Vanman

Took out the side lights, I got off all the top clips, and it seems like I have all the clips on the bottom either out or broken...

The grille will not budge, at least from the bottom. I have the replacement headlights, just can't get the old ones out.

What a pain.

Fink

I've never taken the grille off a 2nd gen before but there may be a screw securing it on.
On my '85 there was a bracket that extended from the bottom of the grille down to the cross member.

Pics would help a lot.

Fink

iamsuperbleeder

I don't have to remove my entire grill just to replace the bulbs

it's a tight fit with a screwdriver yeah, but it can be done without removing all the crapola

I finally just invested in some H4 conversion lights so much easier just to pull the bulbs out from behind

1989toy4wd

you have to take the bumper off too!!, Yeah its that stupid!! there is a part of the grill that the bumper holds to keep it from moving...you can always cut it off to make it easier, or get a new bumper like I did (even though now my winch is in the way!!

Vanman

According to the owners manual, there are the clips on the along the top and the bottom. That is it. Doesn't really seem to be the case. Where do I get the "retrofit" H4? Do those just slide into place, like replacements are supposed to? Or is ther grille modifications to do?

malteserunner

iTrader: (1)

My 91 had a screw near the center of the grille on the bottom. It was lame, so it stayed out. Good luck.

OutlawMike

Search for H4 replacements on here, there is a big thread about it. They are on E-bay (cheaper) or you can get the Hella kit. I bought the DOT legal lights and did not see as big an improvement as others. Read the thread, it has all of the info in it. Ah heck, here is the link:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...talled-159609/

Vanman

I decided to for-go taking the grille off. I was able to get 3 of 4 of the little retaining screws off the bracket that holds the headlight in place. With a little nudging, the screwdriver fits. But the 4th one is friggin rusted/something in place and it doesn't budge. Too small of a fit for a vice grip or pliers. I give up for tonight. Going to try to drill out the screw tomorrow.

Fink

Did you see the posts about taking the bumper off?
Also the part about the screw on the bottom part (which is what I was trying to explain about the bracket).

I would soak it in Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster all night, I bet you'll be able to get it out without drilling it.

Fink

Vanman

I thought it was a joke, about the bumper. I cannot, for some stupid reason, find any other screws holding the grille on. Now if I have to take off the bumper, who knows what that will lead to...

Vanman

Well, I was able to bend/move/adjust each side of the grille enough to get at the 4 light bracket screws. Not easy, but replaced both headlights. Man, I hope the newer Toyotas do not have this issue (that is if I can ever afford one).

Thanks for all the insight.

Marc

I've never had to deal with the bumper to remove my grill.

Just the side lights and clips.

RobD

Me either. I had to lower the bumper a little, but that's because I kinda moved it up a little bit off roading.

I replaced the sealed beam lights with the Hella H4 conversion kit and would recommend it 100% to anyone looking for an upgrade. Yes, it's pricey, but I like being able to see.

Jay351

Is it just me that thinks the grill is easy to remove?

There are little tabs on the edge of each clip, just push them, in with your finger and they release.

remove side markers and just pull the grill out. My oem bumper only got in the way once it was bent.

Hella h4 e-code lenses are what you want to buy. They will blow the doors of anyother light available, with the exception of HID's.

x2 Rob. Cost me $140 for everything shipped up to me. But heck it was worth it, for something im going to use every day... its worth the investment.

I recently cracked my passengerside lense Nice crack, light still works %100. Not sure if im going to replace it yet

BoostinChick

Did you guys do the Hella H4 upgrade with the 4crawler wiring "upgrade"? Or just the Hella kit....

I may invest $140 since the stock headlights do suck, but just wanted to make sure there were no other factors involved. Thanks

Vanman

"My oem bumper only got in the way once it was bent."

Well, I guess that might have been half my problem. The lower part of the bumper (not the upper chrome) is bent to heck. Oh well, hopefully they will last a few years.

Bill

Jay351

You need to test the voltage at your lights when your truck is running. If you are losing more then a volt from the battery to the lights, then your wiring should be repalced. I was loosing just under a volt so I left the stock wiring there.

Click on my cardomain page to see light output pictures. My lights overshadow thoes of newer cars.

Might be your problem. Mine was bent up so it pinched the grill in...

RobD

My brother works at Lordco. Got them for under $100. I also picked up some protective headlight film. Works great so far. No chips or anything. Probably won't help with a rock...but...fingers crossed.

I just went with the Hella kit and a set of GE Nighthawks. The difference between the old and new is amazing. Even lighting all across the road on low beam, and the highbeams are excellent.

B4Runner

I took the grille off my '88 in about 5 min. The top clips and screws are easy, but you might need a long screw driver to get the clips on the bottom. You must be careful not to let the clips slip back in, because they do so very easily and it gets frustrating. Once the clips are all undone, you have to wiggle the grille out, it doesn't pull straight out. And just extra: when your putting the grille back on, take the clips from the truck, snap the correct end into the grille, and then put the grille on. Its much easier that way. Hope to have helped. (: