The ultimate headlight upgrade H4 (not LED or HID)

Right? So I wrote him back and asked what’s up. Just gonna tell him to stick with the 4210s. Figger it out yota! Lol

 

Damn you would think they’d try and sell me the more expensive ones
Lol
Oh well I’m happy with what I got
I suppose if I had the DRL I would be pissed off in a couple years

 

BUT WAIT. Plot twist.

They’re trying to sell me the 4173s for $232 a piece instead of the 4210s for $209 haha

 

What!?!
Hahaha I paid 185.00
Hmmmm somethin screwy going on over there

 

Very interesting. The original hypers had issues with blistering above the low beam filament. The higher power plus more precise high efficiency filament combined with the low beam shield below the filament appeared to really bake the bulb above the low beam. So in some ways it makes sense to see an issue with the coating in that location, though disappointing to say the least. You wouldn't see it in the high beam because relatively the high beams are used far less often than the low beam and do not have shield below the filament directing the heat back upward. Obviously the coating going from translucent to opaque is going to negative affect the output and reduce the color temperature, hence the color difference from high to low once the coating started to fail. Any idea how many hours you had on the bulbs?

I do have a spare set of those rare bulbs if you'd like a fresh set for the cost of shipping. PM me if interested.

 

I installed those in... septemberish? I think? Maybe late august? At the time I had an hour commute to where I was working in the early morning hours, plus whatever night driving, average 12-15hrs burn time/week until the end of october. Cross country road trip with them on for a majority of the trip due to weather/traffic/road construction. So probably another 4 days continuous burn time there. Then lots of short trips in and around town out here in idaho since. I think I got my moneys worth honestly.

I'll post some more detailed pics later if anyone wants, but yeah basically the lowbeam shield was looking a bit crusty on both.

High beam filaments have some decent burn time on them, but as with most people, saw a lot less use. So the quartz and the coating look fine around the rest of the bulb basically.

I have no complaints. I'll probably go to a clear bulb, either the Hyper clears I have or the 100/90's, and single/2 light coat of duplicolor anodize yellow on the lenses if I get some decent weather. I need to replace the passenger side headlight about that time anyhow.

 

Update:

Parts guy wrote back and said oops. Those are the right ones, the 04210s are the TSB. So, good to go (like we all knew) lol

 

SOLD

 

Dammit that one is on me

Even though I read crash’s part number
I should’ve questioned the parts guy more!!
Welp I know for next time

 

Question for the ladies and gents in this thread. Lately while driving my taco at night it seems my headlights put out less light then old fashioned lamp lights. I have aftermarket headlights in the truck (fender bender a couple years ago). The current light housing that I have is the Akkons. Would you guys recommend I get different housings or should I just upgrade the bulbs? Any info or help is appreciated.

 

I am no expert and I am sure the experts in the thread will chime in. First I would inspect your current set-up to make sure you do not have any physical problems like poor fitment affecting performance, or poor quality of your aftermarket headlights.(Hazing, moisture, poor reflectors, etc.) You do not mention if you have upgraded the wiring or not. If not then that would be a way to improve your system. After that you could look at upgrading your bulbs.

 

The cheapest/easiest possible fix is confirming correct aim/alignment. Assuming that's good and you're still not happy, look at your "Akkon" headlight assemblies - are they CAPA-certified? If not, replace them, preferably with OEM. I recommend against aftermarket but, if that's the path you choose, ensure they're CAPA-certified. For the best possible result, combine OEM assemblies with the wiring and bulb upgrades listed at the top of this thread. Again, confirm aim/alignment of your upgraded setup.

 

None of that.

I believe I don't. I remember it being a simple plug and play. Granted this was 2 years ago.

Alignment was good when I first installed them, I'd like to imagine it still is. Any idea other than the stealership where I could get OEM headlights? Searched Amazon, CARid, etc. and all I've come up with is aftermarket.

I'm not an electrical guy, quite the opposite actually being a fireman and all we tend to leave electricity alone, but I believe with this thread I can upgrade everything providing I had OEM lights.

 

New OEM are unfortunately a dealer only item. All you can do is shop for best price. You can usually find decent used OEM housings in the Classifieds here though.

 

Spot-on.

You don't need to be an electrical guy to install this upgrade. It's very straightforward - ALMOST plug & play.

 

Possible fixes:

New bulbs - because all halogen bulbs start to dim with age. Effectiveness: Small to medium

New OEM Housings (with current bulbs) - because literally all aftermarket housings have inferior optics compared to OEM and your bulbs are starting to dim. Effectiveness: Medium

New OEM Housings (with new bulbs) - because your old bulbs are starting to dim. Effectiveness: Medium to large.

New OEM Housings with the Ultimate Headlight Upgrade. Effectiveness: Priceless!

 

While a dealer only item, many dealers provide better online pricing than you can get in person in the parts dept. I provided the best prices I found online in the original link in the thread. Search by part number to quest for better pricing.

 

Very much true!!!! I called both places in my town and they both wanted $305. Their online sites priced them at 209..... go online and if you can find your local dealer, get in store pick up and save shipping.

 

Desperation vs determination.

 

So I’ve been lurking on this thread for a long, long time now. Already ordered the TRD pro headlights long ago, they look great on my truck. Just ordered/received/installed the Orsam 100/90 bulbs. Also ordered the new Headlight Services harness, has not arrived yet but soon. Will install ASAP when it arrives. Honestly, I do not really see a huge improvement with these new bulbs yet over the factory ones. Even without the harness installed, should I see a big difference? And will I see that big of a difference with the new harness installed??