HELP!!!! 2004 Toyota Tacoma Headlight Recommendations

I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma that needs all headlights replaced (signal lights too). So I wanted to reach out on here to see if anyone had any recommendations on what I should replace the factory ones with. Thanks in advance and its greatly appreciated!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/8272001/?q=Headlights&t=post&o=date&g=1&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=4

 

I replaced my oxidized OEM headlights with these from Amazon:

$82 AUTOSAVER88 Headlight Assembly Compatible with Tacoma 2001-2004 Pickup Truck Replacement Headlights Black Housing with Amber Reflector Clear Lens + Bumper Lights

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719RR761/

Cheap aftermarket headlights are more likely to leak than OEM, but it's been about a year and I haven't had any issues yet.

 

is this an emergency situation?
I have heard they (forum mods) don't like the big HELP in titles unless it is real emergency

 

I just replaced my '03 headlights with the most expensive version they offer on www.rockauto.com. I also ordered new fillers, side marker lights and lower blinker lights. Makes a world of difference. I would also suggest replacing the craptastic bulbs that come in the headlights once you get them installed.

 

I also did this, although the bulbs that came with mine are pretty solid

 

Buy OEM off Rockauto. Just recently did a retro fit with the TYC housings, I was debating between aftermarket and OEM. I am glad I didn't buy aftermarket.

R: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1377240&cc=1418453&jsn=403
L: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=364947&cc=1418453&jsn=402&jsn=402

 

Buy OEM housings. Find some used in the For Sale section. Then just upgrade to a brighter bulb if you want more output. I would recommend staying away from aftermarket houseings due to being cheaper and having leaking issues over stock.

 

could i get some more info on that retrofit?

 

Parts list
Led Halos:

$77 Profile 80mm Pivot (Switchback) Halo

https://www.amazon.com/Profile-80mm-Pivot-Switchback-Halo/dp/B07D3DNWSJ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1CEJHKIUZMHIU&keywords=profile+switchback+led&qid=1557262699&s=gateway&sprefix=profile+switchb%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-6
TYC Housings:
R: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1377240&cc=1418453&jsn=403
L: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=364947&cc=1418453&jsn=402&jsn=402
Projectors:

$40 iJDMTOY 3.0" H1 Bi-Xenon Front Road Illuminating Light Projector Lens Compatible with Lighting Retrofit, Custom DIY Job

https://www.amazon.com/iJDMTOY-H1-HID-Headlights-Conversion/dp/B01B9VHZNS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2DWYHGMZ35I6&keywords=3+inch+projector+retrofit&qid=1557262796&s=gateway&sprefix=3+inch+projector%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-3#customerReviews
H1 Xentec HID kit:
https://www.amazon.com/Xentec-9005-bundle-Ballast-HB3/dp/B07FTQD86Y/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1RXR86STSSJIS&keywords=xentec+hid+kit+h1&qid=1557262861&s=gateway&sprefix=xentec+hid+%2Caps%2C251&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
Adapter:

$10 iJDMTOY Easy Relay Harness Compatible with H4 9003 Hi/Lo Beam Lighting Kit Xenon Bulbs Wiring Controllers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJX1TA4?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then whatever paint you want!

My profile pic is the old headlights I used to have.

 

How do those attach/ stay in the housing?

 

It comes with parts to hold it in place, its basically a lock ring.

 

Stick to the OEM version from Rock Auto for headlights. Mine came with 8k Sylvania bulbs and delivered for $63.00.
The corner lenses can be had (painted) for $14.00 each, not including tax and shipping.

Good luck.

 

Another vote for OEM- nothing better in the long run.

 

how did you splice in the halo? And used your parts list and now the headlights don’t work but the projectors do? I’m confused, I used everything in your parts list and the after markets housing and lights worked before changing the housing. Just need some direction on what to look for

 

Def the retrofitsource is the way to go. They have a good black friday deal going if you still need parts.

 

*pushes glasses up on nose*

I know this is an older post but I want to clear up some potential confusion.

Rock Auto doesn't sell "OEM" parts. They sell "OEM Equivalent" parts. True OEM is going to cost 2-3 times as much and is generally only available from Toyota dealers.

That said, the CAPA certified TYC housings are likely to be the best "OEM like" housings. I had great experiences with mine. They really are indistinguishable from the OEM that I replaced with them. Definitely spend the extra few bucks for the CAPA certified ones, they're only a few bucks more. The CAPA cert is effectively the same QA/QC process the Toyota factory demands from its OEM supplier.

If you're going to do the retrofit, it's debatable if the CAPA cert is worth it, but since it's only a few bucks more, seems like it'd be worth it as the general fit/finish (not just the quality of the reflectors) is going to be better too.

For the love of got don't buy true OEM housings just to cut them up for a retrofit.

 

I don't see the issue. You get a housing good for 15 years and you are adding superior lighting when done right.

 

When doing a retrofit, the "superior lighting" is coming from the retrofit, not the housing it's placed in. Aside from potential leaks from inferior lens seals, the housing is pretty much irrelevant.

As I said, the TYC CAPA certified housings are about as equivalent to true OEM as you can get, at like 1/4 the cost.

But if you want to cut up your $180 (each) housings, be my guest, but to me that seems like kind of a waste.
https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/v...--2-7l-l4-gas/electrical--headlamp-components