Blackout Sequential Turn Signal Tail Lights – Install & Review

Anzo Blacked Out Sequential Fiber Optic LED Tail Lights Install & Review For the 5th Gen 4Runner

The 5th Gen 4Runner debuted in 2009 and hasn’t seen many changes since then. In 2014, Toyota changed the tail lights from a red-top, chrome-bottom set up to the current design featuring a chrome turn signal housing above an LED tail light below.

Given the number of aftermarket products available for the 4Runner, there was definitely a void in the tail light market. Until recently, with the exception of installing LEDs, there haven’t been many options available to upgrade the stock setup, but that is starting to change.

As new options hit the market, a few of them stand out from the crowd. One popular option that can be found on the site is the blacked-out tail lights from USR, however, they do not feature the sequential turn signals. If you are going for the brightest reverse light setup on the market, you may want to consider the GTR Reverse Lighting kit from Headlight Revolution. And, probably one of the most popular tail light installations is the “tail as turn mod” from Diode Dynamics.

One set caught my eye and climbed to the top of the heap: the Anzo Black/Smoke Sequential Fiber Optic LED tail lights. At the time of writing this, they have just sold out. But, they should be back in stock soon.

Ryan recently wrote a very similar post on the site for these Anzo Black/Smoke Sequential turn signals but two different perspectives never hurt anyone. Between both of these posts, you should have just about all of your questions answered and addressed.

Find It Online

• Chrome Housing, Clear Lens: Check Price
• Black Housing, Clear Lens: Check Price
• Black Housing, Smoked Lens: Check Price

Tools & Materials

• Metric Socket Rail
• Metric Deep Socket Rail
  • 10mm deep socket
• Socket wrench
• Socket extension
• Plastic Pry Tools

Step 1. Access Rear of Tail Light & Remove 2 10mm Nuts

Using a pry tool or small screwdriver, pop off the panel to gain access to the rear of the tail light.

Then use a deep 10mm socket to remove the two nuts holding the light in place. You may elect to use a socket extension, it’s unnecessary, but it might make your job a little easier.

Step 2. Remove Existing Tail Light

With the nuts removed, the tail light should pop out easily.

First, disconnect the factory wiring harness. Once the wiring harness is unplugged, hold the rear of the light and strike the side of the tail light with your other hand towards the back of the vehicle. One or two good whacks should pop the light free.

Step 3. Remove Stock Wiring Harness From Rear of Light Housing

There will be one small white pin-style connector plugged into the rear of the tail light. There will also be one clear reverse bulb and one amber turn-signal bulb. Unplug the white connector and twist out both of the bulb connections.

Once everything is free, set the wiring harness aside as you’ll need to reuse it for the Anzo tail lights.

Step 4. Add Stock Wiring Harness To Anzo Tail Lights

Installation is basically the reversal from the removal. The notable difference is going to be the removal of the amber bulb. With a sequential LED turn signal in the Anzo lights, there is no use for your old incandescent amber bulb. Once removed, plug the male connector from the Anzo lights into the now vacant connector that used to hold the amber bulb. Once that is done, twist it back into the rear of the tail light housing. Reinstall your reverse light and plug in the white connector. Once the connections are made, tuck the wires away under the foam cover.

If you were thinking about switching your reverse light to a brighter LED bulb option, this is a perfect opportunity to make that swap while the tail light housing is out of the vehicle.

Step 5. Install New Tail Light

With the wiring complete and tucked away, the new Anzo tail light is ready to be installed. Line the light up and simply slide it into place from the rear. It should go in easily and fit somewhat snugly. If it doesn’t seem to be housed properly, pull it back out and slide it forward with a little more authority.

Once pushed into place, it should have very little play and shouldn’t slip out freely. After the tail light assembly is in place, reconnect the wiring harness and tighten down the two 10mm nuts.

Step 6. Mount Resistor & Replace Cover

The Anzo lights have a resistor that I nearly overlooked as it was tucked away into the light itself.

Find a place to mount the resistor with the supplied 3M double-sided tape. I chose to place it on the inner fender. Any clean, flat surface should be sufficient. Conduct a quick test of the brake lights, running lights, turn signals, and tail lights to ensure everything is operating as designed.

If everything looks good, replace the plastic cover and secure the access panel. Take care not to bend the retention tabs when reinstalling the access panel cover.

Final Thoughts

This was a simple install, even without any directions furnished by Anzo. I managed to wrap it up in an hour while simultaneously wrangling two kids under six. If you are super motivated, you might be able to complete the install in 30 minutes or less.

I absolutely love these tail lights!! The black housing looks significantly better than the stock chrome housing, and the smoke lens adds a very cool blacked-out look. The brake light is nearly identical to stock, which is fine. The two real standouts are the sequential turn signal and the LED running lights.

I’m a sucker for sequential turn signals, and these didn’t disappoint. Four amber LEDs scroll from inside out every time you signal to turn or change lanes, and they look great. The running lights add a whole extra dimension to the truck.

There really isn’t anything else out there that will give your 5th Gen this look from behind. They bring a unique look that will turn heads, especially at night. Overall, these exceed my expectations with a simple install and an outstanding appearance.