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looking to replace my headlights need suggestions

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by retsamsiadoy, Jan 1, 2017.

  1. Jan 1, 2017 at 7:58 AM
    #1
    retsamsiadoy

    retsamsiadoy [OP] Member

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    I want to get new headlights for my 2001 tacoma dual cab 4wd. Anybody have favorites, doesn't have to be a fancy upgrade, I just want clear lenses and bright lights.
     
    Taco Addiction and DustStorm4x4 like this.
  2. Jan 1, 2017 at 8:21 AM
    #2
    Bxnanaz

    Bxnanaz Well-Known Member

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    About to install oem equivalent replacement from Rock Auto, I'll let you know how they are. With pictures too.
     
  3. Jan 1, 2017 at 8:26 AM
    #3
    ghs57

    ghs57 Well-Known Member

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    I've been looking around too. I was going to change both the headlights and corner lights, but it seems that if you buy the one piece unit, you have to cut the grill to get them to fit. So, I will probably get separate headlights/corner lights, and maybe parking lights.

    Some replacements can be expensive, particularly those with the LED running lights. I don't think I need those, but they look pretty good. I found a set on Amazon, but I don't know anything about brand quality, or if they are generally made by a few aftermarket companies and sold under various band names.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OL4RSN8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18NRPEBG32TKA

    (Sorry, that's the one piece set)
     
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2017
    DustStorm4x4 likes this.
  4. Jan 1, 2017 at 8:30 AM
    #4
    se7enine

    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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  5. Jan 1, 2017 at 8:38 AM
    #5
    ghs57

    ghs57 Well-Known Member

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    Agree OEM quality is probably best, but mine no longer respond to cleaning. They did at first. The fog seems to be in the lens plastic itself now.
     
  6. Jan 1, 2017 at 8:48 AM
    #6
    retsamsiadoy

    retsamsiadoy [OP] Member

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    The plastic on my lights looks like it wont clean up. the plastic looks discolored. Haven't tried it, but seems like a lot of work and the lights I looked at so far don't seem to expensive.
     
  7. Jan 1, 2017 at 10:35 AM
    #7
    Bxnanaz

    Bxnanaz Well-Known Member

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    Got both of mine shipped with bulbs for $85.
     
    Taco Addiction likes this.
  8. Jan 1, 2017 at 11:03 AM
    #8
    Taco Addiction

    Taco Addiction We found Jimmy

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    Brother, that is the million dollar question. I have a mint condition front end (I suspect the PO replaced the grill and headlights, they are crazy new).

    I only mention that to say: the lights suck but its the best we have I think. I currently have Phillips H4 in there but will switch back next week. The pattern is ...weird. Its brighter but has darker spots and I understand the lifespan is very short, a year or less. Makes sense as it burns brighter but not as reliable. OEM can go for years.

    If your plastic is all scratched up, I would recommend replacing them. Should make a world of difference regardless of bulb you choose.

    At any rate, good luck. I will be headed back to new OEM bulbs.
     
  9. Jan 1, 2017 at 11:04 AM
    #9
    Taco Addiction

    Taco Addiction We found Jimmy

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    Anxious to see these pics my man. this is the one and only part of my truck I don't like. Weak headlights and little options.
     
    QMEDJoe and Bxnanaz[QUOTED] like this.
  10. Jan 1, 2017 at 12:23 PM
    #10
    stumpman

    stumpman Well-Known Member

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    I need new lights also, polishing them out are just a temporary fix.
     
  11. Jan 1, 2017 at 12:36 PM
    #11
    Rmodel65

    Rmodel65 Yukon Cornelius

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    That's why you sand them and have them clear coated for a better repair.
     
  12. Jan 1, 2017 at 12:53 PM
    #12
    Bxnanaz

    Bxnanaz Well-Known Member

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    Raining today, so no headlight installation today :(
     
  13. Jan 1, 2017 at 1:20 PM
    #13
    Silveryota01

    Silveryota01 Well-Known Member

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  14. Jan 1, 2017 at 1:28 PM
    #14
    GreeGunc

    GreeGunc Full of regret

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    I bought a set from ebay for like 70 bucks and they seem to be way brighter than my faded oem ones. Better bulbs help a ton. I have zxe's
     
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  15. Jan 1, 2017 at 3:20 PM
    #15
    Werloc

    Werloc Large Member

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    I'm also looking to replace mine on my 2003. There's a long thread here somewhere about this. Everyone's saying the Depo brand found on Amazon are very good. Last long, and a perfect fit. If I find it, I will post it.
     
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  16. Jan 2, 2017 at 4:38 AM
    #16
    BossFan

    BossFan Well-Known Member

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    I'm watching this thread too. Interested to see if the RockAuto or Depo headlights make a big difference. My lights are cloudy and am looking to replace them.
     
  17. Jan 2, 2017 at 4:52 AM
    #17
    JPinFL

    JPinFL Well-Known Member

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    I bought a pair from Rock Auto. I'm pleased with them. I was even more pleased that they came with bulbs already installed. I've had them for a few years now, and they still look fine. I haven't had to replace the bulbs yet either.

    This picture is from over a year or so ago. I need to get some for my daughter's '04 and some corner lights for mine.
    20160405_183555_zpsp0uxgmbb_4878446f04a31c490eea2983cd13e1994167d476.jpg
     
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  18. Jan 2, 2017 at 9:45 AM
    #18
    Bxnanaz

    Bxnanaz Well-Known Member

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    Got them installed. Look great. Will upload daylight picture soon and nighttime tonight
     
    retsamsiadoy[OP] likes this.
  19. Jan 2, 2017 at 9:46 AM
    #19
    Taco Addiction

    Taco Addiction We found Jimmy

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    Yesssssssss
     
  20. Jan 2, 2017 at 9:47 AM
    #20
    Croth51

    Croth51 Croth Metal Works

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    Get a set of badass retrofits
     
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