For those running LEDs in the tails...

Hey guys,

I've read countless threads... though many are dated 1+ years old. I'm looking for those of that have been running LED (or similar perceived output) replacement bulbs in your tail lights (brakes/signals, and reverse).

What are you using that have stood the test of time and constant usage?

I'm hoping to hear from people who have been running upgraded lighting for awhile now. I've read a couple posts from @Parker315 and @chan2565 (some phenomenal write-ups by the way) and while the facts are presented in a non-biased manner, I'm still looking for what you guys have tried in the time since. I'm looking for plug and play (with built-in resistors if that's a thing) since I try to avoid any and all electrical work whenever possible and it's quite easier that way for myself.

I'm also specifically avoiding Spyder/Winjet/similar and until Meso releases more taillights, I'm just looking to swap out bulbs. Truck is a '19TRDOR for what it matters.

As always, I appreciate all of you that chime in to help. Many of you have made my entrance to the Tacoma world a grand one.

 

I installed led tail lights with the Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn module and they have worked perfectly. It wasn’t plug and play but @mesojdm is coming out with a plug and play setup real soon.

 

Hello there sir! Let me see if I can address your questions as best as possible.

So just to be clear, I have never replaced any of my rear bulbs other than my reverse bulbs. Pertaining to the reverse bulbs, I'd recommend you get the flat square style (see attached pic) rather than the round style. As it might seem that the round style would produce better light output, it actually does not. I have tried several different round styles against the flat and the flat style has one each time. The picture showing comparison has the flat style on the left and the round style is on the right.

As for built-in resistors on turn signals. The only brand I know of that doesn't require them at all is @deAutoLED.com. I am running their front turn signals only which are incredible, but the rear bulbs claim to be resistor free also.

I no longer have Winjet taillights at all anymore because they had way too many issues and TacomaBeast quit selling them for that reason and they hooked me up with a different style from a different manufacturer. The new set I have is AMAZING. They look great, perform very well, great light output, and I have had no issues at all. You can take a look at those HERE and a link to the purchase page is HERE.

 

I did just discover those, thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to hear good news on theirs (as they are a bit pricier than "off brand" LEDs).

 

I should have been clearer in my original post, I used led’s By Sylvania 7443R that I bought at Walmart, Diode Dynamics tail as turn module and 6 ohm resistors to prevent hyper flash.

 

@Parker315 you've outdone yourself again! I appreciate the review on this one as well. I think I'll be doing the full headlight swap eventually (considering Pro-Tuning Lab's projector HID option). I'm more concerned for the tail lights. I personally do not like any of the aftermarket options that are out there and it seems nothing has really been added to the market since threads began on the subject back in 2016. Meso makes some great things, but I know he's also a busy guy so with lead times on multiple products up in the air I'm looking for something I can do in the rather near future. I don't know why I'm so surprised companies are still producing vehicles with the price tags they have and yet haven't upgraded to better lighting. Anyway, that's the reasoning I'm looking for a simple light bulb swap of the sorts.

I've heard some stories about Spyder, some on par of the horror with WinJet which is why I was planning on avoiding them altogether. Although the ones you linked were initially looked at before starting this thread

 

$13 Alla Lighting 912 921 LED Bulbs for Back-up Reverse Lights, 6000K Xenon White CAN-BUS 4014 30-SMD T10 T15 906 W16W 921K 922, 360° Light Backup, Cargo Lights Replacement, Extremely Super Bright

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072FHNZKW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I purchase these about 2 months ago. Very please with them and no issues at all. Camera works great day and night.

 

Did you upgrade your brake/signal lamps as well or just the reverse lamp? I'd like to tackle all three bulbs for both safety and visibility.

 

Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying... Either way, appreciate the input from you seasoned taco owners!

 

I've been running these for a couple of weeks, so I don't know about the test of time yet, but they are plug and play (don't need resistors) and they have a much larger contrast between running light and indicator than the deAutoLEDs that I also tried (DeAutoLED says they're working on a new version that should be better). FYI I have the deAutoLEDs for my front indicators and they are really bright (and don't need resistors either).

$42 LASFIT 7443 Switchback LED Bulb with Built in Resistor CANBUS Ready Anti Hyper Flash 7444 T-7443D T20 Dual Color Amber Turn Signal Light Blinker, White Daytime Running Parking Light, Standard Socket

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CN1NZ1R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

No just the reverse.

 

@LA_Stu are you still running the ones you bought of TacomaBeast (Spyder?)?

 

Your very welcome sir! It sounds like you know your stuff, so, I am sure you will choose the right products that will suit your needs and wants. I can definitely agree that there really isn't a whole lot of awesome looking taillight options out there. I was even skeptical of the ones I have now, but after getting them on and seeing them in person I am very pleased. If it weren't for TacomaBeast and their amazing customer service. I'd probably be running my OEM taillights with upgraded bulbs.

You may already know of this site, but it was new to me only a week ago and it featured some taillights I had never seen before. Not sure if any of these will win you over either, but I figured id share it anyway.

http://www.topgearautosport.com/type/109-17628/2017/Toyota/Tacoma/LED_Tail_Lights.html

 

Well this makes me think I can put them back up on the board. My truck is white and I'm trying to stick with the TRD color scheme of white/black/red. The Spyder tail lights you linked were the version I was looking at and I believe the same ones @LA_Stu has installed (or at least did a few months back based on a picture from another thread... see below for the beautiful truck).

I'm just trying to do my research before spending the money on each mod of the project... a policy I haven't always had and one I wish I had before beginning my JKU Wrangler project.

 

YEEESSS!! Those are the same ones I am running and man, they look great on a white Tacoma as well. I've had no issues and these have built it Running, reverse, brake, and turn signals. I've had mine installed for about 2 months and no issues yet. If you purchase these I would strongly recommend TacomaBeast as your source. If you have issues they will work with you quickly to get it fixed.

 

I'm not running those ones anymore. I was never totally sure about the look on the white truck. I know some like it, but I wasn't totally into it, so I got Pro style tail lights made by Depo, and I just sold the ones from TacomaBeast.

 

I'll keep them in mind if/when I decide to go this route. Really appreciate the feedback and assist with this!

 

That's why I'm on the fence. Do you by chance have more pictures showing them from different angles when they were installed? I'm not in love with them, but like I said, aftermarket options that I'm completely set on unfortunately don't exist yet for the tails

 

I've been running red Triton v3 for my tails, which I believe has been replaced with a newer version, for over two years with great success. I use JDM ASTAR for the reverse too and all the lights have been great. No complaints.

https://www.vleds.com/triton

$18 JDM ASTAR Super Bright Error Free 921 912 3035 Chips White LED Bulbs For Backup Reverse Lights

https://www.amazon.com/JDM-ASTAR-Ex...7&sr=8-4&keywords=jdm+astar+led+reverse+light

 

Do these bulbs require anything extra or do you just swap them out? Could really use some brighter back up lights.