Spyder headlights.

I used something like this. I currently have all of my grill lighting powered from the parking light circuit.

 

Thanks for the reply. So if to get more 'throw' or light out farther projectors would be the answer?

 

Projectors are the best of the best. Even the cheapest ones TRS offers like the mini's throw out like, 100% more light

I don't have any shots of high beams, but here's one I found of the low's with the mini H1's.
But lets not get carried away here. There's all kinds of info out there for projectors in other threads. Check out Hidplanet.com too

 

Finally got around to wiring the LED lights to my parking lights. I'm happy with the way it turned out.

 

Anyone have step by step on the install of the LED wiring to the parking lights?

 

Just splice them into the wiring of the side marker lights. Using a t tap. Or the one pictured above. Get some extra wire, doesn't have to be fancy wire. Small gauge works. When you have the headlights out you can access the wiring for the side markers. Easiest way is to tap into both the positive and negative. Fish the wires through the fender support behind the side markers. Then wire them to your headlight leds. Done. A fuse wouldn't hurt. But I didn't run one. Even getting water in the headlight fully submerging the leds didn't hurt it. But it did blow the headlight bulb. Ha. That was on my first set before I did retros in them. Anyways.. it's really easy. Some taps, wire crimps/cutters, and some connectors are all you need.

 

Just get Retrofits & be done with it!

 

X2. I think the 1 piece housings are so sick with projectors.
Here's mine:

Before and after.

 

Just buy the highest quality housings you can afford and put good bulbs in them. They will throw light better and no headaches later on. Why didn't I keep my factory housings.

 

Has anyone put led bulbs in these housings did it upgrade the light to at least the factory housing out put I really like these lights but I had bad eyes and need my light

 

I kinda doubt it would help. The reflectors are a lot smaller. And the output isn't as good because of that fact so putting in led or hid will only slightly increase the brightness but not the spread much.

 

how are these holding up years later?

 

I still have them on my truck but am getting ready to take them off. There is a bit of dirt in them so they rrally do need to be sealed better, bit otherwise I really liked them. I'm just going with retrofits now!

 

Hey did your grill come like that or did you paint the chrome black? Like the look, I wanna do the same

 

you can paint it or order an aftermarket (or OE) in black primer. Best bet would be eBay from a seller offering free shipping. Most online stores will charge shipping.

https://www.ebay.com/b/Grilles-for-2004-Toyota-Tacoma/33645/bn_87549092


https://www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-Toyota...-Black-Headlight-Park-Light-5Pcs/170668031919

 

I just bought these. I’ll post up after I get them installed.
https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/131533498449

 

From what I've seen, the Spyders are all bro and no go. They look cool, but don't hold up to the quality of OEM, or even the cheaper capa certified housings, which is what I got.

If all you're concerned about is looks, by all means get the Spyders or anything you think looks cool for that matter. Just don't expect a lot in the performance/dependability department.

The restoration kits don't really last that long, I personally wouldn't bother (again). I "restored" my old headlights 2x and within months they were fogging over again. Since the UV damage goes all the way through the plastic lens, no amount polishing and buffing will fix that... You just need new lenses.

Now, if you're looking to "upgrade" your headlights, you have a couple options.

The first would be HID retrofits. These are superior in most ways except cost. They are generally very expensive, and IMO, not really worth it.

The 2nd is linked below. Basically getting new OEM or CAPA certified housings, upgrading your headlight wiring, and new brighter halogen bulbs. I've found this more than adequate for street driving. For offroad just get an LED lightbar...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/proper-headlight-upgrade.407879/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/retro-headlights-any-recommendations.568953/#post-18739512

 

If you buy a quality housing, you won't have to do that.

 

This is quite old but I see it popping up from time to time. This kind of connectors should never be used on the outside. They are cheap and fast for cheap inside job (a crappy job IMHO), but because they are cheap and fast to use, they are quite popular by alarm, radio or other accessories installers. But regardless how fast and cheap they are, they should never be installed in wires outside the cab. Toyota did very good job in sealing all wires from the environment, so putting one of these clamps under the hood is like stabbing in your truck the back. They are no different than wire nuts.

Just use proper but splice connectors that are crimp-on inside either waterproof housing or use heat shrink tubing and electrical tape. This is especially important under the hood where you deal with really harsh environment (moisture , dust and rapid big temperature change).

 

NO.

Do not put LED bulbs in housing designed for halogen bulbs.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-leds-should-not-be-run-in-halogen-reflectors.454371/

EDIT: damnit, old post. nvm...