Need new head lights suggestions

Why do you need "dual function" bulbs for turn signals? Do you have DRL wiring in there? Or you have turn signal relocation done? I don't understand that.

 

Does anyone have a idea on how many lumens the stock 1997 lights put out? vs the hella with the 60/55W Hella Halogen HL78155.

 

I believe the 6054 is rated at 700 lumens low beam vs a standard H4 at 1000 lumens low beam. However these numbers are misleading, because that says how much light is generated by the light source, not how efficiently the light is projected. The e-code Hellas produce less uplight and focus more light output where it is usable resulting in far higher output intensity. Hella claims 4x the output intensity on low beam and 2x on high beam compared to standard sealed beams.

I would take whatever bulbs the assemblies come with and put them in the trash, or shelve them as short term spares. Then get some Tungsram Nighthawk Xenon +120s or Philips Racing Vision +200s for further performance gains. These performance bulbs don’t produce significantly more light, but they have improved focus to produce even higher intensity output, again not something reflected in lumen values. The important spec to look for is candela (cd) which will measure the lamps actual performance, but that is much harder to come by.

 

Now you got me wondering if I ordered the correct one, BUT it's the only option available when you key in your vehicle information.
No, I do not have DRL wiring.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...522/?year=2003&make=77&model=1618&scc_id=1397

 

Those bulbs will work for your bumper turn signal lights. When you activate your turn signal they will flash amber and that’s it.

I have the same ones except, I wired additional power down to them by adding a fuse into my headlight circuit to have white running lights when my headlights are on. When I activate my turn signal with the headlights on they switch over to flashing amber and return to a white running light when my turn signal is deactivated. When my headlights are off or when my parking lights (corner lights) are on I have no white running light and when turn signal is activated they still flash amber.

 

Thank you!

 

It's worth mentioning is that LEDs usually need an extra H4 wiring harness because of the switched ground that Toyota uses. I didn't find it particularly difficult to install, just pointing out this extra step since the OP was asking for drop in replacements.

I live up north so I went with JW Speaker because they're the brightest and they were the only brand I could find that includes heating elements for snow and condensation buildup. That's a common problem with LED upgrades in cold climates, even for the expensive brands.

I've tried various H4 halogens in the past, and there's just no comparison to a modern LED. I doubled my light output with just this one upgrade, and since it's all in one piece like the original sealed beams you don't have to worry about how different housings and bulbs might affect the beam pattern.

 

Good call about the polarity. I know some people in older 4runners had no issues with the truck-lites and one guy said it was plug n play but I think everyone should upgrade to a relay harness. There is no downside and it will only improve output in the stock setup. If you're comfortable with wiring it's cake to make your own relay harness and can convert to a positive switched setup that's ready for HID or whatever.

 

Now this thread has got me thinking...can anyone point me to any threads on LED retrofits

 

Do any of these create more light to the side(s)? I'm a 2018 SR and visibility to the left and right is poor. With my lift it's dark before the pillars (line of sight) on each side.

 

Truck-lite also has a heated LED now.

$480 Truck-Lite 27455C Heated Rectangular LED 5" X 7" Vans Jeep XJ YJ Headlight

https://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27455C-Heated-Rectangular-Headlight/dp/B081S922ZC

 

The Morimoto M LED is the same as a HID projector retrofit so you only need to know how a HID retro is done. It's exactly the same.

 

This vid covers too much of the headlight removal but it shows the basics of installing a projector in one of the later housings.
EDIT: Sorry after watching this vid some more it seems it is not the best but if you search for some more projector retrofit vids on youtube you are bound to find some better ones.


You can buy retrofit projectors in LED or HID configurations.
most will have a threaded portion that you bolt into place in the housing.
Like these

Afibraru Bi led projector lens 2.8" Hi lo beam 20000LM universal fit H4 H7 9005 9006 headlight retroift(2 pcs)

https://www.amazon.com/projector-20...Headlight+Retrofit+Kit&qid=1607698527&sr=8-13

It would be advisable to pic up a set of aftermarket housings with a clear lens.
like these.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-TOYOTA-TACOMA-PICKUP-Headlights-Headlamps-Left-Right-Sides-Pair/121774731875?fits=Year%3A2002%7CModel%3ATacoma

As the vid shows you usually have to heat the housing to get the lens off.
Then you can screw in the projector retrofit parts.
Put the lens back on and your all set.

Of course I am oversimplifying it a bit but that's the basic idea.

 

Yeah I’m familiar with the basics of an HID retrofit but it’s been a few years since I looked into it. Thanks for the video that’s a good refresher.