Morimoto XB Headlights – Full Install & Review on 5th Gen 4Runner

Morimoto XB LED Headlights DIY Step-By-Step Install & Review For the 5th Gen 4Runner

So, you saved all of your pennies and finally decided to pick up a pair of the Morimoto XB headlights for your 4Runner. When they arrive, you tear open the giant Morimoto box with the headlight image printed directly on them (badass), remove the surprisingly large housings and take them to the garage to install. Rather than checking out the instructions, you grunt a few times and decide you’re going to wing it cause, hey, you’re handy.

Skip the manual, follow this guide.

15 minutes go by – you’ve got the hood open, you’re looking at all the factory connections and you’re like “hey, just maybe, I should at least use the install manual for ‘reference’.” You go back in the house, grab the box, find the pamphlet, open it, only to read: “For our most up-to-date install instructions, please visit Morimotohid.com.”

Well, that sucks.

You pull out your phone, type in the URL, and pull up the PDF instructions only to find that the document contains little information and a bunch of pictures…. Helpfully.

For me, this was probably one of the most annoying starts to an install. Have no fear though, I experienced it so you don’t have to. Below is a step-by-step to installing your Morimoto XB’s, so pay attention.

What’s in The Box:

• The Headlight Kit: Check Price
• Morimoto Pamphlet (1x)
• Morimoto XB Headlight Left (1x)
• Morimoto XB Headlight Right (1x)
• Daytime Running Lamp Splitter and Fuse Tap (1x)

Tools Needed:

• Socket Wrench with 10mm Socket (or 10mm Wrench) (1x)
• Flat Head Screw Driver (1x)
• Phillips Screw Driver (1x)
• Cable Ties

Removing Front Bumper

You’re going to need to gain access to the factory headlight housings.

To do this, you’ll need to remove the front bumper. This is not incredibly difficult but can, be slightly daunting to those doing it for the first time.

Step 1. Remove Plastic Radiator Sight Shield

The first thing you’ll need to do is pop the hood and remove the radiator sight shield which is the large plastic tray that extends the entire width of the engine bay. The shield is secured by circular plastic clips. Push down to on the clips to remove them.

Step 2. Disconnect Upper Grille

Once you have the radiator cover removed, you can now access the bolt and plastic clips that secure your upper grille.

Just behind the center of the upper grille assembly is a 10mm bolt that secures the upper grille to its bracket. Remove using the 10mm socket wrench. Also securing the upper grille is a series of plastic clips that you’ll need to remove. The ones we had required the use of a flat head screwdriver to pry the inner circle up before removing.

You may notice that at the base of the upper grille there are a few plastic clips that hold it to the lower grille and bumper.

You have two options here:

• Remove the upper grille from the lower
• Proceed with the upper still attached to the lower

We chose the latter because the grille clips can be annoying to loosen. Just keep in mind to get a hand on the upper grille when you’re removing the entire bumper so it doesn’t accidentally fall and hit the pavement (no… this didn’t happen… this time).

Step 3. Remove 10mm Bolts Securing Bumper & Fender Liners

Those with stock front bumper will need to remove three 10mm bolts from the wheel well and unclip the front bumper from two plastic push clips on each side. The underside of the bumper is held on with an additional six 10mm bolts that will need to be removed.

Note: Because we have our front bumper configured for the C4 Fabrication High Clearance additions for the LoPro Bumper, we didn’t have front fender liners and only had 2 bolts to remove on each wheel well.

Step 4. Disconnect Foglights

Reach in front of the fender liner to access the fog light. Disconnect the Fog lamp assembly to allow it to come off with the front bumper. The passenger side fog lamp is covered with a plastic cover that needs to be removed to access the fog light. The cover is held on with 2 plastic tabs that you can pop off with the help of a flat head screwdriver.

Note: Refer to Brenan’s LED Fog Light Install article for more reference photos.

 Step 5. Remove Front Bumper

At this point, starting from the wheel well, start pulling the bumper toward you.

As you do this, you’ll release interior clips holding the bumper up. Repeat this motion and until the entire bumper comes loose (having a buddy helps here). Make sure to keep the upper grille from detaching from the lower grille as you’re removing the bumper. Place on a non-scratch surface or tarp and place it to the side.

Step 6. Disconnect Headlight Harnesses

Disconnect all factory harnesses from the headlight (with the exception of the side indicators as the wires are easier to access after you have removed the housing).

Step 7. Remove Headlight Housing

The headlight housing is secured with (x4) 10mm bolts/screws. There are three on top and one on the bottom. You can use the 10mm socket or Phillips head screwdriver to assist in removing the housing.

Step 8. Disconnect Turn Signal & Marking Light

While still holding the headlight housing, disconnect the harness to the turn signal and the marking light on the very outside of the headlight.

Step 9. Transfer Bumper Bracket from OEM Housing To Morimoto

The headlight has a black plastic bracket attached to the bottom. This is where the front bumper clips in and are secured. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the bracket from both headlights and transfer over to the Morimoto’s. 

Step 10. Route DRL Harness/Fuse Tap Across Front of Vehicle & Connect Fuse Tap

Take the supplied harness/fuse tap and route them from left to right. Across the front of the vehicle.

Connect to the fuse tap to the 10A Mirror Heater Circuit by removing the 10A fuse and replacing it with the tap. The Mirror Heater Fuse is Denoted by “10A MIR HTR” which is located near the top right of the fuse box if you’re standing by the Driver Side Fender.

Note: You will likely need to notch the Fuse box cover and run the tap through the new notch to properly close the fuse box.

Step 11. Configure Turn Signal

This part was slightly ambiguous on the Morimoto install instructions, so I’ll try to be more explicit.

You have the ability to select the turn signal mode on the XBs. The default configuration is the standard blink. If you’re wanting the extra Gucci sequential mode, you’ll have to disconnect the skinny green and skinny pink wires.

Yes, disconnect and leave… unconnected.

Step 12. Connect All Harnesses to New Headlights

The reassembly at this point is pretty much the reverse of the install. Connect all your harnesses back together and run some function tests.

Step 13. Install New Headlight & Secure with 10mm Bolts

Step 14. Put It All Back Together

Once you’ve got everything installed and tested, reverse the above steps to put everything back together. 

Step 15. Adjusting Your Headlights

You will likely need to adjust your headlights to maximize your visibility. The Morimoto XB’s have both Horizontal and Vertical Adjustment wheels (which, for some reason, I forgot to photograph).

Final Thoughts

Are you wondering how to adjust your headlights, check this out. If you don’t want to check that out, I will give you the rundown.

Park 25ft from a wall or garage door and turn on your lights.

Morimoto suggests that the hotspots/center of the beams be the same distance apart horizontally as the lights are on the vehicle. Regarding height, the hotspots of the beam should be the same distance from the ground as the headlights are on the vehicle. You will need a screwdriver and measuring tape to adjust.