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Headlight Upgrade

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by AZExplorer0112358, Dec 1, 2019.

  1. Dec 1, 2019 at 3:06 PM
    #1
    AZExplorer0112358

    AZExplorer0112358 [OP] Member

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    Ikon 3" lift. Add-a-leaf rear lift. 15" x 8" wheels with 32" x 11.5" BF Goodrich AT's. Concealed LED fog lights on custom brackets. Alpine head unit, amp, rear speakers, and Type R 12" sub in custom cabinet.
    I finally gave up on my 2002 headlights. I was able to keep them polished, but tiny fractures had developed and it was time to replace.
    My first was an "OEM" set from TYC @ $50 per light. My truck looked new but the beam pattern was much worse than stock. TYC would not respond to my concerns. I suppose they would be acceptable to some, but to me the erratic pattern was distracting and somewhat unsafe.
    After some more research, I bit the bullet and got a pair from the dealer for $199 per on "Black Friday". They normally list for $248 each.
    I also upgraded to a set of Osram H4 Night Breaker 60/55 W bulbs, which were a bit brighter and cooler than stock. I still think the original stock beam pattern is a bit cleaner - I wonder if the worn lenses "soften" things a bit?
    The pictures were all taken with identical settings and show each step of the process with low and high beams. The cool light below are Blazer LED fogs.
    1 - Old Stock Lowbeam
    2 - TYC Osram Lowbeam
    3 - New Toyota Stock Lowbeam
    4 - New Toyota Osram Lowbeam
    5 - Old Stock Highbeam
    6 - TYC Osram Highbeam
    7 - New Toyota Stock Highbeam
    8 - New Toyota Osram Highbeam

    1 Old Stock Low .jpg
    2 TYC Low.jpg
    3 New Toy Low.jpg
    4 New Toy Low Osram.jpg
    5 Old Stock High.jpg
    6 TYC High Osram.jpg
    7 New Toy High.jpg
    8 New Toy High Osram.jpg
     
    cruiserguy likes this.
  2. Dec 1, 2019 at 3:41 PM
    #2
    InAComa2004

    InAComa2004 Well-Known Member

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    I know this thread was created for a different purpose, but can I have instructions on replacing the headlight bulbs
     
  3. Dec 1, 2019 at 3:51 PM
    #3
    BiNiaRiS

    BiNiaRiS Well-Known Member

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    Portland, OR
    youtube is your friend
     
    AZExplorer0112358[OP] likes this.
  4. Dec 1, 2019 at 3:56 PM
    #4
    InAComa2004

    InAComa2004 Well-Known Member

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    Yup, also by the time I sent my first message, I figured it out
     
  5. Dec 1, 2019 at 4:02 PM
    #5
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    I love that you have all these pics with the variable factors relatively controlled, so to speak. Sure shows why the quality of the headlamp housing and reflector is so important. This is good info to have here.
    I'm all about the OEM housings and those Osram Night Breakers. They've been great for me. :cool:
    I'd be curious to see how the Depo housing compares, likely similar to the TYC capa ones I imagine.
     
  6. Dec 1, 2019 at 5:37 PM
    #6
    4ondflr

    4ondflr Well-Known Member

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    Bagged, back half, sheet metal bed, custom paint, narrowed rear, 20’s
    can we get a look at those fog lights you’re using? Like a daytime pic to see how they look in the valance...
     
  7. Dec 1, 2019 at 5:40 PM
    #7
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
  8. Dec 1, 2019 at 5:53 PM
    #8
    Boone Wesley

    Boone Wesley Well-Known Member

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    A+ post op. Ain't hard to see the difference is it
     
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  9. Dec 1, 2019 at 5:58 PM
    #9
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I just bought these on Black Friday discount for 220.00
    I’m excited to get them installed.

    So tired of dealing with crappy headlights

    D05462FC-0EB7-4615-AA03-B6CCF4220BB3.jpg
     
  10. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:18 PM
    #10
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    What's the minimum to spend to be able to make these? Like how much are the components involved in making HID retros? Are you making your own?
     
  11. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:21 PM
    #11
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    First Name:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    The kit is 220.00 I think on sale till the 3rd.

    There are a few links if you look.
    My headlights are different 7x6 ,
    Yes I’m doing these MYSELF

    They are the BOMB

    F254E16C-06B7-473C-93BD-02811F31596E.jpg
     
    cruiserguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:26 PM
    #12
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    Oh yeah the components are getting less expensive. I looked into it kinda a few years ago and just the parts were more than I was looking to spend total. That's definitely a more attractive price
     
  13. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:27 PM
    #13
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    One of the guys that converts them here on the site wanted 700.00 and 3 month wait from me.

    I have to buy new buckets but total will be around 275-300 max
     
  14. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:29 PM
    #14
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    MY Christmas present to myself or should I say for my truck this year is the mini h1 7 projector headlights and a set of headers.

    That will keep me busy for a while :)
     
    cruiserguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:33 PM
    #15
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    All the other headlights out there are just standard or a little better

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IsJQUbLv7Ss
     
  16. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:34 PM
    #16
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    Morimoto just came out with their mLED 2.0, its stated to be comparable to the d2s 5.0's. I bought a set plus some LED foglights. For the civic. My truck already has the d2s 4.0 and OR Town fogs.
     
  17. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:48 PM
    #17
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Cool, my lens because of its size I can only use the mini h1 7.

    Led has a different look too rhen HID so depending on what one wants
     
  18. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:49 PM
    #18
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    I figured that was why you went with the h7's, had plans to do this for my old man but he's on ignore atm.
     
  19. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:57 PM
    #19
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    :rofl:
     
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  20. Dec 1, 2019 at 7:03 PM
    #20
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    He seriously is, don't have time to deal with stubbornness.
     

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