The ultimate headlight upgrade H4 (not LED or HID)

Hmmm…
We just purchased a neglected 05 base reg cab 5 lug from Portland OR.
I just picked up a new set of the 05-11 bright chrome OEM headlights W/O bulbs for just a tad over $160 each + tax. My parts guy told me I could get the smoked chrome for either $10 or $15 more per light. Sorry I didn’t want the smoked so I wasn’t really paying attention.
The factory taillights don’t come in smoke so I wanted them to match…
I’m going to lightly hit them with some wet 600g and take them to my painter to have a coat of clear applied before being installed. Oh, he had the headlights the next day.

 

Ok, I’ll say it. The FNG will just lay it out there…

This thread is so important, so useful, but so long. I believe that a summation from some of the Masters in this thread would be VERY helpful to us Padawan.

Maybe break it down by Generation 1, 2 & 3. Maybe even new threads for each individually. Maybe it’s too much work. Just a thought.

 

Ask your specific question and I’m sure it will be answered. There are already separate threads for Gen 1, 2 and 3, and they are equally as long.

 

Thank you for the pro tip. I am looking for the best choice in replacing my 2012 Gen 2 headlights. I would like to keep the original factory look with the most effective lighting possible. Thanks again

 

OEM

 

If your headlights are hazy, try restoring them first. Then harness and bulbs.

 

I was getting my front bumper cover painted and asked what they charge for headlights. They said $40 each to sand down and clearcoat them. Seemed a no-brainer for me and got them done. Ask me in a year how/if its working.

 

Great idea and I would try it if one headlight wasn’t cracked pretty bad. Thank you!

 

As others mentioned OEM is the way to go. Part numbers and links are in the first post.

 

There are separate threads for each. As a 2nd Gen Owner, you should focus on Post #1 in this thread.

 

Thank y’all for the help. It’s why I enjoy communities like this.

 

I placed an order last week for the Pro headlights (8111004221, 8115004221), but the dealer seems convinced that they aren't compatible with my 2012 (and suggested I check out a website called Tacoma World to get a second opinion...).

Can someone give me the warm fuzzy on this so I can just tell them to ship it? Thanks!

 

Don’t believe a word.

 

The Pro lights only came on the 2015 Pro, which is why the dealer will tell you they only fit a 2015. The 2012-2015 have the same front end and all the parts are swappable between years. 2015 lights will fit your 2012 without issue.

 

Just buy the lights elsewhere, you could probably save some money. Yes they will fit.

 

Purchase links with best pricing I’ve found at the time are in the original post.

 

Was looking for OEM 2012-15 headlights tonight and came across these…
Example photos #7&8 seem pretty familiar
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2835522673...CC+241Cu.+In.+V6+GAS+DOHC+Naturally+Aspirated

 

LOL, yep. Toyota using my reviews and photos to sell their products without permission. See the reviews section of the ebay listing, specifically note the Dec 18, 2019 comment by crashnburn80 (myself) calling them out on exactly that. Please feel inclined to upvote the comment on ebay to put it at the top. I honestly don't care that they used my photos but always feel there should be acknowledgment where acknowledgment is due, and not trying to blindly pass off work from a hobbyist lighting enthusiast in service of a major corporation.

 

Yep.

 

My 2008 had the "Sport" (same as Pro) from a 2009. The dealer tried to tell me they wouldn't fit, only because in their system, they weren't available in 2008. They also wanted to charge me a ridiculous price, like $700 each. Lucky I found a guy who was selling a set for $100.