How to Adjust 79 Series LandCruiser Headlights: Step-by-Step Guide
The 79 Series factory headlights drift out of alignment over time with vehicle loading changes, suspension wear and minor impact events. Adjusting them is a 15 to 20 minute DIY job with no specialist tools. This guide covers the procedure that works for both pre-facelift and 2024-on vehicles.
1. Setup
Park the vehicle 7.5 metres from a flat vertical surface (garage door, wall, large board) on level ground. The vehicle should be empty (no driver in seat, no cargo) with tyres at the correct cold pressure. Headlights on low beam.
2. Locate the Aim Screws
Open the bonnet. Each headlight assembly has two adjustment screws on the back, accessible from the engine bay. The vertical aim screw is typically on the top of the housing; the horizontal aim screw is typically on the inboard side. The 2024 facelift uses the same adjustment locations as the V8 era.
3. Mark Reference Points
Measure the height from the ground to the centre of each headlight bulb. Mark these heights on the vertical surface. Draw a line 2 to 3 cm below each mark - this is the target vertical position for the brightest hot-spot of the low beam.
4. Adjust Vertical Aim
Turn the vertical aim screw on each headlight to move the brightest hot-spot of the low-beam pattern up or down until it lands on the target line. Clockwise typically lowers the aim; anti-clockwise typically raises it. Test each adjustment by waiting 5 seconds for the beam to settle before evaluating.
5. Adjust Horizontal Aim
Mark the centreline of each headlight bulb on the vertical surface. Turn the horizontal aim screw to position the centre of the low-beam pattern on each centreline. Avoid pulling the beam too far inward (causes overlap between left and right) or too far outward (creates a dark spot in the middle road ahead).
6. Verify the Result
Test the result by driving the vehicle at night on a straight rural road. The low beam should illuminate the road ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers and without leaving a dark patch directly in front of the vehicle. If oncoming drivers flash you, the aim is too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I adjust the headlights on a 79 Series?
Park 7.5 m from a flat vertical surface on level ground, locate the vertical and horizontal aim screws in the engine bay behind each headlight, and adjust each to position the low-beam hot-spot at the correct height and centreline.
Are the headlight aim screws in the same place on the 2024 facelift?
Yes. The 2024 facelift uses the same engine-bay aim screw locations as the V8 era. Vertical screw on top of housing, horizontal screw on inboard side.
How often should I adjust the 79 Series headlights?
Check alignment after any major suspension change, GVM upgrade, or impact event. Otherwise an annual check is sufficient for most owners.
