The ultimate headlight upgrade H4 (not LED or HID)

Under spec in the link I posted it says Osram LEDs.

I'd anticipate the 12-15 using the same LED projectors and beam configuration, just different housing. I'll gladly test them and provide the data if someone lends me a set. In the 3rd Gen thread, a member has sent me the OEM LED headlights which should arrive for testing this week.

Aftermarket halogen projectors are going to be poor, and larger reflectors (like 2nd Gen OEM) are the highest performing lighting projection technology. I don't think it would be much of a contest. If you look at even the OEM 3rd Gen projector headlights, the 2nd Gen outperforms them (both in stock form) by a landslide. However, huge reflector headlights like 2nd Gen really cramp vehicle design styling, leading to projectors being popular due to their small form factor.

 

According to carid, this alpharex model works for 2015
https://www.carid.com/alpharex/nova...-880705.html?singleid=3034435857&url=15774130

EDIT: But they are wrong. It is for gen 3.

 

Did the wiring harness mod and osram bulbs four or five years ago. Bought a bunch of extra bulbs at the time. Down to my last couple of bulbs and headlight housing could be replaced again. I haven't kept up with this thread. What are the best options for 11' second gen?

 

4-5 years ago you likely got the Osram Hyper 85/80w bulbs. Those were the best H4s on the market but unfortunately are no longer available. The main thread is constantly updated with the latest info. Recommended replacement bulbs for high power are the Osram Superbright 100/90w. Low beam isn’t quite as good as the Hypers but high beam is better. The thread was also updated with test results of a bunch of different bulbs, so you can take a look at the data.

You need to replace your assemblies again? Were they OEM? An OEM assembly should have lasted much longer than that.

 

Not OEM assemblies. The replacements had a decent beam pattern but due to an accident I had a third party replace the passenger side housing and the beam pattern there sucks. Think I will just replace with OEM housings now. Thanks for the bulb updates.

 

Part numbers and best pricing I’ve found from a dealer for the 05-11 smoked chrome units are listed in the original thread.

 

@crashnburn80 or anyone else for that matter... do you happen to have proper instructions or can you point me in the proper direction to properly aim the headlights in my 09 tacoma? They're the stock trdor housings, but I was one of "those people" with hid bulbs in the housings up until I stumbled upon your thread and now my lights just don't seem to be quite right, but I'm not sure whats proper. Thanks in advance.

 

This could help you if your a visual person.

 

Here is Sterns headlight aiming article:
https://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html

Note that you typically shouldn't need to use the horizontal adjusters, messing with them unnecessarily can cause trouble that is difficult to re-aim.

 

Anything new in the bulb department sir?

 

Not really. AlphaRex released their complete LED replacement headlight for early 2nd Gen, which is the first LED option for a 2nd Gen. Their lights look to have too much foreground light and not as good distance light compared to Morimoto units though, but I haven't tested them in person and Morimotos are not available for 2nd Gen.

As for new bulbs, I'd anticipate maybe some incrementally improved stock wattage performance H4s over the years, but I don't anticipate manufactures releasing new high wattage high performance halogens, unless Osram was somehow convinced to do another run of the Hypers, which seems unlikely.

I just saw the Toyota retro tri-color stripes on your truck, I dig it!

 

Thank you sir it is one of my favorite mods yet. Had the Dobinson Snorkel put on this past weekend.

 

I wonder how many confirmed pre-orders they’d need. I know of at least one instance of that working.

 

I think I saw on Candlepower that Stern was trying to get them to do another run. Pretty much nobody is going to have more pull in the industry than him. I wouldn’t get my hopes up though.

 

@crashnburn80 where do I find this original thread with is info? Sorry new to TW and I need these headlights!

 

No worries, all in post #1 of this thread:

Copy/Paste:

OEM 2005-2011 smoked headlights:
These are like the Pro lights, but came on select Sport models. These are the updated TSB version of the lights that do not have the melting DRL issue. TSB is available here.
Right: 81110-04210
Left: 81150-04210

Stock light on left, Pro on right:

 

Thanks man! I found it right after I replied. Looks like you are the headlight king! Super good info! Thanks again!

 

Are there any aftermarket headlights you would suggest?

 

Personally, no. Optics and performance of aftermarket lights will not match OEM and the quality will subpar. See post #2541 as an example. If OEM is completely not an option, you might try restoring yours. If you had to go aftermarket, Depo is popular but they won't match the quality and performance of OEM. Note that new assemblies are not required to get the output upgrade, that is just wiring and bulbs.

 

Hi @crashnburn80, just want to thank you again for all your research, testing, and detailed write-ups. (Count me in with the hundreds of thousands of your fans who have already thanked you.)

I just installed the Philips RacingVisions in my 2013 for a non-stop cross country trip starting in two days from Tennessee to Colorado and back. Looking forward to "seeing" how they do. Again, thanks for your help!