Diablo3305

Does anyone here who has a 2003 Surf know if your headlights are E-code or DOT? I am looking to put HID's in my truck, i actually ordered a kit, but I am cancelling it. I was thinking that if the headlights in the Surf are E-code, I could buy a set of those and put HID's in them, which would cut down on glare that the DOT housings produce. Just an idea...not sure if im going to do it.

pfdaxe

If your talking about a Surf rather than a 4 Runner...then they probably aren't DOT. 4 Runners in the US market are DOT.

turboale

Why would E-Codes have less of a glare? Don't E-Codes have a bigger light pattern? Thus letting the light out further in front of the car and at a higher angle. That was a popular mod back in the days of when I owned my Volvo. But the did it to get more light, not less.

Woodbert

I'm pretty sure all my glass, lights have DOT but I'll check when I go out in about an hour.

Vato Loco

Yeah those JDM headlights would look real good on your rig

impulsebrklyn

diablo you have any way to get them, im looking for the tailights but i cant find anyone to import a set

Woodbert

I just checked and my headlights are NOT DOT.

impulsebrklyn

ok answer this question what the heck is DOT and e-code?

turboale

Well, don't know the actual word for word def. but they are two different light patterns that are allowed. Apparently overseas, they allow for a larger light pattern (light extends furtner away from vehicle).
But I always thought that E-codes we "european" spec, but that was when I was only really into european cars. I don't know for everywhere else, whether its E-code or what, but I know DOT standards are more strict and allow for less light, so people get the E-Codes, though they are suppose to be "off-road" use only.

pfdaxe

DOT is US standards set by the Department Of Transportation. Hence the letters "DOT" That why you'll only see them on US headlights.

Note the increased illumination of overhead signs, which also results in higher glare levels for oncoming drivers. Maximum allowed illumination is 28,000 candela.
Headlights following european standards (ECE) are labled E followed by a number. Note the much lower glare levels above citoff and sharp horisontal cutoffs. Maximum allowed illumination is 38,000 candela.
Harmonized headlights are labled (example E4 DOT. They can legally be used on both continents, but a true ECE headlamp will always have higher output.
Headlights following japanese marked (JDM) has a vertically mirrored ECE pattern, and is for driving on the left side of the road only.

Basically....Japanese Surf headlights will not work in US 4 Runners and vice-versa.

Diablo3305

ive been looking, nothing has come up yet. I also like the tail lights that I have seen on the japanese sites. They have some pretty cool stuff

Diablo3305

bah.... scratch that idea then...i may just try to put them in the stock housings and see how much glare they produce... I think im gonna try to find someone around here who has a 9006 they would let me test before i go buy them. My other option is to buy it, and sell if it i don't like the results...