2nd Gen Headlamp Swap

Hi all!
I would like to switch out my stock headlights with the black Pro headlights, something like what is pictured. My question is there are about 150 different brands, styles and prices of these headlights. How do you know where to buy, E-Pay or?? What is good quality and reliable? Should I go LED or stay with halogen? How much of a difference in light is there between the halogen and the LED's? My goal is appearance and a brighter white light. I have read several threads on retro fits and headlamp upgrades (non LED or HID) but still would like more input on what everyone else is using.
I was also planning to install the Auer DRL's but come to find out that they discontinued them. I have been looking now for several months, trying to find a set with no success. Are there any DRL's that are available that look as good as the Auer's?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm just confused on all the different brands and prices. Thanks in advance.

 

BHLM.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bhlm-hope-this-helps.453052/

 

I installed Depo Headlights Assembly's with LEDs. Nice look and great vision at night. I'd recommend getting LED's with with covers on the end so it cuts the light too not blind other drivers.

 

The OEM headlamps will be the best quality, although more expensive. You can get them 34% off here:
https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/
Right 81110-04221 and left 81150-04221

 

This, here.

 

That is bad ass.

 

I would also recommend the BLHM. MAKE sure to strip the chrome first for proper adhesion! The easiest and best way to do it is to use Easy-Off oven cleaner (must be that brand and the yellow can, I've tried others and they just don't work as well). After the trim ring is removed from the rest of the housing just spray it on the piece, let it sit a few min and rinse with water. If there is any left, just dry it off and re-apply. The easiest way to strip chrome from headlight parts.

I would stray away LEDs, not all are created equal. To get the best out of an LED you'll likely be spending $120+ where as a quality Halogen is $35-$40 (philips racing visions are great). LEDs create a lot of unwanted glare (bothering oncoming traffic), generally less usable lighting and lots of foreground light (bright light in the first 15ft of the nose and causes a lot of eye strain). If you want to get wild check Retrofits, just do a search. This is where you install a projector into the factory housing giving you a clean cutoff that will not bother oncoming traffic, extremely bright and usable light AND an INSANE high beam rivaling many high end light bars.

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

Especially look at this one showing the drop off of LED performance on distance!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...alogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465/unread

 

Having had a few different headlights on my truck, I can say OEM is your best choice for quality. I have the Pro lights, they aren't black but they are a tinted chrome. So they're darker but not quite black.

I bough the black el cheapo eBay specials and they are absolute crap. The beam pattern was all over the place and you might as well have taped a couple flashlights to the front for all the good they did. They might look nice but are shit for actual function.

I'd also stick with halogen bulbs since that's what these lights are designed for, but that's a whole different rabbit hole.

Lots of good info here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

New wiring harness, quality bulbs, and OEM Pro housings would be my suggestion.

 

^^ these two.

Oem is best.
If aftermarket, seal them up with silicone.
Led / Hid = not the best option for reflectors, ever.
Quality halogen bulbs such as those mentioned above and in the ultimate headlight upgrade will outshine any led or hid in the stock style housing and make less glare.

 

I just did the Ultimate Headlight Upgrade for H4 bulbs. All I can say is wow. You should look into it: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-not-led-or-hid.398066/

You want OEM headlamps without a doubt:
Right: 81110-04210
Left: 81150-04210

 

With headlight housings, you absolutely get what you pay for. I too have the Ultimate Headlight Upgrade and you can't beat it. Mike drop.

 

Thanks for all the feedback! Lots of good information. It looks like the consensus is stay with the OEM and go with the ultimate headlight upgrade. I don't think I'm up for the BHLM mod, I'm mechanically inclined but the lens are badly faded as well and would have to sand and reseal them. Maybe when I was younger I would have tackled it, just call me lazy!

Thanks for the part #'s. These hurt my feelings a little with the price but like everyone is saying stick with OEM. Are these the ones with the "tinted" chrome? Can't really tell with the picture. Should I seal the lens so they don't yellow in a couple of years? I live in Florida and the sun is pretty brutal.

 

The Pro/Sport headlamps have a smoked chrome look instead of the usually chrome. I'm not about protecting the lenses from yellowing. OEM is expensive, but worth it not to worry about possible bad beam pattern, leaking, fitment issues and maybe even faster yellowing.

 

After my adventures with aftermarket LED headlights, I absolutely recommend running a bead of black or clear rtv around the seam of the headlight housing. Moister is BAD

 

Are these part #'s for the TRD Pro? I'm thinking these are the standard headlamp part #'s. They don't say much of anything in the description. Replica9000 has part #'s Right 81110-04221 and left 81150-04221. They are about the same price though.

 

Copy/paste from the headlight thread linked already

OEM 2012-2015 TRD Pro headlights (optional cosmetic upgrade) - Made in the USA:
Right #81110-04221
Left #81150-04221
The Pro lights are similar to the BHLM, but factory, in a smoked chrome MGM-like color. This upgrade is only cosmetic over stock and not required for increased light output. Unlike the BHLM, there is no breaking of the seals on the headlights and no need to worry about condensation or leaks inside the headlight. Being OEM these will be the highest quality one can buy and also will have the correct lighting optics, which isn’t always the case with aftermarket lights. If buying non-OEM look for the CAPA certification to guarantee the correct optics. The links above were the cheapest I found online. I sold my OEM headlights for $180 without trying, meaning the new set only cost me $220.

OEM 2005-2011 smoked headlights:
These are like the Pro lights, but came on select Sport models. These are the updated TSB version of the lights that do not have the melting DRL issue. TSB is available here.
Right: 81110-04210
Left: 81150-04210

12-15 example, stock light on left, smoked on right:

 

Would these be a direct plug and play? or do I have to adjust the headlight aim after install?

 

You will very likely need to adjust the vertical aim. If you do one at a time it is quite easy. Swap one, adjust the vertical aim so the cut off matches the existing stock light, then swap the other and adjust it so the cut off matches the existing adjusted light. Way easier than swapping both and trying to figure it out from marked tape points on a wall.

 

Thanks , knowing me I would have replaced both at the same time and would have been lost. Are they very difficult to swap out?

 

In concept no, but it is time consuming. There is a hidden bolt that you need to access from the bottom, and I did undo the sides of my bumper skin to get extra play to get the lower mount out. I have install notes in the headlight thread here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/