Sealed Beam Replacement headlights... what the hell did I buy? Help

So I'm buying parts to convert to a 95-97 front end.

Bought new headlight assemblies as part of it. I truly don't know what "sealed beam" headlights are but always hear people bitching about the 95-97 OEM ones because you have to remove the whole headlight assembly in order to change the bulbs.

So when I was vetting parts, I wanted to steer clear of that ordeal. I wanted to buy assemblies that I could just change the bulbs out from the back of the assembly (still attached to the core support).

Originally was looking at the popular roundeyes replacements. Those are on back order for another 5 months.

Then I was looking at these (the 5x7 ones): http://www.autoanything.com/lights/74A5157A0A0.aspx

These say "conversion kits that replace sealed beams...Your Rampage Halogen Headlight Conversion Kit works with most factory wiring harnesses and hardware running stock 50/60W sealed beam lights"

But when I was on the phone with the autoanything rep, he convinced me to buy these: http://www.autoanything.com/lights/77A5582A3720338.aspx

These just say "sealed beams... Plug-&-Play design means no modifications needed (includes H4/9007 bulb plug adaptors when required)"

Below are pics of the headlight assemblies. What the hell did I buy? Can I simply replace the bulbs from the back of these assemblies without taking the whole thing off the truck? Will my 1998 factory wiring harness, etc just plug and play? They came with a rubber seal on the back of the assembly (see pic 4)

 

you bought just a lamp housing.

Says it comes with adaptors for H4 or 9007 bulbs. Since yours are H4..should just go right in. Go out side and test em

Yes it looks like you will be able to just leave the housings in and just swap in new bulbs when the time comes.

a real sealed beam would not have that hole there. Just a plug with the bulb sealed inside.

 

It's 0 degrees outside. No thanks.

After a lengthy discussion with another rep, he told me that I would indeed have to remove those Vision X housings to replace the bulb. And that I would need an extra harness.

So I went to Amazon and ordered the Rampage ones:

$171 RAMPAGE PRODUCTS Clear Halogen Conversion Headlight Kit Universal Fit | High Beam, Glass Lens, Clear | 5089927 | Fits Universal Fit

http://www.amazon.com/Rampage-5089927-Halogen-Conversion-Headlight/dp/B001OMPJHM/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_d_1

Two of the reviews:

"Much better than my stock sealed headlights on my '97 Tacoma! Some people say like night and day, I say like day at night! NO MORE FIGHTING TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LAMP!"

" Easy to install them in my '95 Tacoma. Gives me more bulb options and keeps most of the original look."


Sold

 

I like sealed beam headlights. The lenses always look new.

 

Upon further inspection... inconclusive.

I got the bulb/plug/socket out of my '98 but couldn't finagle the wiring harness enough to test fit it in the new assemblies.

I'll keep both sets for our project and just return the ones we don't use

 

so i can look forward to working in sub 0º temps huh? oh joy! haha

 

All next week it's supposed to be in the 40s. So hopefully it stays that way whenever you're out here.

Trying to see if I can borrow my friend's shop, but timing might be difficult.

 

no worries. ill do whatever haha

 

You're half my age and twice as tough. I'm not worried.

 

Do the Rampage from Amazon take 9003 bulbs?

 

In general, a "sealed beam" headlamp is one where the entire headlamp assembly is a single piece, replaceable unit. The 97 4X4, and 96 and older Toyota trucks all use this type of headlight. When the bulb fails, you replace the entire thing, lens and all.

The conversion kits (which I have in my 97) use H4 type bulbs. In this case, when the bulb eventually fails, I just replace the bulb (Just like you normally do now in your truck)

The pictures that you posted in your OP shows basically what I have right now. And if the bulb does burn out, you do NOT have to remove the light to change out the bulb.

 

^What he said... those housings look good. Vision X makes good stuff too.

 

It's official, autoanything's customer service reps are very inept.

 

haha dude i told you in my reply that you'd should be able to do the lights without rememoving them.

Why their is a big hole in the core support and why those lights you bought have clips for blubs haha

oh well. haha

 

I originally wanted the Rampage's. So we'll see which one is more quality and return the others.

Plus the Rampage's come with bulbs.

Truth be told... I've never had to replace a headlight bulb in the 14+ years I've owned this truck.

Oh, and we're obviously going to have to aim them properly too.

 

You're lucky.

My '93 Blazer had factory sealed beams and I replaced them with housings so I could use the H4 lamps (sealed beams are only 35w and SUCK at night).
The opening in the headlight bucket was only large enough for the connector on the back of the sealed beam... I had to cut the bucket open to clear the back of the housing.

 

Clearly you have no idea who you're talking to.

I can take a 10 minute hitch install and turn it into a 5 hour fiasco.

 

In that case....


This is gonna' be good.

 

I'll be there. It'll be fine haha

 

This is gonna' be REEEEEL good