Advice for Aftermarket Headlights

First off, I know this topic has been addressed numerous times in this forum, and I have searched and searched without conclusive results.

Also, I know that most peoples advice is to do the BLHLM. I've already done that, and know I'm looking for a little different look after recently doing the Satoshi mod. And I'm not all that comfortable doing the retro-fit mod, or I might give that a shot.

With all that being said... this is the style I was considering:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/05-11-TOYOT...fits=Model:Tacoma&vxp=mtr&hash=item3a6828cbfc

I wouldn't mind having to do some "extra" sealing to avoid the common fogging up of aftermarket lights... IF that's all I would have to do for these lights to last years and years...

Just looking for some feedback on good/bad experiences with these style of lights i.e. brands to stay away from or go with, light output, etc.

Thanks guys!

 

yep I like those.

 

They are a direct fit but require some wiring if you want the LED's and Halos to work. It'd be a good idea to seal them up when you get them. They also typically don't have as light output as good as stock housings. If you want better light output, I'd go with a retrofit, if you just want that look, then go for the Ebay ones. If you want to be real fancy, get the Ebay lights and retrofit them

 

Get which Ebay lights? The ones I posted?

Does anyone have a good link for the "how-to" on the Retro Fit Mod?

I want that look, but I'd rather not sacrafice too much light output. I guess it's not a huge deal since I'll be adding off-road lights behind my Satoshi...

Also, I'm not electrician. How difficult is this? I managed to complete the Fog Lights on anytime mod with no problems... If that is a 4-5 difficulty range, then what would wiring up the LED's and Halos be?

 

Yes, the e-bay lights you posted. You might lose a little light output but if you have a good set of aftermarket lights to suppliment the high beams you'll be fine.

Search 'retrofit' and you'll find tons of threads with people who have done it, the problems they've run into and the solutions. A morimoto projector would be easier since it's smaller than the FX-R (easier to mount in the existing housing). Doing a retrofit requires that you take the lens off the headlight like you're doing the BHLM.

As far as the fog light anytime mod, it depends on which method you used. The simple, bend the relay in the fuse panel and run a new jumper wire is what I'm assuming you did. Wiring the LED's and Halo's would be more or less difficult depending on the fuction you want. If you want them to come on every time you put on the parking lights, you'll need a relay a splice to the parking light wire and a fused connection to a power source. If you're ok with splicing wires, soldering connections (or good, weather resistant crimp-on connectors), then the wiring itself is pretty simple.

 

Thanks for the info! I think I'll try those ebay lights and run them "as-is" for a while. If I find that I'm not satisfied with the output I'll look into doing the retro fit.

 

FYI,
Even though some people had issues with e-bay lights fogging up, I have had mine for about six months now and have not experienced any fogging. I did not seal them when I installed them. However, it does not take much to seal them if you want the added insurance.
The output that I get is not as good as the OEM lights (new), but since my OEM lights were faded, the output is about the same strength, but a little spotty - not a well spread light. I am satisfied however, considering what I paid for them.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/at...-advice-aftermarket-headlights-hid-lights.jpg

Ordered.

 

Caution!! I just attempted to install Spyder brand CCFL Halo ring headlight assemblies today. I attempted to use the Parking lights for a power source for the Halo and LED function.

My parking lights dont work now. This also includes my tail lights!

I am currently searching for a fuse or relay that I think is responsible! I also have come to the conclusion that I may have fried the wires because there may be too much draw for that small of a gauge of wire coming off the parking lights. I suggest another source for power for you LEDs or Halos.

 

::: JUST FOUND THE PROBLEM AND CAN NOW FIX IT!!! :::

Turned out the fuse under the dash for "tail" was out, and it somehow controls all the parking lights to include the ones up front. Weird, but that minor oversight was easy to fix, and now I can wire up my new lights!

 

what was the verdict?

 

Satisfied enough with the light output. I never sealed them and have had no problem with fogging. I would, however like to upgrade my fog lights.

Though I'm moderatley pleased with the light output, the lights themselves leave a little to be desired. In the past couple of months, the tint-film has started flaking off the exterior of the lense. I guess you get what you pay for.

 

Maybe get some VHT nightshade spray tint and spray about 2-3 lights coats on them to help seal the tint

 

Too late for that. The film is over half gone in some places; it would look uneven. Plus, I wouldn't want to hinder the light output any more.