Best aftermarket headlights

I've been looking on ebay, Amazon, some other websites and all reviews say that moisture can leak in and fog your headlights. I'm a fan of the LED halo's, also like the smoked look but I just got this tacoma and don't want to spend more money on crappy headlights. I'm not very knowledgeable on all of the brands, so I figured I'd ask the pros! Which brand is the best?

 

@LSC15

 

Welcome to TW! Why do you want to replace your headlights?

There is an OEM smoked version available which looks a subtly more aggressive and will be exceptionally high quality. The change is not drastic though. Below are pics on the 2012+ version.

Standard on left, smoked on right.


OEM 2005-2011 smoked headlights:
These are available loaded with bulbs, and unloaded w/o bulbs, saving $60 off the set . These part numbers are for the unloaded housings.
Right #81130-04173 http://stores.revolutionparts.com/toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/oe-toyota/8113004173
Left #81170-04173 http://stores.revolutionparts.com/toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/oe-toyota/8117004173

 

I really enjoy the look of the halos. It gives more of the badass look I'm trying to achieve. Lol. This is more of what I'm looking for...

$188 Spyder 5011916 Toyota Tacoma 05-11 Projector Headlights - LED Halo - LED ( Replaceable LEDs ) - Black - High H1 (Included) - Low H1 (Included)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...d-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&pf_rd_i=desktop

 

Cheap projector headlights like Spyder (those linked) are known to have very poor beam pattern and faulty seals. Meaning it will be a downgrade and your headlights may end up with water inside them after a while on your truck. Some people have had success coating the lens to housing mating surface with silicon to prevent the water issues before install and call it good enough.

Quality projectors are not cheap. There are vendors on this site that sell quality retrofit kits that can have LED rings or other fancy lighting if that is what you are going for. Just a couple posts from the 2nd gen market place forum:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brand-new-headlight-retrofit-w-special-shrouds.454693/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/led-ring-and-retro-fit-headlights.447256/

 

Those halos you linked my friend put on his 06 tacoma and the halos are very very dim and one fills with water ALL THE TIME

 

Nothing like a good HID retrofit

 

Except an OEM quality halogen one.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

Yeah I saw that too, I'd only do this setup if the state doesn't allow retrofits. I've had issues in Tx where they wouldn't allow HID's even though I explained that they are HID projectors inside the housing.

 

For Updates. People that get the Spyder with Halo usually don't like them because of the dim lighting on the halo. The key is to get the CFCL or the CCFL ones. I just can't remember the exact acronym. I had mine for 4 years and just now replacing them do to being a bit worn down after AZ heat and Belgium Cold and debris. Bought originally from CarID and no regrets at all. Looking for new assembly now and may go with exact same ones.

 

I wonder if its possible to buy the spyder ccfl and then put a shroud on it. I really like that look.