The ultimate headlight upgrade H4 (not LED or HID)

Just skated over from the Tundra boys at TS...since I'm now enjoying my new smaller (better) version. And I've thoroughly enjoyed the education on all things lighting. Thanks guys. Question: Just purchased my 2011 TRD Sport DCSB. The previous owner fried the lenses on the DTRLs. So, I intended to order some replacements. Until I read this entire thread over a couple of days and am in line to receive my honorary doctorate in automotive lighting technology. LOL.

Seriously, I need new shells. After pricing OEMs, and re-reading, did I read right that OP recommended a Depo brand? I see them online, and wanted to pull the trigger - even if I DO upgrade my harness and bulbs at some point. I'd settle for a full working set of front lights at this point that don't look like those burned up ants on the playground after we learned what a magnifying glass would do in grade school. TIA!

 

Welcome!

I absolutely do not recommend Depo, I strongly recommend OEM.

I put links with where to buy early 2nd gen smoked OEM TSB headlights in the thread but I'll copy and paste it here:

OEM 2005-2011 smoked headlights:
These are like the Pro lights, but came on select Sport models. These are available loaded with bulbs, and unloaded w/o bulbs, saving $60 off the set . These part numbers are for the unloaded housings. These are the updated TSB version of the lights that do not have the melting DRL issue.
Right #81130-04173
Left #81170-04173

The OEM lights will have the best optics available in a reflector assembly. Any aftermarket light will be a downgrade in terms of lighting optics, performance and quality. IF you could not bring yourself to pay for quality lights, then I suggest buying CAPA certified lights, which have some form of quality control but will not match OEM.

The DTRLs on your headlights were a design flaw, nearly all did that eventually. You could get a free upgrade to the new design provided by Toyota until a few years ago, but that program is over. The lights I linked are the newer fixed version that do not have this issue.

 

I spoke at length with Susquehanna and elected (for now) to try the Volsa 60/55w +100's.

I look forward to your evaluation of the Xencn 85/80's.

Best,
JL

 

The Volsas will definitely be way better than stock, did you see this comparison?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...4-not-led-or-hid.398066/page-46#post-16838570

I've ordered some new bulbs to try out, which supposedly should be better than all of the above. Stay tuned.

 

I was concerned regarding the lifespan of the 130's and made my decision with the thought process that the Volsas might offer better service intervals... as you point out earlier in your thread, there is a weighting element of burn time vs. lumens so I just made the best choice I could with the small fact base I had.

I do like the pattern of the 130's much better than the Volsa's pattern! Thanks for sharing that post.

I look forward to the results of your research on new bulbs now that you've teased us all with your most recent update!

JL

 

When you get up to comparing +100 vs +130 returns are much smaller than comparing stock to +100 where you will see significant gains. Bulbs that are 100% brighter in the hot spot plus a harness to bump the entire bulb output even further will make an excellent improvement.

 

I have a pair of 7" Eurobeams behind my grille. They rock.

http://www.rallylights.com/rallye-4000-halogen-lamp-kit.html

 

Do you happen to know if OEM lights come adjusted out of the box?

 

No you will have to adjust them every vehicle is slightly different. That and if you are lifted you will have to adjust them.

 

As mentioned no they do not. They will likely be in the ball park but fine tuning will be needed.

Use tape marks on a wall for horizon and hot spot of your current setup. Swap one light at a time and aim so you can use the unchanged light to validate your horizon setting. Then swap the other light and use your new adjusted light to double validate the one you just swapped in. You might be tempted to forgo the tape and just reference the other light but that will not help with right/left aiming.

 

^^^ This also to add try and do this on a flat level surface and around 10ft away or so to make sure that they aren't too high as the closer you get to the wall the higher the cut off will be you also don't want them to be too low at distance either. If you are unsure how or confident in doing it a good shop with have a headlight aiming box and be able to do it for ya!

 

My problem is finding a decent wall with flat ground in front of it.

 

These are available for $2.01 each here: https://www.streetsideauto.com/p/hella-h4-130-90w/

I ordered 6, offset the $9.95 shipping cost. $22 for 3 sets, even if life is considerably compromised, still worth the 17% increase in light output, to me at least

 

My problem with short lifespan bulbs is, well, the short lifespan. I had one burn out on my way home from work one night. Got a 'fix-it' ticket from a local cop, had to appear back at the station and prove I had fixed it (or else they'd fine me). I'd rather just have bulbs that last.

 

Any light bulb will burn out at anytime it wants to. Murphy says it will burn out 5 seconds before you drive by an asshole cop, not a regular police officer, an asshole cop. Doesn't matter if it is a Sylvania long-life or a Osram high output.

 

My bulbs always seem to blow when it's below freezing out, and I can't feel my hands to change the bulb.

 

Just keep a spare set in the glovebox. Change it right there in front of the cop if he wants to be that way, it takes all of 30 seconds

 

6 months is not long life. At the time I was doing a lot of night driving and they simply didn't hold up. It was in my old Honda Fit, which is not a 30-second job to change. You have to peel back the fender liner on the darn thing.

 

Well there's the problem!

 

Spoken by someone who's never driven one, is my bet! I had the first gen (in the US). A full hoot to drive, and it swallowed an amazing amount of stuff too. If I had a fleet I might still have one.