New HeadLight Suggestions?

Im wanting to install new headlights and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what headlights I should get and if it had to be specific to 95-97 Tacomas like other parts

 

Here's a good thread to read through before you go down that road. Somewhere in there he covers, or links, the 1st gen as well.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

The best option is probably a projector retrofit, but this is expensive and a bit of work to do right.
Heres an example of someone doing this. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ab-750-000-build.478395/page-19#post-22309248
I think its around $300 to DIY, I used to see people selling them as well and would expect it to be closer to $500. Not sure if those are outdated numbers, I haven't looked at that option in a few years.

I don't know much about the ultimate headlight upgrade others are posting about, but definitely look into that as an option as well.

Cheaper option is aftermarket LED drop ins.
A lot of people don't like the aftermarket LED options, I think its because most people don't properly adjust them and blind everybody.

I have had a great experience with these though:

$90 HWSTAR 2022 180W 1000% Bright H6054 5x7 7x6 Led Headlights Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ Wrangler YJ [ DOT][Anti-glare][DRL Turn Signal][Hi/Low Sealed Beam] Ford Chevy GMC Toyota Nissan Dodge etc

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TQQSVRD?ie=UTF8
And there's a ton of other 5x7 drop-in headlight options as well, most all of them should bolt right in with no problems.

You need a harness adapter like this as well:

$22 True Mods H6054 H4 LED Headlight Wiring Harness [Negative Switched Conversion] [Fused] Universal H4 Head Light Relay Harness Kit for 9003 H5054 H6054LL 6014 H6024 6052 6053 Subaru Toyota Jeep Headlamp

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M6W1PMK?ie=UTF8
With the harness its all plug and play.

I think they look great too.



They have a sharp cut-off line, and a decent Z-shape to lower them on the side of oncoming traffic.
With the sharp cut-off line you can pretty easily tell if you're shining above the hood of oncoming traffic, and if you are you need to adjust them down.
Just be considerate and point them down a bit as well so you don't blind everyone.

The improvement over the stock headlights, that were probably at least 10 years old, was absolutely massive.
They also have turn signals if you're like me and don't have the stock front turn signals anymore.
The High beams are a little weak on my example, they just adds this rectangular beam of light above the low-beam cut off, and does nothing to help see the sides of the road. Light bar is still the best for throwing light everywhere (when offroad of course).

 

I did the ultimate headlight upgrade on my 97 4runner, and wouldn't hesitate to do it on my 2000 taco as well. Huge improvement! Bought the harness and Osram bulbs from Headlight Services, and TYC headlights from Rock Auto. Straight forward upgrade, great results.

 

TYC or DEPO brand housings would be your best choices second to oem

 

Are they plastic flush-lens headlamps or sealed-beam 5"x7" rectangular lamps?

For 5"x7" I'm partial to Hella or Cibié H4 conversions. For flush I'm in favor of new OEM (first), or refinishing weathered originals.

 

I did originally order TYC's off Amazon and they were cheap, flimsy crap. I came across other posts online later who had the same experience ordering them off Amazon. One was broken also in my case. Sent them back, ordered TYC's from Rock Auto, much much better. Not as good as OEM I'm sure, but still good enough quality and you'll save some money.