Best after market headlights (‘04)

My truck has some pretty cheap feeling after market headlights. One of them even rattles / moves to the touch. The look is pretty basic so I don’t mind the look, but I’d prefer something with a more quality look. What are your suggestions? May go OEM but would prefer something a bit less than $400

 

I put Spyder halogens on my 99. I don't recommend. One of the Halos didn't work out of the box and I couldn't return because once you splice/cut wires it voids warranty. They also stick out about an inch more than the stock ones and doesn't look flush with the grill.

 

If you're not wanting to go OEM which is the best option for quality and longevity then get TYC CAPA certified.

 

I replaced my headlights almost two years ago due to them being extremely hazed. I went with the following TYC brand headlamps from Amazon (NSF certified version):

$54 TYC 20-6074-00-1 Compatible with TOYOTA Tacoma Left Replacement Head Lamp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NXTU7Z8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details


Headlamps fit in and aligned just fine. I seem to remember that one of the mounting brackets on the new head lamps was cracked, most likely because of poor packaging; however, I was able to reuse the bracket off the old headlamp without any issue.

I also used Xpel protective film:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/xtc-h0125/year/2001/make/toyota/model/tacoma

The truck has been outside with minimal shade for the past two years and the head lights still look new.

 

Spyders don't exactly have a great reputation, quality wise. Almost all of these aftermarket light brands are way more concerned with how cool their housings look, and don't put a lot into the light beam pattern and general quality.

For an '04, the best "aftermarket" lights are going to be the CAPA certified TYC's from rock auto, or actual OEM. The CAPA housings are indistinguishable from OEM.

There are many threads, but search for the "ultimate upgrade". New OEM or CAPA housings, bright OSRAM bulbs (although those are hard to come by now), and an upgraded wire harness (larger gauge wiring, direct to battery connection, relays, etc...)

aAnother option, but generally way more expensive is an HID retrofit.

But do NOT throw cool LEDs in ANY conventional halogen housing.

 

I've had pretty good luck with DEPO. Haven't leaked and the lenses seam to hold up, I do put some UV inhibitor on them though

 

I bought a set of the TYC Capa certified headlights on Rockauto for about $29 a piece. The light output/balance is definitely more scattered than OEM but for the cost I think they are great. The fit was perfect and i had 0 issues installing. Highly recommend.

 

the DEPOs on my 2nd gen are horrid; the 'bright spot' / 'hot spot' of the bulbs is no more than about 20 feet in front of the truck. It's like driving only with factor driving/fog lights. Worst headlights i've had in a car ever.

 

same, my DEPO look good but the beam pattern was "off" and the blank/hot spots were not correct. OEM are definitely the best for halogen bulbs. I finally got my retrofit done and am much more happy.

 

so - you had OEM reflectors installed into the depo housings? Is that what that means?

 

mmm no. I had OEM that became hazed and dim so replaced with DEPO versions. used them for over a year and definitely noticed the difference in light pattern.

I got my TRS retrofit last year during BF and finally put that into the housings this year.

 

What kind of promotion did TRS do last year?

 

Seconded CAPA certified from rockauto

 

been awhile but I think I used the default % off TW discount. Their BF was less % so I waited until then to see if it was better or not. then just ordered with the TW code. It's in their vendor page here on TW.

 

The CAPA housings are every bit as good as OEM. We're talking early 2000's light technology. They don't compare to my '14 Corolla or '17 4Runner, but neither did my original '04 Tacoma lights, even when it was new.