Adjusting headlights in a new 200 (2 Viewers)

[jefo13]

There is a lever with sensor in the rear suspension for the 2016+ that is what changes the angle of the headlights. The sensor body is mounted to the frame and the end of the lever is attached to the upper control arm. The sensor uses angular (rotational) movement of the sensor shaft to determine pitch of the truck. The sensor is on the left rear side of the truck.

There is a minor amount of adjustment via a slot on the UCA bracket (~1").

When you lift just the front of the truck, the rear sensor is not affected, therefore making the headlights aim high.

When you install a full suspension lift 2"+, the sensor on the rear suspension in effect recognizes the truck being high in the rear, so it adjusts the headlights up, which double compounds the headlight aim as really high.

In order to trick the sensor to re-level the headlights, you need to either install spacers between the frame bracket and sensor body OR installing a longer end link at the UCA mount.

I started by installing spacers, as it is the easiest remedy. I used some thick washers that I had and installed them in between the frame bracket and the sensor body (roughly 3/16" thick). Then used the UCA bracket slot to give me more adjustment. And finally I fine tuned the aim with the on-headlight screw adjusters.

Just be warned that if you are only adjusting the headlights with the screw adjusters and the headlights are really out of wack, you may adjust too far and disconnect the adjusters. The LED headlights are non-fixable from outside the light (from what I understand) and they are big $$$ to replace.

I can try to take pics of the sensor if anyone is interested.

You can also google search "LC200 headlight sensor spacer" and a AUS company has the spacers for sale (no USA options).

This happened to me (over turning bolt) and to my dealer as well. $1300 +

 

[bloc]

This happened to me (over turning bolt) and to my dealer as well. $1300 +

I was thinking at least one person here had this happen. Bummer.. but serves as a warning to others.

 

[UPR LC]

I would guess that one could build their own adjustable turnbuckle with appropriate 90 degree bolt on either end using Home Depot hardware. I just discovered this thread yesterday. I had actually completely forgotten about the headlight auto-aiming feature. It's been 8 months since I had the lift done and I've only had the truck for just under a year. I'll see if I can put something together from HD. I'll keep this thread updated.

I started looking at McMaster Carr for ball joints and link bars, it adds up in cost. The spacer option is very inexpensive and simple. Let us know if you get something to work for extending the linkage.

 

[jefo13]

From another MUD post, very food explanation…

 

[bloc]

Looks pretty easy to cut and extend the factory linkage with u bolt clamps and some bar stock. TJM part is nice but if it’s not available it won’t do anyone any good.

 

[HSTexan]

Good news for all of us looking for the TJM part—after not getting a response using their contact form on the website I sent an email to the address listed on this thread and they responded saying that they reached out to TJM Australia and they will be sending a batch over in the next cargo shipment. They downside is that they don’t expect it to arrive until spring. They said I could reach back out in a few weeks for a better ETA; will keep this updated as I learn more

 

[jefo13]

So, while I have the self adjust hardware on the rear axle of my 2016, my headlight do not do the self adjust depicted in the videos upon staring the vehicle, is there something I am missing?

 

[joltman]

So, while I have the self adjust hardware on the rear axle of my 2016, my headlight do not do the self adjust depicted in the videos upon staring the vehicle, is there something I am missing?

I have a lift and I recall that before the lift, the lights did move. I haven't detached the adjusting arm, but I'm curious if I did and raised the sensor bar if the lights would attempt an adjustment.

 

[04UZJ100]

Have a 2020 Cruiser and never seen my lights move or adjust on startup. My 14LX has AFS so it’s very apparent.

 

[UPR LC]

I have a lift and I recall that before the lift, the lights did move. I haven't detached the adjusting arm, but I'm curious if I did and raised the sensor bar if the lights would attempt an adjustment.

Most likely they would. I effectively moved the sensor arm (spaced the sensor off the mount) and I noticed my lights adjust slightly at start up. I usually don't have my lights on Auto so if the truck goes through an adjustment at start up, I won't see it happen.

 

[jefo13]

OK I can confirm a couple of things. I got under the truck and moved the adjuster all the way up, by default it is at its lowest. I started the engine and I paid attention to the lights, they started where they were prior to the adjustment and they slid down!!, about an inch (I put some tape on the wall)- consider I am parked about 6 ft from the wall, so not sure how this will translate to driving aiming...
I shut off the engine and then started it again to see if the lights did the movement again and they didn't but they kept their aim at the new level!! I wish I knew this years ago!!

 

[calixto]

Good news for all of us looking for the TJM part—after not getting a response using their contact form on the website I sent an email to the address listed on this thread and they responded saying that they reached out to TJM Australia and they will be sending a batch over in the next cargo shipment. They downside is that they don’t expect it to arrive until spring. They said I could reach back out in a few weeks for a better ETA; will keep this updated as I learn more

Any idea on the part number for that adjuster from TJM, I can't find it any where on either the american or aussie site.

 

[joltman]

Any idea on the part number for that adjuster from TJM, I can't find it any where on either the american or aussie site.

Part number is listed in the PDF attached on first page. Also in the comments of the YouTube video. I want able to find that part number as an individual item for sale. @HSTexan was able to at least get someone from TJM to respond to an email. Did they give you the option of purchasing? Even if it takes six months, I'll still place the order. Might as well do it now so I'll be happy in April!

 

[calixto]

Sorry I only watched the video embedded in this site. The part number he mentions is 658LINK34E however nothing for it on TJM's Oz site. There is a separate company that lists it for sale in a Google search but no image to confirm it exists. I emailed a contact at TJM and will see if she gets back to me with anything. Seems like an uncommon part for something that could potentially be a very common issue. Would be a good question for Slee, Cruiser Outfitters or Eric Sargent on how they deal with the issue usually. I recently changed my lift from OME 2723 springs in the rear with some rake back to front to OME 2721 with zero rake and it seems like I now get flashed more often....makes sense as the headlight would now sit at a different projection angle. Since I only went up 2" in the front I may try to do the mild adjustment to the stock bracket then adjust the lamps manually under the hood and see how that goes.

 

[shamusFJ73]

I have just bought a linkage (in Oz) which seems to be identical to the TJM part, I'm pretty sure it's just a standard carby part? Surely these are readily available in the US?

Here's the one I purchased Ball Joint Link 70mm Between Centres - https://www.redlineauto.com.au/p-5103-redline-42-102-ball-joint-link-70mm-between-centres.aspx

 

[joltman]

I have just bought a linkage (in Oz) which seems to be identical to the TJM part, I'm pretty sure it's just a standard carby part? Surely these are readily available in the US?

Here's the one I purchased Ball Joint Link 70mm Between Centres - https://www.redlineauto.com.au/p-5103-redline-42-102-ball-joint-link-70mm-between-centres.aspx

Shows you how much I know about engines!! I'll have to take a look around because that could solve the issue

 

[Phil Damon]

Hi Guys,

I'm an engineer for TJM here in the USA. I talked with our customer service guy about this and we are going to try to get some of the 658LINK34E headlight adjuster linkage sent to us by air. We are just trying to figure out how many to have sent. How many of you would want one? This should be a regular stocked item in the future.

 

[joltman]

Hi Guys,

I'm an engineer for TJM here in the USA. I talked with our customer service guy about this and we are going to try to get some of the 658LINK34E headlight adjuster linkage sent to us by air. We are just trying to figure out how many to have sent. How many of you would want one? This should be a regular stocked item in the future.

I would like one please.

 

[calixto]

Mark me down for one, San Diego CA. Thank you! Will go nice with my T13

 

[christianleeboy]

Hi Guys,

I'm an engineer for TJM here in the USA. I talked with our customer service guy about this and we are going to try to get some of the 658LINK34E headlight adjuster linkage sent to us by air. We are just trying to figure out how many to have sent. How many of you would want one? This should be a regular stocked item in the future.

Hi- I like to know the adjustable range (minimum and max.) measurements. I tried to search for detail specs. and couldn’t find any info for the linkage. Thanks