Retrofit vs OEM vs Aftermarket? I’m confused

Hi all,

I think I’m in analysis paralysis mode right now by reading too much information on TW and not really knowing what certain terms mean.

Can someone help clarify the difference between retrofitting and aftermarket headlights? Is there a difference or are they terms used interchangeably?

I have a 2008 Tacoma and need new headlights after an accident. Would go OEM but I really like the design of aftermarket lights such as the AlphaRex and such. however I seem to see a split in peoples confidence in aftermarket headlights. Figured I’d spend the money on Morimotos but Amiens seem they make them for the 2008 Tacoma.

Something I thought would be easy (buying new headlights) seems a bit more nuanced than I expected.

Thanks everyone for any nudge in a direction or clarity.

 

OEM- part designed for that purpose by the original manufacturer
Retrofitted- part designed for a different vehicle with either the part, mounting, wiring, all of the above modified to function
Aftermarket- part designed for the same application as OEM but by a different manufacturer
Lots of aftermarket accessories suit needs not supplied by any OEM part(things like glove box or console organizers, etc).

 

Aftermarket are just that. They are made by a third party manufacturer typically in China. Quality isn’t a strong point.
Retrofit are where you take a headlight housing (either OEM or aftermarket) open it up and install a projector housing in it. These tend to have a very sharp cutoff. I didn’t like them because the area above the cutoff is pitch black. It’s hard to see things like stop signs and street names.
OEM are just that. You get the best quality but it comes with a price. I recommend OEM and this mod: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

I’d suggest a deep, prolonged dive into reviews of important equipment since many aftermarket headlights are prone to losing the seal and getting fogged.

 

@vssman thank you for the succinct reply friend! that makes a lot more sense.

I just repainted my Tacoma and not looking to put a low quality light just because they look cool. Especially if these type of aftermarket lights cause people to flash me thinking I have my brights on.
I was leaning OEM (the smoked sport model) but if the OeM housing can be upgraded like the thread you posted I may have to go that route.
Thank you again!

 

Keep in mind the age of your originals, they lose clarity over time and the clock starts ticking the day they were made.

 

Thanks @bagelboy
The fogging was one of my concerns when thinking aftermarket.
I guess I didn’t realize that retrofitting was something completely different than aftermarket.

 

@crashnburn80 is the resident TW headlight lighting guru, maybe he can chime in.

 

We’ll, you’re right about the nuanced bit. It’s often confusing and sometimes a mixture of things. I worry more about results than how I get there.

 

Cuba apparently is the poster child for retrofitting.

 

Thank you guys for the quick responses. It’s at least pointed me Ina direction of knowing what everything means as far as retrofits vs aftermarket.

I worked in a refinery with lots of caustic processes so for years my Tacoma was an absolute rust bucket. Recently repainted and want to slowly upgrade or make new the other aging parts.

 

Exactly…nuanced. My ignorant self just assumed that lights are just that…lights. Simple plug and play and other than brand that OEM vs anything was preference.
Boy was I wrong.

 

After market OEM type Depo's on my '08. 3-4 yrs ago, still crystal clear. IIRC, less than a buck'n'ahalf for the pair. Probably a little more now days.

 

At the refinery where I work “That one old guy” is usually right . @That one old guy
The more I read about the aftermarket’s the more I lean to OEM or at least away from the AlphaRexs and such. Doesn’t seem worth the perhaps decrease in performance for a bit of styling.
Glad it was clarified to me that retro’s are something a bit different.

 

Just checked and they’re about $165. Not bad

 

Light distribution won’t compare to OEM though.

 

Thank you all again. Always amazed at how helpful this community is.

 

I went through 3 aftermarket types of headlights ,they all leaked and fogged up . I replaced them with OEM Sport Smoked and added high quality bulbs .

 

That’s exactly the ones I was looking at. If I’m reading correctly you have a 2008 as well. I was worried those wouldn’t fit. I may pull the trigger on them now since they’re working for you. I believe the part numbers are the following:


81110-04173

81150-04173

 

Yes 2008
Part# I couldn’t tell you ,I did this years ago .