2017 trd offroad headlight bulb OEM -> LED

Hello,

Just purchased a 2017 trd offroad, very unhappy with the stock headlight bulbs, want to change them to LEDs ASAP. What is the best LED bulb to swap the stock one with. I do some city driving so I do not want to blind everyone. Just something that looks better, functions better, and that will not be TOO bright and blind everyone.

Thanks.

 

There is a lot of discussion about putting LED’s in a fixture that’s not made for them, but with that said, I went with Diode Dynamic’s SL1’s and couldn’t be happier. Like you said the stock lights suck.

 

Thanks for the info. Did you also replace the fog lights with LEDs?

 

Nope, I got some halogen bulbs at NAPA that have a yellow tint to them for the fogs.

 

Sounds good, so these are what you have...?

https://www.amazon.com/9005-Cool-Wh...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

Just get some really good H11 halogen bulbs...I'm running the OSRAM Night Breakers and Hella yellow fogs and Hella H9 HP 2.0 high beams, all are good performers in my opinion.

$34 OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER H11, next generation, 150% more brightness, halogen headlamp, 64211NL-HCB, 12V, passenger car, duo box (2 lamps)

https://www.amazon.com/generation-brightness-headlamp-64211NL-HCB-passenger/dp/B07FXRDJW2

$21 HELLA H11 YL Twin Blister Xtreme Yellow Bulb (12V 55W), 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-H11-Yellow-55W-Xtreme-Yellow/dp/B079VYZ2TP/ref=sr_1_4?crid=30SJUAVK5Q2JZ&keywords=hella+h11+yellow&qid=1569944982&s=automotive&sprefix=hella+h11+%2Cautomotive%2C445&sr=1-4

$31 HELLA H9 2.0TB High Performance Bulb, 12V, 65W, 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SHPZWQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

So far, a lot of testing shows High output H11 or standard H9 bulbs beat LEDs in the 2017 headlight enclosures. If you need the TL;DR version, just read the first few posts

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-hid-vs-led-vs-halogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465

 

A lot of great info in there. As i am new here, what is the general consensus (if that is possible to achieve)... Do most people keep hallogens and just upgrade, or is a quality LED good enough to over come issues of spread, etc?

I guess is what I'm asking, is what do most people do? I want to increase the brightness lightly, but better the look as well.

 

All Halogen

 

would you say halogen is the more expensive route? and how often do you find yourself replacing bulbs?

 

General consensus regarding upgrades, imo, are the following points:

Halogen (least expensive): GE Megalight +130s h11 lights are highest output, plug and play. Philips h9 require trimming of an internal plastic tab, but will provide slightly better output and longevity than the GEs.

LED: No drop-in replacement is available, as halogen projectors/reflectors require omni-directional light, which LED tech cannot replicate fully. Though they appear brighter at the source, they all lose out over distance projection. A retrofit of the headlight assembly is required if you want LEDs that provide true performance. However, if you like the look and don't want to look at data, then disregard.

HID: Provide the highest output available and can be modified to fit into the stock projector housing. That said, the stock projector is not designed for HID and may have issues. To be certain of reliability, a retrofit is recommended for HIDs (Lexus RX350 HID projectors are a direct swap for the Tacoma halogen projector, for example).

That said, I'd encourage you to take the time and read the above posted forum regarding the differences of these light sources. Lots of solid, scientific data that will help you.

 

Thanks for the info, seems that halogens are the move, Im working on getting through that thread, appreciate it.

 

This will probably be more helpful than individual replies.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-hid-vs-led-vs-halogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465/

 

The main problem with replacement H11 “bright” halogens is their short life span. Also, do NOT put LED bulbs in the headlight housing, they are not designed for projector lamps.

 

Yup, really big improvement over stock bulbs.

 

I have Diode Dynamics from their website. They're 20% off every holiday. Might as well wait. I think they're fantastic and you get a 3 year warranty.

 

do you notice any issues with spread, dark spots, or light distance? LEDs are what i want due to color and longer life, but the thread on HID v. LED v. Halogen made it seem that LEDs are not the way to go. But if this brand is good, I am interested.

 

No. I really like the brightness, distance and range. Not a single complaint.

 

Any noticeable fan noise from the DD’s?

 

LEDs are not meant for the Tacoma's lightbulb housing; you have to use halogen bulbs. Reason? LEDs appear brighter, but they actually create glare. LEDs have the light emitting from the side of the bulb, and does not hit the top of the light housing. The top of the housing advances the halogen beam down the road because halogen is emitting light in 360 degrees. The LED beam does not advance down the road. And the glare blinds other drivers...all the time. DO NOT USE LED or HID unless you change the whole housing assembly.