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Proper headlight upgrade

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by goldentaco03, Dec 29, 2015.

  1. Jan 15, 2016 at 4:00 PM
    #41
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    Colorado Springs, CO
    Vehicle:
    2013 Access Cab 4x4 V6 6MT, TRD OR & Tow Packages
    Magnuson S/C w/12TRDTacoma's Qwikchange Hub & 2.5" RIP-Modded Pulley, Roostfactor's Pulley Wrap Mod; FPR Mod; JustDSM Tune via HPT MPVI2; mightytacoman Intercooler Tank; aFe POWER Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S Air Filter; OME Suspension Lift (885 Coils, Dakar Leafs, NitroCharger Sports); TRD Quickshifter w/TRD 6-Spd Knob; TRD Exhaust; NSB-AGM27F Battery w/HKB Adjustable Voltage Booster & Coupe's TRD Battery Hold Down; Goodridge SS Brake Lines; Trident904's MT ADM; BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2s on FJ SE Anthracite Rims; N-Fab 6-Step Nerf Bars; BPF TRD Skid, Tow Hook, & Cooling Panel; jsi's Locker Anytime, Up2NoGood's 2Lo Module; ramonortiz55's Always on Power Outlet Relay, ND4's Fog Light Anytime, & Crom's Speed Bleeder Mods; crashnburn80's Ultimate Headlight & Fog Light Upgrades; ThreatLevelMidnight's Wireless Charger; 4Runner 4X4 & FJ Fog Light Switches; redtaco2007-inspired LED License Plate Lights; AudioControl LC2i LOC, JL Audio XD200/2v2 Amp, Focal PS165V1 Spkrs, Sound Ordnance B-8PTD Sub, Hushmat & Noico Sound Insulation; loginfailed-inspired Speedhut Boost & AFR Gauges in a Lotek Pillar Pod; Ltd Auto-Dim/Compass/Temp/Backup Camera/Homelink mirror on ImMrYo's Mirror Lift Bracket; TacomaBeast Glove Box & Console Organizers; Husky Floor Liners; UltraGauge EM; mesojdm's Ultimate LED Dome & Map Lights & GASSHOLE; Redline Tuning QuickLIFT Elite; Mobtown Offroad Locking Bed Storage Doors; Toyota Bed Mat; Cali Raised Led Bed Stiffeners; Pop & Lock Power Tailgate Lock w/TacomaTruckParts Support Bracket; ARE Z-Series Cap, SolarGard Tint; BlendMounted & MirrorTapped Uniden R3; CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna; Amsoil Lubricants; Adam's Detailing Supplies
    FWIW, these appear to offer similar capability for significantly less money.
    (Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the seller and have no first-hand experience using them.)
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #41
  2. Jan 15, 2016 at 10:51 PM
    #42
    Chris D.

    Chris D. Well-Known Member

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    Eagan, Minnesota
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    2002 Tacoma RZN150 turbo
    2RZ-FE Turbo Intercooled, standalone........... Exactly 150% more power to the wheels than stock at the wheels. Supra transmission, 4 linked rear, QA1 coilovers all around, S-Runner rear sway bar, Corbeau bucket seats, forged 5 spoke 17x9 wheels, Wilwood 12.19" 4 piston brakes, Ford 9" rear end (early bronco) 31 spline, full floater, big bearing, 3.50 gears, trac-lock. fully functioning air conditioning and cruise control....
    Don't bother without a projector, no matter how you aim them, oncoming glare like crazy..
    There's a right way, and a wrong way..

    YXgy1W9.jpg
    313921_10150327376204850_1374219239_n.jpg
    320171_10150327376489850_1117480785_n.jpg
     
    devinzz1 likes this.
  3. Jan 16, 2016 at 8:04 AM
    #43
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    I think those are what I bought the first time for my pickup (not Tacoma). They did not fit tightly in the mounting brackets because the clamp points were not thick enough. This allowed them to rattle in the bracket, causing the light beam to bounce all over the place. I tried various ways to secure them better and made an improvement but was still not perfect. They also got a rock through the lens, and with it broken I noticed the glass was very thin and looked very low quality.

    Next time around I went with the Hellas, which I looked at the first time but bought the others based on price. No comparison, the Hellas are a beefier unit, quality is apparent just pulling it out of the box. And they fit perfectly like an OEM part. I ran the Hellas longer and never broken a lens. I only recommend Hellas for the conversion.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #43
    Norton[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Jan 16, 2016 at 12:31 PM
    #44
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    Steve
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Vehicle:
    2013 Access Cab 4x4 V6 6MT, TRD OR & Tow Packages
    Magnuson S/C w/12TRDTacoma's Qwikchange Hub & 2.5" RIP-Modded Pulley, Roostfactor's Pulley Wrap Mod; FPR Mod; JustDSM Tune via HPT MPVI2; mightytacoman Intercooler Tank; aFe POWER Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S Air Filter; OME Suspension Lift (885 Coils, Dakar Leafs, NitroCharger Sports); TRD Quickshifter w/TRD 6-Spd Knob; TRD Exhaust; NSB-AGM27F Battery w/HKB Adjustable Voltage Booster & Coupe's TRD Battery Hold Down; Goodridge SS Brake Lines; Trident904's MT ADM; BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2s on FJ SE Anthracite Rims; N-Fab 6-Step Nerf Bars; BPF TRD Skid, Tow Hook, & Cooling Panel; jsi's Locker Anytime, Up2NoGood's 2Lo Module; ramonortiz55's Always on Power Outlet Relay, ND4's Fog Light Anytime, & Crom's Speed Bleeder Mods; crashnburn80's Ultimate Headlight & Fog Light Upgrades; ThreatLevelMidnight's Wireless Charger; 4Runner 4X4 & FJ Fog Light Switches; redtaco2007-inspired LED License Plate Lights; AudioControl LC2i LOC, JL Audio XD200/2v2 Amp, Focal PS165V1 Spkrs, Sound Ordnance B-8PTD Sub, Hushmat & Noico Sound Insulation; loginfailed-inspired Speedhut Boost & AFR Gauges in a Lotek Pillar Pod; Ltd Auto-Dim/Compass/Temp/Backup Camera/Homelink mirror on ImMrYo's Mirror Lift Bracket; TacomaBeast Glove Box & Console Organizers; Husky Floor Liners; UltraGauge EM; mesojdm's Ultimate LED Dome & Map Lights & GASSHOLE; Redline Tuning QuickLIFT Elite; Mobtown Offroad Locking Bed Storage Doors; Toyota Bed Mat; Cali Raised Led Bed Stiffeners; Pop & Lock Power Tailgate Lock w/TacomaTruckParts Support Bracket; ARE Z-Series Cap, SolarGard Tint; BlendMounted & MirrorTapped Uniden R3; CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna; Amsoil Lubricants; Adam's Detailing Supplies
    Great info. Thanks for clarifying!

    I also ran Hellas in my '92 pickup, and was very happy with them. (Just wanted to offer pofarm a less expensive alternative...)
     
  5. Feb 18, 2016 at 12:00 AM
    #45
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    Male
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    Steve
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Vehicle:
    2013 Access Cab 4x4 V6 6MT, TRD OR & Tow Packages
    Magnuson S/C w/12TRDTacoma's Qwikchange Hub & 2.5" RIP-Modded Pulley, Roostfactor's Pulley Wrap Mod; FPR Mod; JustDSM Tune via HPT MPVI2; mightytacoman Intercooler Tank; aFe POWER Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S Air Filter; OME Suspension Lift (885 Coils, Dakar Leafs, NitroCharger Sports); TRD Quickshifter w/TRD 6-Spd Knob; TRD Exhaust; NSB-AGM27F Battery w/HKB Adjustable Voltage Booster & Coupe's TRD Battery Hold Down; Goodridge SS Brake Lines; Trident904's MT ADM; BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2s on FJ SE Anthracite Rims; N-Fab 6-Step Nerf Bars; BPF TRD Skid, Tow Hook, & Cooling Panel; jsi's Locker Anytime, Up2NoGood's 2Lo Module; ramonortiz55's Always on Power Outlet Relay, ND4's Fog Light Anytime, & Crom's Speed Bleeder Mods; crashnburn80's Ultimate Headlight & Fog Light Upgrades; ThreatLevelMidnight's Wireless Charger; 4Runner 4X4 & FJ Fog Light Switches; redtaco2007-inspired LED License Plate Lights; AudioControl LC2i LOC, JL Audio XD200/2v2 Amp, Focal PS165V1 Spkrs, Sound Ordnance B-8PTD Sub, Hushmat & Noico Sound Insulation; loginfailed-inspired Speedhut Boost & AFR Gauges in a Lotek Pillar Pod; Ltd Auto-Dim/Compass/Temp/Backup Camera/Homelink mirror on ImMrYo's Mirror Lift Bracket; TacomaBeast Glove Box & Console Organizers; Husky Floor Liners; UltraGauge EM; mesojdm's Ultimate LED Dome & Map Lights & GASSHOLE; Redline Tuning QuickLIFT Elite; Mobtown Offroad Locking Bed Storage Doors; Toyota Bed Mat; Cali Raised Led Bed Stiffeners; Pop & Lock Power Tailgate Lock w/TacomaTruckParts Support Bracket; ARE Z-Series Cap, SolarGard Tint; BlendMounted & MirrorTapped Uniden R3; CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna; Amsoil Lubricants; Adam's Detailing Supplies
    UPDATE: Now that I've got a fair amount of night-time driving with my "ultimate headlight upgrade," I want to say thanks (again) to crashnburn80 for posting and advising on it, and to goldentaco03 for cross-posting here in the 1st Gen forum. I've tried a number of other upgrade options (including LEDs). While this one was the most expensive, it also provided the best results. IMO, a great example of getting what you pay for. Highly recommended.
     
  6. Feb 18, 2016 at 12:36 AM
    #46
    mahaloTaco

    mahaloTaco TcBob's BFFL

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    13 RC 4x4 S/C'd lockers 4.88's Airflow Snorkel McNeil Glass
    For Sale

    $30 Shipped to your Door

    Brand New

    Screen Shot 2016-02-18 at 12.07.44 AM.jpg
    Screen Shot 2016-02-18 at 12.07.51 AM.jpg
     
  7. Feb 18, 2016 at 1:56 PM
    #47
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3in lift (Bilstein 5100, AAL), Bull Bar with halogen Hella Fogs and High Beams
    Why are you getting rid of them? They're great headlights. Might want a spare set...:)
     
  8. Feb 18, 2016 at 2:18 PM
    #48
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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  9. Feb 18, 2016 at 3:39 PM
    #49
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3in lift (Bilstein 5100, AAL), Bull Bar with halogen Hella Fogs and High Beams
    crashnburn80[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Feb 18, 2016 at 4:40 PM
    #50
    mahaloTaco

    mahaloTaco TcBob's BFFL

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    @TXpro4X4

    Sold the Bulbs
     
  11. Feb 18, 2016 at 6:51 PM
    #51
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    Toy Stuff..... Faktor Amber lights on in the grill. Under front bumper led rock lighting. Center counsel c.b mod with under the hood p.a. Anytime foglight mod. R.G.B tape light for inside toekick lighting. Front and back. Front weathertech floor mats. De-Baged except TOY on tailgate. FJ style 6 speed shifter knob. Rubber tacoma bed mat. Trd exhaust. Trd 16in beadlocker style wheels. Electrical a/c 115volt plug/usb mod next to passenger knee. Fox 2.5 coilovers. Icon 2.0's in the rear. Rear locker any-time mod. Abs kill switch mod. All Pro ISF front skid Pelfrey built front differential skid Baja design pro pods Rigid pods CBI pods brackets Mobtown tailgate guard RIP Mobtown Caliraised rear amber pod lights CJ Jumper- map, running, amber fog, reverse, and license plate led bulbs Pedal Commander
    No worries man
     
  12. Apr 1, 2016 at 11:50 AM
    #52
    Exhaust

    Exhaust Well-Known Member

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    Extended breather, Grey Wire mod, Tundra brakes, Rockford-Fosgate sound, General Spring HDs, 5100s + 880s, Heated Seats, TRD Supercharger, 2.1 Pulley, URD 7th Kit
    Bumping this thread.

    Can someone post a picture of their wiring and how it connects to the battery?

    Depending on how it looks I may need to switch to a secondary fuse box as I've already got accessories linked to the battery.
     
  13. Apr 1, 2016 at 11:52 AM
    #53
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3in lift (Bilstein 5100, AAL), Bull Bar with halogen Hella Fogs and High Beams
    Positive goes right onto your "auxiliary" positive terminal. Your ground goes to the side of the engine bay right next to the battery, you'll see a bolt going into the sheet metal with one or two ring terminals already on it.
     
  14. Apr 1, 2016 at 11:54 AM
    #54
    Exhaust

    Exhaust Well-Known Member

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    Yep I've got that. Just looking for a visual is all
     
  15. Apr 1, 2016 at 11:54 AM
    #55
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3in lift (Bilstein 5100, AAL), Bull Bar with halogen Hella Fogs and High Beams
    Hold on.
     
  16. Apr 1, 2016 at 12:07 PM
    #56
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    3in lift (Bilstein 5100, AAL), Bull Bar with halogen Hella Fogs and High Beams
    Sorry the headlight wiring is a little messy, but I hope you get the idea.
    image1 (8).jpg
     
  17. Apr 1, 2016 at 12:08 PM
    #57
    Exhaust

    Exhaust Well-Known Member

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    Perfect, that is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
     
  18. Nov 18, 2016 at 8:07 PM
    #58
    97redtaco

    97redtaco Active Member

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    Lift,wheels and tires and custom bumpers
    Amy body have any reviews or insight on these?

    Screenshot_2016-11-18-10-34-50.jpg
     
  19. Nov 18, 2016 at 8:26 PM
    #59
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    No. But I can guarantee you they will be significantly out-performed by Hella E-codes. I would literally bet the price of the Hellas on it. Anything blacking out the reflector lens is not a wide idea.
     
  20. Nov 18, 2016 at 9:06 PM
    #60
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    Stay away from these cheap ones (fake projector ones and the ones with leds on sides). the dulled output and disco ball beam pattern is laughably bad.

    Only buy them if you want to retrofit them.
     

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