1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Which Aftermarket Headlights??

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by cverneau, Aug 26, 2019.

  1. Aug 26, 2019 at 7:06 AM
    #1
    cverneau

    cverneau [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2011
    Member:
    #51619
    Messages:
    283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Craig
    Cheshire, CT.
    Vehicle:
    11 Access Cab 4cyl 4x4 Auto
    AVS In-Channel Window Deflectors, AVS Rear Window Sun/Rain Deflector, EGR Front Hood Deflector, Weathertech Digital Fit Floor Liners With TRD Off Road Decals, TonnoPro Tri-Fold Cover, Coverking Black Neoprene Front Seat Covers & Front & Rear Center Console Covers, Black With Red Stitched TRD Head Rest Covers, Rear Grey Neoprene Wet Okole Seat Covers, Black Front Door Handle Pull Covers, Husky Custom Molded Mud Flaps, Devil Horns Of Fire On Satoshi, 7" Off Road Lights Mounted Behind Grill, Pop N Lock 5300, Seatbelt Chime Off, Interior & Exterior Led's, Cubby & Drink Holder Amber LED's, Infinity Reference #9633 6X9 Front Speakers, Solar-Gard HP Smoke 35% Tint, De-badged & Pinstripe Removal, Sun Visor Stickers Removed, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, ImMrYo Rear-View Mirror Lift Bracket, Ultragauge, TRD Aluminum Skid Plate, Bed Storage Cubby Locks Mod, Additional D-Rings In Bed, Rubber Bed Mat, Intermittent Wiper Stalk, Black Vinyl Arm Rest Mod, Secondary Air Filter Removal Mod, Spare Tire Rod Alignment Tube Mod, 14" Antenna Mod, Tailgate Theft Mod, DTRL Wire Jumper Mod, Parking Lights As Turn Signals Mod, Under Hood LED Strip Lighting Mod, 30 Watt Reverse Bulbs, PIAA 510's With LED's In Fog Locations, Cree LED Flood lights In Rear Bumper, Burner Bedlights In Bed Cubby's, Avid Light Bar, Horn Relocation Mod, Rear TSB Springs, Bilstein 5100's on all four corners - front set at 0.85", Cooper Discoverer ATP - 265-75R/16, Pioneer AVH-X3700BHS Head Unit With Microbypass, Added USB Charging Ports Under Dash.
    O.K. - I need some opinions and a little help...
    My 2011 headlights have about had it - all hazed and cracked.
    I've read pretty much every thread here with regards to headlights and need opinions.

    Going aftermarket for new Black Headlights.
    Not interested in a BHLM or Retrofit.
    I want to stick with DEPO and will seal them as everyone else does.
    Narrowed it down to four...

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005XRPNYI?ie=UTF8&psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAIIYFOKLBI535UV2A

    https://www.headlightsdepot.com/hea...acoma-sport-sku-ty794-b101p.html#.WOaaDFPyvmE

    https://www.headlightsdepot.com/200...-right-passenger-side-sku-ds-ty794-b1a12.html

    https://www.am-autoparts.com/Toyota/Tacoma/headlight-assemblies/AM-41557614/512721.html

    In the first two links, is HeadlightsDepo the same as the DEPO brand on Amazon, just cheaper??
    What is the difference in the second and third links?? Can't seem to figure it out...
     
  2. Aug 26, 2019 at 7:21 AM
    #2
    Babybluetaco

    Babybluetaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2018
    Member:
    #275343
    Messages:
    1,834
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Austin
    Monroe, North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    09 5 lug
    Interested as well. The 75$ eBay black ones i purchased off eBay could have housed a family of goldfish after the first storm we got.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #2
  3. Aug 26, 2019 at 8:32 AM
    #3
    cverneau

    cverneau [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2011
    Member:
    #51619
    Messages:
    283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Craig
    Cheshire, CT.
    Vehicle:
    11 Access Cab 4cyl 4x4 Auto
    AVS In-Channel Window Deflectors, AVS Rear Window Sun/Rain Deflector, EGR Front Hood Deflector, Weathertech Digital Fit Floor Liners With TRD Off Road Decals, TonnoPro Tri-Fold Cover, Coverking Black Neoprene Front Seat Covers & Front & Rear Center Console Covers, Black With Red Stitched TRD Head Rest Covers, Rear Grey Neoprene Wet Okole Seat Covers, Black Front Door Handle Pull Covers, Husky Custom Molded Mud Flaps, Devil Horns Of Fire On Satoshi, 7" Off Road Lights Mounted Behind Grill, Pop N Lock 5300, Seatbelt Chime Off, Interior & Exterior Led's, Cubby & Drink Holder Amber LED's, Infinity Reference #9633 6X9 Front Speakers, Solar-Gard HP Smoke 35% Tint, De-badged & Pinstripe Removal, Sun Visor Stickers Removed, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, ImMrYo Rear-View Mirror Lift Bracket, Ultragauge, TRD Aluminum Skid Plate, Bed Storage Cubby Locks Mod, Additional D-Rings In Bed, Rubber Bed Mat, Intermittent Wiper Stalk, Black Vinyl Arm Rest Mod, Secondary Air Filter Removal Mod, Spare Tire Rod Alignment Tube Mod, 14" Antenna Mod, Tailgate Theft Mod, DTRL Wire Jumper Mod, Parking Lights As Turn Signals Mod, Under Hood LED Strip Lighting Mod, 30 Watt Reverse Bulbs, PIAA 510's With LED's In Fog Locations, Cree LED Flood lights In Rear Bumper, Burner Bedlights In Bed Cubby's, Avid Light Bar, Horn Relocation Mod, Rear TSB Springs, Bilstein 5100's on all four corners - front set at 0.85", Cooper Discoverer ATP - 265-75R/16, Pioneer AVH-X3700BHS Head Unit With Microbypass, Added USB Charging Ports Under Dash.
    OK - I just spoke with a customer service rep at HeadlightsDepo.
    She was honest with me and stated that their headlights are not "DEPO" brand and theirs are a little less in quality than the DEPO brand (surprisingly honest from customer service!!)
    They also sometimes sell the DEPO brand and when they do, they command a higher price than what's currently on the website for the two I linked to.

    The difference between the second and third links is that the more expensive one is more "Sporty" where the amber colors are more noticeable and
    the black bezel is more of a flat or satin black as opposed to a shiny black on the cheaper one. She said the cheaper one is more comparable with stock headlights.

    At this point it seams the DEPO headlights on AMAZON are the way to go.
    Anyone have any recommendations or words of wisdom before I pull the trigger??
     
  4. Aug 26, 2019 at 9:19 AM
    #4
    74cam

    74cam Automotive Engineer

    Joined:
    May 15, 2017
    Member:
    #219075
    Messages:
    400
    Gender:
    Male
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma TRD Sport 6spd
    TRD Supercharged, 3 inch lift, TRD beadlock wheels
    Lots of good info! I'll say my $70 ebay black headlights have already hazed and are getting bad sun cracks 1 year after purchase and would not recommend.

    I think Depo is the best aftermarket I've heard of as well, so it sounds like it's really your preference to either go with black chrome or the standard black. Otherwise it's trying to find nice OEM takeoffs.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #4
  5. Aug 26, 2019 at 9:41 AM
    #5
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2017
    Member:
    #208501
    Messages:
    3,840
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tom
    South shore of Lake Ontario
    Vehicle:
    2021 4Runner SR5 Premium
    It's a pretty long thread, but it will answer just about any question you might have on 2nd generation Tacoma headlights. Personally, I'd recommend OEM if you want a good looking light that puts light on the ground where you can use it, doesn't fill with water, doesn't need silicone sealer, resists hazing and lasts a long time.

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/
     
  6. Aug 26, 2019 at 9:44 AM
    #6
    coopcooper

    coopcooper certified youtube mechanic

    Joined:
    May 12, 2017
    Member:
    #218843
    Messages:
    6,003
    Gender:
    Male
    alberta canada
    Vehicle:
    black on black on black 05 trd off road
    stickers and sticker accessory's
    depo and tyc are decent for the price.
     
  7. Aug 26, 2019 at 9:54 AM
    #7
    Larzzzz

    Larzzzz Grande' Ricardo

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2009
    Member:
    #21609
    Messages:
    2,842
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Larry
    MA
    Vehicle:
    '06 dclb 350+ kmiles
    Aux back up lights, Bed lights, Re-located trailer plug, Good dooby, a.k.a. jumper cable mod, Heated seats, back up camera,
    I bought depo lights for my truck and tyc lights for my gf's Corolla about 6 months apart from each other. I have already exchanged the depo headlights for another pair because they both sprung leaks...
     
  8. Aug 26, 2019 at 10:09 AM
    #8
    REDdawn6

    REDdawn6 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2013
    Member:
    #96016
    Messages:
    1,547
    Gender:
    Male
    Redlands CA.
    Vehicle:
    2011 Tacoma TRD 4x4
  9. Aug 26, 2019 at 10:09 AM
    #9
    Groan Old

    Groan Old Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2018
    Member:
    #245289
    Messages:
    488
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ken
    Newton NC
    Vehicle:
    Black 2011 SR5 4X4,Double Cab, V6/auto
    I installed a pair of these just yesterday. They fit perfectly, look great (my 2011 truck is black), and the light pattern is good, but I haven't got them correctly set yet. The adjusters DO work. I can't speak yet for water integrity, but the seams between lens and housing look and feel solid. I figure for less than half the price of a single side factory replacement, they're good enough for a while.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079DJLSDW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1DSC00795.jpg
     
  10. Aug 26, 2019 at 10:43 AM
    #10
    lynlan1819

    lynlan1819 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2016
    Member:
    #181268
    Messages:
    6,491
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tacoma
    Lifted
    This ^ way too many problems with all the aftermarket ones.
     
    DirtJumper14 and crashnburn80 like this.
  11. Aug 26, 2019 at 12:45 PM
    #11
    muddog321

    muddog321 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Member:
    #27973
    Messages:
    1,137
    Gender:
    Male
    FL
    Vehicle:
    09 Tacoma DCSB 4wd TRD Off-Road w/e-locker Pyrite Mica
    TW 1-piece driveshaft with 1310 u-joints All Pro and Budbuilt skid plates OME Dakar rear springs 3" with 5100 5100 front set at 1.75" (3rd groove up) with stock springs Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/70R16 2018 TRD Offroad wheels 16x7J with +25mm offset Powerstop rotors with Z36 pads and rebuilt with OEM caliper kit Complete rebuilt rear brakes drums, shoes, springs, wheel cylinders Rebuilt rear diff with Yukon 3.73 ring/pinion Denso 130A rebuilt alternator AGM 24F Battery New OEM idlers and tensioner assembly New AC compressor New PS hose and flushed Walker SS Quiet Flow muffler Denso Iridium long life plugs #3421 (SK20HR11) OEM coolant, cap, and thermostat NAPA CV axles and new seals ECGS bushing Rhino front guard Shortened mud flaps Alziria Black Tail Lights Nilight Headlights X-Bull Traction Boards Maaco full single stage paint job 2023 Nat CV to Knuckle seals 710573 New SKF wheel bearings/hubs BR930978 New Moog stabilizer links K80946 & 948 New MOOG K80819 Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing 28mm New Dorman rear wheel bearings using complete axles 926-139 & 140 New Radiator support bushings Dorman 924-267 (front body mounts)
    I put your first pick above in mine (black inside) after sealing and after 1 year all OK and easy to aim with good top light cutoff on low beams. Got new Perde 6000 spetrum bulbs and great at night. Look at the back and see the breathers as they are plastic cap type and work well keeping water out. Your second pick has rubber tube type breathers and I had them and they sucked water in so avoid them. Longer warranty requires extra cost so read the time on it. Others I don't know about. Yes dealer is probably best but costly.
     
  12. Aug 26, 2019 at 2:24 PM
    #12
    ace96

    ace96 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2010
    Member:
    #42591
    Messages:
    3,815
    Gender:
    Male
    Western KY
    Vehicle:
    '11 SWB DC TRD SPORT
    AVS bug deflector, Weathertech digital fit floor mats, TRD skid plate w/ Sockmonkey decal, SOS Cocept sliders w/ Line-x, Pioneer 3500, Hybrid Audio Technology Mirus 6X9s & 6.5s, back up cam mod, Wet Okoles-front & rear, TRD exhaust, 17X9 XD Spy w/ Falken Wildpeaks, Avid light bar
    Exactly. I have been down this road with another vehicle. Ended up buying headlights twice after deciding I couldn't put up with the shit light output.
     
  13. Aug 26, 2019 at 2:29 PM
    #13
    Razorecko

    Razorecko Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Member:
    #18125
    Messages:
    1,692
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '09 Pyrite DCLB TRD Supercharged
  14. Aug 26, 2019 at 2:38 PM
    #14
    Tacticool_Ty

    Tacticool_Ty Your Skinny Jeans Render Your Beard INVALID...

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2019
    Member:
    #288612
    Messages:
    354
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2005 White Tacoma Sport 4x4
    2 busted CV boots, 1 leaky tire, 2 torn seat covers, and crappy wipers
    just a word of advice, if you get the Amazon or ebay lights be sure to seal them before install. Run a good bead of silicon or something around the seams and you will be good to go to reduce getting in moisture. These are worth the money, not the best but not the worst.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #14
  15. Aug 27, 2019 at 6:11 AM
    #15
    cverneau

    cverneau [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2011
    Member:
    #51619
    Messages:
    283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Craig
    Cheshire, CT.
    Vehicle:
    11 Access Cab 4cyl 4x4 Auto
    AVS In-Channel Window Deflectors, AVS Rear Window Sun/Rain Deflector, EGR Front Hood Deflector, Weathertech Digital Fit Floor Liners With TRD Off Road Decals, TonnoPro Tri-Fold Cover, Coverking Black Neoprene Front Seat Covers & Front & Rear Center Console Covers, Black With Red Stitched TRD Head Rest Covers, Rear Grey Neoprene Wet Okole Seat Covers, Black Front Door Handle Pull Covers, Husky Custom Molded Mud Flaps, Devil Horns Of Fire On Satoshi, 7" Off Road Lights Mounted Behind Grill, Pop N Lock 5300, Seatbelt Chime Off, Interior & Exterior Led's, Cubby & Drink Holder Amber LED's, Infinity Reference #9633 6X9 Front Speakers, Solar-Gard HP Smoke 35% Tint, De-badged & Pinstripe Removal, Sun Visor Stickers Removed, Illuminated 4x4 Switch, ImMrYo Rear-View Mirror Lift Bracket, Ultragauge, TRD Aluminum Skid Plate, Bed Storage Cubby Locks Mod, Additional D-Rings In Bed, Rubber Bed Mat, Intermittent Wiper Stalk, Black Vinyl Arm Rest Mod, Secondary Air Filter Removal Mod, Spare Tire Rod Alignment Tube Mod, 14" Antenna Mod, Tailgate Theft Mod, DTRL Wire Jumper Mod, Parking Lights As Turn Signals Mod, Under Hood LED Strip Lighting Mod, 30 Watt Reverse Bulbs, PIAA 510's With LED's In Fog Locations, Cree LED Flood lights In Rear Bumper, Burner Bedlights In Bed Cubby's, Avid Light Bar, Horn Relocation Mod, Rear TSB Springs, Bilstein 5100's on all four corners - front set at 0.85", Cooper Discoverer ATP - 265-75R/16, Pioneer AVH-X3700BHS Head Unit With Microbypass, Added USB Charging Ports Under Dash.
    I'm now leaning towards the last link in my original post from AM-AutoParts.
    Other people on here have had great luck with them and TRSAndrew has stated in other posts that they're Eagle Eyes housings.
    They also come with a 10 year warranty.
    However that warranty is voided if you run silicone around them or modify in any way according to customer service.
    So, the DEPO brand and the AM-AutoParts (possibly Eagle Eyes) are the same price.
    Any more thoughts from anyone??
     
  16. Aug 27, 2019 at 6:52 AM
    #16
    Hairy Taco

    Hairy Taco Jungle of Love

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2011
    Member:
    #67666
    Messages:
    9,929
    First Name:
    Chris
    North of Hell
    Vehicle:
    08 TRD
    When I originally replaced the headlights on my 08 I bought Depo. They had lasted several years without hazing or leaking before the lens on one of them got taken out in a parking lot. Before I installed them I did run a bead of Permatex silicone to enhance the factory seal. They had a black bezel, which looked great. Unfortunately the light output wasn't as good as the OEM. At the time I wasn't aware that the extra bead of sealant might void the warranty, thankfully it never came down to that.
     
  17. Aug 27, 2019 at 7:33 AM
    #17
    74cam

    74cam Automotive Engineer

    Joined:
    May 15, 2017
    Member:
    #219075
    Messages:
    400
    Gender:
    Male
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma TRD Sport 6spd
    TRD Supercharged, 3 inch lift, TRD beadlock wheels
    Go with the one with the warranty! Don't put on silicone if it voids the warranty but if they leak and/or fog up you can just send them back. Luckily replacing headlights on these trucks isn't too difficult!
     
  18. Aug 27, 2019 at 8:57 AM
    #18
    Marcus Israd

    Marcus Israd Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2013
    Member:
    #94491
    Messages:
    66
    Gender:
    Male
    Concord, CA
    Vehicle:
    09 TRD Sport SR5 4x4
    2009 Tacoma 4.0L Double Cab 4x4 Pyrite Mica Front: Yukon 4.88's ARB Locker Bilstein 5100's/Eibach Springs Camburg Uni-Ball UCA's Solo Motorsports Steering Rack Marlin Crawler LCA & Frame Braces Wheel bearings/Hubs by "05taco4x4" Crown Extended SS Brake Lines Stoptech Cryo Slotted Rotors/TRD Pads Wheeler's Super Bump Stops Rear: Yukon 4.88's ARB Locker Bilstein 5125's/All-Pro Expo Leaf Springs Ruff Stuff U-bolt Flip Crown Extended SS Brake Lines Timbren Bump Stops Intake/Exhaust: TRD CAI w/ AFE Dry-Flow Filter & TRD Exhaust (cut at axle) Lighting: Ultimate Headlight Upgrade by "crashnburn80" Fog light anytime mod Baja Designs S8 20" Light Bar Baja Designs Squadron Pro Fogs Armor: Pelfrybilt Steel Front Bumper BAMF Steel Skid Plates BAMF Weld-on Rock Sliders BAMF Front Bumper Supports Wheel/Tires: Pro Comp 17"x9" Wheels (x5) BFG KM3's - 35/12.5/17 Recovery: Warn M8000s Winch w/ Synthetic line Misc.: SoftTopper Ultra-Gauge Hurst T-handle Shift Knob Energy Suspension Urethane Radiator Support Bushings Pro Eagle Jack Midland CB Pine Tree Air Freshener Fluids: Amsoil
    Just buy new OEM's.. Save yourself the misery of shitty aftermarket lights that you will replace and re-seal over and over.
    Check out some of the online Toyota dealerships, usually you can find not great but decent prices on OEM. In the long run it will be worth it.
     
    74cam likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top