull it clear of the mounting studs on the outer edge enough to access the electrical plug on the back of the lamp. Grasp the plug and pull from the lamp pins. Remove the lamp assembly. This is the two styles of lamps side by side. The 96-98 is on the right while the replacement 99-02 is on the left. If you are using a complete lamp assembly then installation is literally the reverse order of removal. Install the complete assembly by attaching the lamp connector to the rear of the lamp. Place the lamp assembly in position over the studs and install the nuts but do not tighten until both bolts and nuts are installed. Screw in the lower bolt. Then the upper bolt. Attach the lower trim panel. Install the corner lamp assembly by simply aligning the lamp with the opening and push into position. Install the holding screw. You are done with the lamp install. Repeat the procedure on the other lamp and when completed you are ready to install the grill. Install the grill by aligning the tabs on the mounting locations with the grill supports then gently push the grill in place. You will hear a slight snapping noise as the clips click into position. Stand back and admire! If you do have any questions on replacing the buckets, just PM me and I will do a short write up complete with all the pics you need to replace the buckets on the new lamps. __________________ 98 4Runner SR5 "Limited" 3.4 V6, Automatic-Field Monitor Unit, Auto Dimming Mirror w/Compass & Temp, Reverse Silver gauges, JDM tail lights & signals, Corner Light turn signal mod, Center Console Cup holder Mod w/ LEDs, auxillary fuse panel, Hella 550's, Land Cruiser Hydraulic hood lifts, Engine Bay lites, Taurus Fan mod w/ indicators, 2000 headlight mod, '99 grill ...... 2000 Celica GT, 'SydJUce' "Life is a journey, don't forget to pack." Last edited by Ritzy4Runner : 05-19-2008 at 10:09 PM.

05-19-2008, 10:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,093	looks nice i was goin do a write up but didn't feel like it i have the 99 headlights and grill looks super nice with the 99 grill too __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

05-20-2008, 12:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
Fo_SheeZy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 1,541	Nice, now get some OEM 99-02 Corners or clear corners to go along with the upgrade! __________________ *Check out my 2008 Urban 4Runner on CarDomain!!* http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3108855 http://www.myspace.com/bmplayar *Hella 500's FOR SALE, PM me!*

05-20-2008, 06:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
blarchitect Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 386	Good upgrade. I wish I had all the time you do for modding! __________________ Wanted: Square end caps for dark tan 4Runner cargo cover. Wanted: 96-98 4Runner Clear bumper lights. Last edited by blarchitect : 05-20-2008 at 08:20 AM. Reason: grammar. Again!

05-20-2008, 08:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rock Slide Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: B'ham, AL... 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD Posts: 1,688	Interested in selling your '96 -'98 Driverside light for cheap? I got a buddy who needs one. Nice install by the way. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD My 4Runner Profile Accessories: SS 7.1 Lift Kit, WabFab 1" BL, TJM T15, Stubb Sliders, FX/TSX HID Headlight Retrofit, 1st Gen Rollbar, Tundra Brake Upgrade, Hilux Surf Field Monitor, TRD I.S. Wheels, Nitto TG 265/75s, Hella HID 4000s, Tint, Black Pearl Emblems, Clear Corners, TRD Decals, JBL Door Speakers Mods: Disabled DRLs, Disabled Keyless Entry Chirp, Disabled VTRAC/VSC/ABS, Fog Light Mod, Air Elbow Mod, Ashtray Mod, Mud Flap Mod, Rear Diff Breather Mod

05-20-2008, 08:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,179	Nice, I'd like to do this someday. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

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