New headlight question

Good morning everyone,

My 2014 has really oxidized headlights, and my last attempt to buff them wasn't very successful.. so alternatively, Im looking at replacing them and UV coating those. I recently looked and theyre cheaper than I realized, I originally thought they were like $500 each.. Or am I missing something. Are all the modern bulbs LED, and are the 150ish range ones decent? Any tips here?

Also I would imagine they are simple to swap out, correct?

thank you much

 

Don’t go with LED bulbs in a halogen housing. It doesn’t have the correct focal points and optics resulting in lots of glare for oncoming traffic. OE housings are the best for precise focus of the light. An improvement in light output along with more information can be found here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

The OEM headlights for the 2.5 gens are surprisingly affordable. I recommend looking up the 2015 Pro part numbers and ordering those. They used a smoked chrome as opposed to the normal chrome in all other models. And yes, pretty easy to swap. Just need to remove the grille which isn't hard.

2nd the ultimate headlight upgrade. These headlights have amazing light pattern and cuttoff for halogens. HID and LED just don't work as well. Get the Philips GT200 if you want a little bit whiter light. The Super Brights are brighter, but it's a noticeably more yellow light.

 

I had several budget headlight (housings). Both brands leaked. I eventually found OEM takeoffs.

 

Yes, 100% these I love mine.

$125 for both headlights: https://www.carparts.com/headlight/replacement/set-rept100109

 

3M headlight restoration kit works great when used as-directed.

Did mine 2 years ago, still looks good. Clear, no yellowing.

 

5+ years ago I used Meguiars headlight restore on my grossly oxidized lights. Made them look like new. Then every 6 months I spray some Meguiars UV protectant on them. They still look like new and my truck is outside 24/7. The secret is to apply uv protectant periodically. You might want to try this before spending a couple hundred $$$ on new lights.
These are the original lights on my 2009. Pic was taken I’m guessing 2 years ago. They still look the same today.

 

I used the Cerakote kit on my daughter’s XTerra. Lenses came out crystal clear and the included UV protectant has kept them fade free for 2 years now.

 

OEM

Don’t put LEDs in halogen housings

 

I rubbed mine out with Meguiars metal polish. Cleared the clouding to reveal spider web cracking throughout the plastic lens, 17 year old lights. Bought two new OEM light assemblies when Toyota was offering their 25% off sale, free shipping, no tax, Hendricks Toyota parts department online. I used Wolfgang plastic sealant, aimed them just right, life is good. Oh, and I did the spotlight/foglight anytime mod while I was at it.

 

These got replaced after 16 years. Never restored or polished... just installed Xpel headlight protective film when new. Held up pretty good imho.



Replaced with oem smoked. The new version of Xpel film is thinner but ALOT easier to work with... we'll see how it holds up.

 

I have had great luck with tyc headlights they are great quality except for the bulbs.

 

I happen to have just ordered the oem TRD Pros, part numbers were kind of annoying to find for me:
8111004221
8115004221

Usually looking at $475-$500 shipped

 

Watch a few YouTube videos on restoring headlights. The best results is either to PPF it at the end or sand up to 1000 grit and then spray them with 2k clear. Did a few of my cars with 2k clear and none of them have shown any sign of yellowing.

 

Quick question. Are the pros a direct swap for the oem non pros?

I stickied the part numbers a while ago but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Just checked compatibility online and was given a message they don’t fit- but assume they would only trigger fitment for a trd pro vin.

Mine originals are getting pretty weathered. Could always recondition them but think it might be time to upgrade. Maybe keep the originals as backups in case anything happens.

 

Yep, direct swap. I put them in my 2013. They are identical to the originals, just darker chrome.

 

I have a set of Ebay housings on mine. They were about $50. Sealed them up with some RTV and I've had no issues since replacing them in September of last year.

 

I'm going to repeat it... Do Not Put in LED bulbs.

Best upgrade I have done on my 2014
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/