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BEST 2nd Gen Headlights?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Hamishmartin47, Apr 1, 2019.

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  1. Mar 6, 2020 at 4:49 PM
    #21
    Midnight Blue

    #21
    Midnight Blue Well-Known Member

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    Morimoto projector retrofit w/ Profile halo DTRL, Morimoto LED fog lights, full custom stereo
    Respectfully disagree. Retrofits with an OEM quality projector designed for HID’s and the HID set up is light years (see what I did there?!) ahead of straight OEM or OEM with a high quality bulb.

    I just got a Fiesta ST and I’m itching to do a retrofit on it cause the stock halogens are so woefully inadequate compared to a proper retrofit.
     
    Midnight Blue, Mar 6, 2020
    #21
    Pearson and 1997tacomav6 like this.
  2. Mar 20, 2020 at 9:30 PM
    #22
    1997tacomav6

    #22
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 780k

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    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I have the H1 MINI 7.0 with the Morimoto 5500 bulbs that came with the kit.

    Have you tried the xenondepot xtr philips xv2 bulb?

    They are 1050 lums and apparently put the Morimoto 5500 to shame.

    The standard morimoto 5500 k bulbs are like 750 lums, Philips 1050.

    I’m thinking of getting the xenondepot xtr philips xv2 bulbs but they are expensive at 175.00 a set.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dRuaHQpbDW8
     
    1997tacomav6, Mar 20, 2020
    #22
  3. Mar 21, 2020 at 8:15 AM
    #23
    Midnight Blue

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    Midnight Blue Well-Known Member

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    Morimoto projector retrofit w/ Profile halo DTRL, Morimoto LED fog lights, full custom stereo
    No I haven’t tried any bulbs other than the Morimotos. I suppose once they go out I’ll look into something other than those. I’m not looking forward to replacing the bulbs though. I have the D2S 4.2 which has the PITA bulb holder.


    I recently got a Fiesta ST that I’m looking to do a retrofit conversion on. I’d have to go with Mini H1’s as those are the smallest projectors available.
     
    Midnight Blue, Mar 21, 2020
    #23
  4. Mar 21, 2020 at 8:55 AM
    #24
    1997tacomav6

    #24
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 780k

    Joined:
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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 780,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Ok, well I probably will get the xenondepot xtr philips xv2 bulbs for my mini 7.0 projectors and will report back
     
    1997tacomav6, Mar 21, 2020
    #24
  5. Mar 23, 2020 at 9:40 PM
    #25
    ATXBlacktip

    #25
    ATXBlacktip Texas Tech

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    lift, wheels, tires, lights, cb, subs, tint
    Have any of y'all who have retrofitted had any trouble with the lights aiming too low? I tried to do a budget build with some knock off projectors from TRS and they shot straight down. Buy once cry once I guess.
     
    ATXBlacktip, Mar 23, 2020
    #25
  6. Mar 24, 2020 at 5:19 AM
    #26
    1997tacomav6

    #26
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 780k

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 780,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Your projector upside down in the housing?
     
    1997tacomav6, Mar 24, 2020
    #26
  7. Mar 24, 2020 at 8:54 AM
    #27
    TegoTaco

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    TegoTaco Well-Known Member

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    beautiful truck!
     
    TegoTaco, Mar 24, 2020
    #27
  8. Mar 24, 2020 at 6:11 PM
    #28
    ATXBlacktip

    #28
    ATXBlacktip Texas Tech

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    No the projector is right side up just not aiming up enough even with adjusting the reflector bowl
     
    ATXBlacktip, Mar 24, 2020
    #28
    1997tacomav6[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Mar 12, 2021 at 10:31 AM
    #29
    r6dink

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    r6dink Member

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    so when you guys are talkin "retrofit" are you buying a retrofit brand?
    or building out your own setup?
    And do you have some rec's on where to get retrofit kits for a noob with a 2010 tacoma that has less headlight brightness than an Amish buggy?
     
    r6dink, Mar 12, 2021
    #29
  10. Mar 12, 2021 at 1:30 PM
    #30
    r6dink

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    r6dink Member

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    @confirm45 Right.
    OEM and then retrofit.
    But as far as the retrofit... is this a kit from a specific source? Or are folks putting together their own set of parts?
     
    r6dink, Mar 12, 2021
    #30
  11. Oct 20, 2021 at 10:10 PM
    #31
    Pearson

    #31
    Pearson Well-Known Member

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    Pearson, Oct 20, 2021
    #31
  12. Oct 21, 2021 at 8:56 AM
    #32
    gkomo

    #32
    gkomo Well-Known Member

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    Was reading a build thread yesterday and someone on this forum did a retrofit of Lexus RX350 headlights into the Tacoma housings. Sounded like it was super expensive but at least you know they were quality parts. Light output looked good as well.

    I myself have the OEM housings and the Ultimate Headlight Mod... i honestly don't know how much more light one would need driving. Those, paired with my Diode Dynamic fogs... all set.
     
    gkomo, Oct 21, 2021
    #32
    Too Stroked and ace96 like this.
  13. Oct 21, 2021 at 11:25 AM
    #33
    Pearson

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    Pearson Well-Known Member

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    When you see the trees burst into flames from 1/2 mile out. That's when you have reached the amount of light one needs for driving.

    At that point, you would tackle color options and then move on to your fogs. :amen:??? Respectfully & Humorously Offered.
     
    Pearson, Oct 21, 2021
    #33
  14. Oct 21, 2021 at 11:31 AM
    #34
    aturk

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    aturk Well-Known Member

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    So who is the go to guy for 2nd gen retrofits? Buddy needs a set done. I see one guy on this forum has not been so quick to get lights back to into customers hands...
     
    aturk, Oct 21, 2021
    #34
  15. Oct 21, 2021 at 11:32 AM
    #35
    gkomo

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    gkomo Well-Known Member

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    I have no experience with them but from that build thread i was reading about the RX350 light retrofit it was done by a company called lightwerkz or something.
     
    gkomo, Oct 21, 2021
    #35
  16. Oct 21, 2021 at 11:35 AM
    #36
    aturk

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    aturk Well-Known Member

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    Yes lightwerks is a good shop. Would prefer to do business with a TW person.
     
    aturk, Oct 21, 2021
    #36
  17. Oct 21, 2021 at 7:31 PM
    #37
    Pearson

    #37
    Pearson Well-Known Member

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    Same question I had a few days ago. Now that I am familiar I like the idea and am planning to perform a retrofit on my headlights.

    There is a guy here that goes by just those words I think (The Retrofit Guy),

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/retrofitting-services-for-all-tacomas.342693/

    also have a look at this video which is good for getting an idea of the process and some component resources.

    https://youtu.be/PRP5Uxe-BkU
     
    Pearson, Oct 21, 2021
    #37
    jjgandarillas likes this.
  18. Oct 22, 2021 at 6:54 AM
    #38
    aturk

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    aturk Well-Known Member

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    Yes, unfortunately it looks like he has some customer service issues as of late and can't get things out timely.

    I have a very custom set of retrofits on my 3rd gen, and I'm very happy with them. The person doesn't do 2nd gen lights. My lights are absolutely amazing and was hoping to be able to source my buddy a set of 2nd gen retrofits.
     
    aturk, Oct 22, 2021
    #38
  19. Oct 22, 2021 at 7:32 AM
    #39
    Pearson

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    Pearson Well-Known Member

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    I would like to learn more about your setup. I have decided to do my own conversion as well. I have relatively good experience with tinkering with things that require this sort of effort. I just need to learn what tech is available/compatible etc. I see that this has become quite a thing and more and more offerings are becoming available. Can you recommend a parts source that you know to be reliable and perhaps cutting edge?
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
    Pearson, Oct 22, 2021
    #39
  20. Oct 22, 2021 at 8:16 AM
    #40
    aturk

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    aturk Well-Known Member

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    Look up the 3rd gen retrofit thread. I don't know exactly how all the parts work together, but the basic run down of my setup has is:

    Morimoto MLED 2.0 projectors (this is a low beam and high beam projector)
    MESO Stage 2 LED sidemarkers in Amber
    Diode Dynamics Amber DRL's (setup sequential)
    Blacked out housings

    The only projectors I would recommend (if they will fit) would be the MLED 2.0's. So much cleaner and better output than HID's.

    Biggest issue you'll face is wiring. Once again, it kind of depends on options. I have all the factory wiring still, plus 3 additional driver boxes (one for the projector, one for the side markers, one for the DRL's) and a few extra connectors. It's tough to make it look clean.

    Rest of the parts are 3g specific. I didn't want halo's
     
    aturk, Oct 22, 2021
    #40
    Pearson[QUOTED] likes this.
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