80 series Head Lights, Tail Lights, & Front Flashers. (1 Viewer)

[rScotty]

Looking for any advice or opinions for our old hi-mileage Cruisers.

It is time to replace cracked and broken lights. Going to need:
Head light assembly, tail light assembly, and front flashers
for a '97 FZJ80 and a '96 LX450 -

We have one of each, but several lights have cracked lenses.

Are the tail lights the same on the LX450 and FZJ80?

BTW, on eBay for the FZJ80 RH tail light lens I see
81551-60331 and 81551-60333
What's the difference?

thanks, rScotty

 

[rScotty]

Ok. Best offer some closure. I did get good headlights and got them in there. Direct replacements but not same as OEM. What I ordered were the EURO Crystal Glass Headlights From Ebay. NeonDials. Cost was about $375 for the pair and the fit and quality excellent. Not OEM, but easily as nice. Included bulbs and wiring harness. Needed to specify if for 96 Lexus LX450 or 96/97 FJ80 Land Cruiser.
That HL replacement turned into a few more hours than I had thought, and some screws are tricky to get to. I have not aimed them yet, but they seem OK.

I bought the tail lights and flasher lens from sellers eBay as well. Lots of sellers of OEM for both. In Oct, 2023 when I was doing the replacements I had trouble finding TL light lens at decent prices. Now 3 mo later there are lots for 1/3 the price.

Still don't understand the part number difference on the TL. But everything fit easily.
rScotty

 

[GBinAZ]

Ok. Best offer some closure. I did get good headlights and got them in there. Direct replacements but not same as OEM. What I ordered were the EURO Crystal Glass Headlights From Ebay. NeonDials. Cost was about $375 for the pair and the fit and quality excellent. Not OEM, but easily as nice. Included bulbs and wiring harness. Needed to specify if for 96 Lexus LX450 or 96/97 FJ80 Land Cruiser.
That HL replacement turned into a few more hours than I had thought, and some screws are tricky to get to. I have not aimed them yet, but they seem OK.

I bought the tail lights and flasher lens from sellers eBay as well. Lots of sellers of OEM for both. In Oct, 2023 when I was doing the replacements I had trouble finding TL light lens at decent prices. Now 3 mo later there are lots for 1/3 the price.

Still don't understand the part number difference on the TL. But everything fit easily.
rScotty

Any chance you could post some pics?

 

[rScotty]

Here's a unhappy update: I finally tried aiming the new headlights: EURO Crystal Glass Headlights From Ebay. From NeonDials.
I don't drive this LC much at night, because I was getting a lot of flashes from oncoming traffic.
Yesterday I decided to set them up right....but no luck.

There are a total of 6 HeadLight PH screw adjusters, 3 each side.
I assume that is: Drivng Beams: up/down & lateral. Hi Beam: up/down only. But only one of the six adjusters is functional.
The only one that works is driver's side up/down. All the rest feel disconnected & won't move the beams at all. Wish I had tried them before a rather lengthy installation. They came pre-wired for the proper USA hi/low swithing - I did check that & it is correct.

The weird thing - other than the non-functional aim mechanisms - is that the Hi Beams shoot out way BENEATH the Driving Beams instead of being slightly higher. They Since the adjusters don't work there is no way to raise the Hi Beams... but I doubt that any adjuster is going to have that much range of adjustment.

I've got an inquiry into the seller. Will keep everyone posted.
Wish Toyota made an OEM for the FJ80s.
rScotty

 

[CharlieS]

Maybe spray some plastic friendly lube onto the adjustment screws so they can turn?

 

[Kernal]

Were the Euro headlamp assemblies you purchased designed for RHD (Right Hand Drive) vehicles?? If so the lamps would be pointing more toward oncoming traffic if installed into a LHD vehicle driving on US roads. The part number would indicate which was which if you could figure out the correct part number for a known RHD 80 Series; that would be the wrong part number for a US spec vehicle.

 

[Broski]

Are you sure that the tail lights are OEM and not reproductions ?

Can you post a link ?

 

[rScotty]

Maybe spray some plastic friendly lube onto the adjustment screws so they can turn?

The adjusters turn just fine. But nothing happens.

 

[rScotty]

Were the Euro headlamp assemblies you purchased designed for RHD (Right Hand Drive) vehicles?? If so the lamps would be pointing more toward oncoming traffic if installed into a vehicle driving on US (LHD) roads. The part number would indicate which was which if you could figure out the correct part number for a known RHD 80 Series; that would be the wrong part number for a US spec vehicle.

 

[rScotty]

I suppose it is possible....Though as near as I can tell they are for US model Cruisers. The adv. says they fit 91-07 FJ80 Land Cruisers. And the seller knew mine was a US model when we corresponded. The seller is in California and has sold many of them. The assemblies are fairly high quality and made in Taiwan.
None of it explains the non-functional adjusters or the weird Hi Beam. Any idea on that? Do you know if European Spec is to have the high beam point at the road directly in front of the car? Maybe so.... I'm mystified. They look nice....

 

[Kernal]

@rScotty : What year/model Land Cruiser are the headlamp assemblies installed into?

Has that vehicle ever been in a front end collision?

What Toyota part number (equivalent) did you install?

What letters/numbers do you see on the front (lens) and what is embossed into the plastic on the back of each?

If you don't know the Toyota part number that you bought I would ask the seller ie: that you need the Toyota equivalent part number
not just the year/model from the seller. If he doesn't know then he can ask his supplier in Taiwan.

For comparison, here are some part numbers that should be correct for a US model 80 Series (depending on year 91-97, some are complete Assemblies, some are just the Headlamp body) note: I'm not a parts expert, just pulled these off the webs:

Left: 81150-60212, 81150-60211, 81150-60210, 81150-60213, 81150-60214 or 82250-60215

Right: 81130-60390, 81130-60391, 81130-60395, 81110-60392, 81110-60390, 81110-60391, or 81110-60393

There were different 80 Series models for different markets/countries around the world with different headlamp regulations/requirements, designs/part numbers, some for LHD vehicles, some RHD, some DOT approved, some maybe not, ----

 

[CharlieS]

The adjusters turn just fine. But nothing happens.

Gotcha.

I recently adjusted my Depot lights, and the amount of movement per turn of the adjustment screws was miniscule. I set up a laser level at the height of the center of the light assembly, and only then was I able to discern movement and eventually adjust them into spec (or something approximating it).

Best of luck with your project.

 

[rScotty]

Gotcha.

I recently adjusted my Depot lights, and the amount of movement per turn of the adjustment screws was miniscule. I set up a laser level at the height of the center of the light assembly, and only then was I able to discern movement and eventually adjust them into spec (or something approximating it).

Best of luck with your project.

I use marks on a wall. On your Depot replacement lights, are your high beams beneath the low beams or above? Where did you get yours?

 

[rScotty]

@rScotty : What year/model Land Cruiser are the headlamp assemblies installed into?

Has that vehicle ever been in a front end collision?

What Toyota part number (equivalent) did you install?

What letters/numbers do you see on the front (lens) and what is embossed into the plastic on the back of each?

If you don't know the Toyota part number that you bought I would ask the seller ie: that you need the Toyota equivalent part number
not just the year/model from the seller. If he doesn't know then he can ask his supplier in Taiwan.

For comparison, here are some part numbers that should be correct for a US model 80 Series (depending on year 91-97, some are complete Assemblies, some are just the Headlamp body) note: I'm not a parts expert, just pulled these off the webs:

Left: 81150-60212, 81150-60211, 81150-60210, 81150-60213, 81150-60214 or 82250-60215

Right: 81130-60390, 81130-60391, 81130-60395, 81110-60392, 81110-60390, 81110-60391, or 81110-60393

There were different 80 Series models for different markets/countries around the world with different headlamp regulations/requirements, designs/part numbers, some for LHD vehicles, some RHD, some DOT approved, some maybe not, ----

The LC is a 1997 40th Anniversary Edition. That has always served to identify it as to model. I bought it new at the dealer in 1997 - though it did have some demo miles.
No damage. No collisions.
We also have a low mileage 1996 LX450 - similar mechanically, but all of the trim is different. I'm aware of model differences.

I don't always check part numbers myself. I've always relied on sellers to provide that service. Afterall, it is the sellers who have the obligation to make sure their parts fit that is part of why they get to make a profit by reselling parts.
However, things change and I will check those numbers in the future. BTW, I did check for the tail light & parking assembly, but since OEM headlight assemblies are no longer available we all have to rely on the sellers.
Come to think of it, your comment explains a lot. For example I always ask for OEM parts - even at the Lexus dealership. And they often reply that they use aftermarket parts on many things.
Recently I've bought parts at several car & tractor dealerships that had aftermarket stickers from online discounters.

Bottom Line:
The headlight assemblies are very complex with lots of mounting pads at odd angles to fit the molded front end of the Cruiser. And the HL assemblies fit exactly. So it doesn't appear to be a model issue.
Nobody's answers so far have addressed the adjusters not working or the Hi beams being below the Low Beams.
Those things are the things that I am concerned about. Any ideas ?
Thanks,
rScotty

 

[CharlieS]

I use marks on a wall. On your Depot replacement lights, are your high beams beneath the low beams or above? Where did you get yours?

High beams and low beams are on the same horizontal plane. The light shines wherever I adjust it to. I got them on ebay from a seller recommended here on 'mud.

 

[rScotty]

View attachment 3667303
High beams and low beams are on the same horizontal plane. The light shines wherever I adjust it to. I got them on ebay from a seller recommended here on 'mud.

Mine look just like yours, but clearly work quite differently. What seller did you get yours from? Did yours come from the seller with the bulbs pre-wired to a short harness so all you had to do was plug them in?

 

[CharlieS]

Seller NEONDIALS. Yes, the bulbs were preinstalled with a short plug in harness.

 

[rScotty]

Seller NEONDIALS. Yes, the bulbs were preinstalled with a short plug in harness.

No wonder they look the same. That is who I bought mine from as well NEONDIALS. It seems like I got the oddball set - maybe one that someone returned or something. I wonder how to contact him? Anyone know him.

For people who missed it, I'm the guy who started this thread... Before that I go back to the 1990's when Slee and I along with a few other mechanics were exchanging emails about LCs on the email at the time. That info exchange club turned into a group and eventually into MUD.
rScotty

 

[Kernal]

Do you have photos of the adjuster screws from the rear ie: before the headlamps were installed, or can you find
a photo online of the back of the assemblies? Stating the obvious, if the adjuster screws don't adjust the headlamp position
then they may be defective.

My point about which model the headlamps you installed were meant for is that even if they mount to the vehicle it does not
necessarily mean they are designed for your model ie: the internal reflectors and lenses may be aimed differently (left instead of right). Being aftermarket parts who knows if they were designed or manufactured correctly.

Bottomline, if they don't throw light where it should go and you can't adjust them then IMHO I'd send them back for replacements or a refund.

 

[rScotty]

Do you have photos of the adjuster screws from the rear ie: before the headlamps were installed, or can you find
a photo online of the back of the assemblies? Stating the obvious, if the adjuster screws don't adjust the headlamp position
then they may be defective.

My point about which model the headlamps you installed were meant for is that even if they mount to the vehicle it does not
necessarily mean they are designed for your model ie: the internal reflectors and lenses may be aimed differently (left instead of right). Being aftermarket parts who knows if they were designed or manufactured correctly.

Bottomline, if they don't throw light where it should go and you can't adjust them then IMHO I'd send them back for replacements or a refund.

OK! Here is a - hopefully - final update! I've learned that replacing the headlights on an FJ80 can be complicated now that OEMs are not available.
Last few weels I traded a lot of Emails with NEONDIALS who is the seller of these Euro-crystal glass replacement headlights on EBbay. My thought was that he might be curious why my set had non-functional adjusters and a high beam cutoff down below the driving beams

BTW, these lights are for my orig. 40th Anniv. Cruiser w/240K miles - no longer a daily driver - which is why it took me so 6 months to figure out that the lights couldn't be aimed properly. I don't usually drive it at night.

The Seller - NEONDIALS on Ebay - was willing to contact the manufacturer if I wanted to remove the headlight assemblies and repair the adjusters myself - but nothing beyond that. He has no idea why the high beam cutoffs are wrong. His responses were polite but a bit vague.
Business wise, he is not vague. He feels no obligation beyond a 30 days that starts when they are delivered. Turns out that fit his schedule, but not mine. My experience is that is about average for Ebay business.
Based on how they work versus how they look, my guess is that he bought a load of these as seconds or remans of some sort based on their looking good & didn't check beyond that.

They do look good, and they fit well. Last week with a little shimming and judicious bracket-bending I've gotten the low beams to work passably without adjusters. Cosmetically they compliment the Cruiser nicely. I can't think of a way to fix the cutoff on the high beams, so I'll just skip using those . And who knows? We may discover some use for high beams that point at the road in front of the car.

Bottom line is they are a lot better than having a LandCruiser with one busted headlight - a shame they don't work as well as they look.
rScotty,