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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

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    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

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    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.
     
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  3. Aug 26, 2019 at 8:32 AM
    #3
    cverneau

    cverneau [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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

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    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.
     
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  5. Aug 26, 2019 at 9:41 AM
    #5
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

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    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

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    depo and tyc are decent for the price.
     
  7. Aug 26, 2019 at 9:54 AM
    #7
    Larzzzz

    Larzzzz Grande' Ricardo

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    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

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  9. Aug 26, 2019 at 10:09 AM
    #9
    Groan Old

    Groan Old Well-Known Member

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    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

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    This ^ way too many problems with all the aftermarket ones.
     
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  11. Aug 26, 2019 at 12:45 PM
    #11
    muddog321

    muddog321 Well-Known Member

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    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

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    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

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  14. Aug 26, 2019 at 2:38 PM
    #14
    Tacticool_Ty

    Tacticool_Ty Your Skinny Jeans Render Your Beard INVALID...

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    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.
     
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  15. Aug 27, 2019 at 6:11 AM
    #15
    cverneau

    cverneau [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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.
     
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