1991 80 series headlights not powerful at night

[pavell]

I've got some old headlights that are pretty faded. what is the best bang for buck front headlight replacements ? I would like something plug and play.

what about these ? I'd prefer something that looks stock....

Clear Lens Fog Lamps +Corner Signal Light Fit For Land Cruiser 1991-1997 LC/FJ80 | eBay

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 80 (_J8_) 4.0 (FJ80_) 01/1990 -. TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 80 (_J8_) 4.2 D (HZJ80_) 01/1990 -. TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 80 (_J8_) 4.2 TD 24V (HDJ80_) 03/1995 -. TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 80 (_J8_) 4.2 TD (HDJ80) 01/1990 -.

www.ebay.com

 

[AussieHJCruza]

What you have posted is corner lamps and indicators rather than the headlights. Best low cost way to deal with this is something like the below:

Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit, Severe

Revive dull, foggy headlights with our Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit. Lifetime coating prevents future damage. Easy to use, no power tools needed.

www.griotsgarage.com

 

[jonheld]

I've got some old headlights that are pretty faded. what is the best bang for buck front headlight replacements ? I would like something plug and play.

OEM headlights have glass lenses. They don't "fade" or become cloudy like the plastic ones.
You can replace the bulbs with HIR 9011s and that will make a significant difference without spending much money and time.

 

[BTLSHP]

OEM headlights have glass lenses. They don't "fade" or become cloudy like the plastic ones.
You can replace the bulbs with HIR 9011s and that will make a significant difference without spending much money and time.

I can vouch for the HIR 9011/12 upgrade, they make a noticeable difference without changing the light pattern noticeably.

 

[Mixelplix]

I agree too. I did it years ago..

 

[Marco Lau]

Best headlight upgrade is just go bite the bullet and do a LED projector retrofit. Not cheap by any stretch of imagination, but it is one of the best mods i have done.. Don't bother doing the LED or HID upgrade unless you have projectors. I have also done the Slee headlight harness upgrade with HIR bulb and that was pretty good for Stock configurations.

 

[pavell]

Best headlight upgrade is just go bite the bullet and do a LED projector retrofit. Not cheap by any stretch of imagination, but it is one of the best mods i have done.. Don't bother doing the LED or HID upgrade unless you have projectors. I have also done the Slee headlight harness upgrade with HIR bulb and that was pretty good for Stock configurations.View attachment 3870803

What brand did you use ?

 

[Marco Lau]

What brand did you use ?

The company was called Freedom Retrofit. Unfortunately, they have been out of business for a while now.

 

[pavell]

well i bought (2) 9011 and (2) 9012 Phillips brand from rockauto.

any modification I need to install these? or are they pretty straight forward?

 

[jonheld]

well i bought (2) 9011 and (2) 9012 Phillips brand from rockauto.

any modification I need to install these? or are they pretty straight forward?

The tabs have to be trimmed to fit. Very easy to do with a flush cutter. Do a quick search online.
As with all bulbs, protect the glass from fingerprints/oils.
Personally, I have 9011s in all 4 positions as I wasn't thrilled with the 9012s in the low beam positions.

 

[96bruizer]

new bulbs, $10.00 / 10 minutes and your done

 

[captainva]

80 series headlight housings only, fits with factory grille only.

ships bare metal

landcruisergrilles.com

This is cheaper than any retrofit when you combine this with some $75-100 LED 7" round lights

 

[Tachycardic]

The tabs have to be trimmed to fit. Very easy to do with a flush cutter. Do a quick search online.
As with all bulbs, protect the glass from fingerprints/oils.
Personally, I have 9011s in all 4 positions as I wasn't thrilled with the 9012s in the low beam positions.

Do the 9011s in the low beam positions cause a lot of dazzle for oncoming drivers?

 

[jonheld]

Do the 9011s in the low beam positions cause a lot of dazzle for oncoming drivers?

I've had them in all 4 positions for several years now. I very rarely get flashed by oncoming traffic.
IMO, they're way less blinding then the LEDs that newer cars have today.

 

[NeverFinis]

I just ordered 4 x 9011 because of this thread.

My Baja Designs Driving/Combo Squadrons are linked to my high beams and they make driving at night a huge difference. Turn off High Beams and the BD lights go out automatically. Not sure about the legality.

The light output looks similar to my 2023 Ford Lightning with LED headlights. The latter has matrix headlights, which is on another level.

My stock low beams looks like I am driving in complete blackness in comparison. Hopefully the 9011 will improve them.

 

[jonheld]

I just ordered 4 x 9011 because of this thread.

My Baja Designs Driving/Combo Squadrons are linked to my high beams and they make driving at night a huge difference. Turn off High Beams and the BD lights go out automatically. Not sure about the legality.

The light output looks similar to my 2023 Ford Lightning with LED headlights. The latter has matrix headlights, which is on another level.

My stock low beams looks like I am driving in complete blackness in comparison. Hopefully the 9011 will improve them.

I have the BD XL Pros controlled by a rear heater switch. On with low beams, off, on with high beams. Works exceedingly well.
Schematic for your pleasure:

General Tech - Aux Lamps Using A Rear Heater Switch

My attempt at making aux lamps work with high beams or low beams, as I got tired of fumbling for a switch in the dark with oncoming traffic.

forum.ih8mud.com