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Are LED headlights worth the trouble

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by manualtrany, Apr 5, 2021.

  1. Apr 6, 2021 at 3:42 PM
    #101
    SolWest

    SolWest Member

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    Newbie question...getting them as a cheaper dealer addon- what specifically do I ask for? I haven't seen a package that only contains the LED headlights. I've got an OR on the way and would like to get the LED upgrade. The truck has no other packages or options installed coming from the factory.
     
  2. Apr 6, 2021 at 3:53 PM
    #102
    Kairide

    Kairide Well-Known Member

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    I'm just going to let you have this one. Not worth explaining the science of wavelengths and blue light vs yellow light to the human eye. I will assimilate this to those who argue that the Alpharex headlights are amazing because they flood the eye with a lot of foreground light, but produce zero distance lighting. No matter what you tell these people, they will always believe they are right. I will make one closing point, the density doesn't matter, it's the wavelength produced by the water droplets in the snow and fog that cause the blinding glare.
     
    Benny blanco and vicali like this.
  3. Apr 6, 2021 at 4:07 PM
    #103
    ktbell444

    ktbell444 One who throws exceptions

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    ᚺᛖᛚᚺᛖᛁᛗ

    I would never buy Alpharex. How *breathes in* dare you?!

    You wouldn't be the first to give up. Science is real, and there is none to back up that yellow light penetrates fog any better than white light. Easier on the eyes? Sure, I'll give you that.
     
  4. Apr 6, 2021 at 5:13 PM
    #104
    My4thTacoma

    My4thTacoma Pain Don't Hurt

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    this is good to hear. i tried the modified h9's, then bought Tungram H11 Nighthawk Xenon halogen bulbs. Both put a lot more light on the road in front of me than the stock bulbs did, but im still underwhelmed. I might try those Hikari LEDs
     
  5. Apr 6, 2021 at 6:42 PM
    #105
    farmtacoma

    farmtacoma Date Farmer

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    The LED can be had as a standalone package for $485 from the factory
     
  6. Apr 7, 2021 at 8:36 AM
    #106
    SolWest

    SolWest Member

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    Thanks for that info. So if it didn't come from the factory, the only option is more expensive and/or DIY. That's what I'm taking away.
     
  7. Apr 7, 2021 at 8:41 AM
    #107
    Kev250R

    Kev250R Well-Known Member

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    Exactly. The factory-installed ones are what you want.
     
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  8. Apr 7, 2021 at 8:49 AM
    #108
    Pantone2718

    Pantone2718 Well-Known Member

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    Morimoto XB Headlights Morimoto X Meso Customs Taillights Sequential Turn Signals Custom Bed Decal MESO Customs Chrome Delete (MGM) MESO Customs Interior LED Lighting Softopper OEM Bed Lighting Kit Viper Remote Start Caliraised Bed Molle Panels Rekgen Mud Flaps
    I went from OEM Halogens in my 2020 OR to Morimoto XB LED Headlights and foglights and can say that the difference is worth the hassle.

    Is it worth the price tag for the Morimoto headlights at $1300+? Eh, if you've got the money then I'd say yes. It was worth it for me, but I got my headlights and foglights from some very nice users here for less than they retailed for, so it's a no-brainer.

    @crashnburn80 has an extremely helpful thread on the output and lumen levels of various headlight options, including the Morimoto's and the OEM LED lights I believe. You can look at that here:

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-hid-vs-led-vs-halogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465/

    TLDR: The difference between Halogen and LED is, imo, worth the cost. Your specific choice of headlights to upgrade to is totally up to you. I think the OEM LEDs are comparable to the Morimoto's, so if you can get one cheaper than the other, I'd go that route. Stay away from Alpharex lmao
     
  9. Apr 7, 2021 at 8:55 AM
    #109
    hyrule_trd

    hyrule_trd It’s a Secret to Everybody

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    All I know is I’ve been really considering selling some funko I have for the OEM LED headlights... just that dealer price tho... maybe used ones from eBay won’t be that bad...
     
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  10. Apr 7, 2021 at 8:56 AM
    #110
    CaptainBart45

    CaptainBart45 Well-Known Member

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    2017, one led, and one original. I got the led bulbs from Amazon on sale fir about 45 bucks. I would spend the 60 bucks however if need be.

    AA011D7D-B111-4EA6-B740-D9978E797897.jpg
     
  11. Apr 7, 2021 at 8:59 AM
    #111
    My4thTacoma

    My4thTacoma Pain Don't Hurt

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    who sells these?

     
  12. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:07 AM
    #112
    farmtacoma

    farmtacoma Date Farmer

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    Correct sir
     
  13. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:11 AM
    #113
    Kev250R

    Kev250R Well-Known Member

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    I’m sorry but those are no comparison to the OEM LED’s which are available on the ‘20 and newer.
     
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  14. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:20 AM
    #114
    Kairide

    Kairide Well-Known Member

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    You would have been better saving that $45 and sticking with the OEM halogens.
     
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  15. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:33 AM
    #115
    pinktaco808

    pinktaco808 Hot Steppa

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  16. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:57 AM
    #116
    taco abbo

    taco abbo Well-Known Member

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    I ordered my '21 with the LED option (also gives LED fogs and Auto Headlights). Much better looking than my '18's halogens and the illumination
    at night is amazing!, for $485.00 the LED package is the most practical option you can get from Toyota's options but the one downside is
    driving at night in warm weather you will slaughter bugs like never before!
     
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  17. Apr 7, 2021 at 11:20 AM
    #117
    Tacospike

    Tacospike Semi-Unknown Custodial Member

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    That harness isn't set up for SR / SR5 trims. At least not for full functions
     
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  18. Apr 7, 2021 at 11:59 AM
    #118
    farmtacoma

    farmtacoma Date Farmer

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    Agree 100%. Well said. I can't believe I drove my 18 for 3 years, with those headlights. Now with the 21 LED in the garage, I didn't know what I was missing!!!!!
     
    CSVT, Kev250R and taco abbo[QUOTED] like this.
  19. Apr 7, 2021 at 12:43 PM
    #119
    CaptainBart45

    CaptainBart45 Well-Known Member

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    Work in progress...
    I have the OEM bulbs. I'm not planning on putting them back in.
     
  20. Apr 7, 2021 at 1:17 PM
    #120
    BK68

    BK68 Well-Known Member

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    I was sorry I didn't get these. The stock housings in my SR5 should be considered a hazard if you drive at night in the rain. I ended up getting getting the spiders off Tacoma beast site and doing a H9 low beam mod. I am pretty pleased now.
     
    farmtacoma likes this.

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