Don't buy terrible aftermarket headlights

I have lasfit on my 2nd gen taco they’re a million times better than the shit stock bulb and I’ve never gotten flashed once been running them about 2 years pretty happy

 

Way better than the stock Tacoma ones so…

 

OEM 2nd gen taco headlights are so good out of the box. i have some osram nightbreaker 200s in my 2nd gen and work really well.

since they are big beefy reflector headlights anything beyond a halogen will glare and not have a clean beam pattern. it's been proven over and over again on the taco forum.

 

The guy in this video probably thinks his are better too, but they're not.

 

No need, the research is done. Get bog-standard H9 halogen bulbs for $12 each, trim one of the metal tabs, done.

Philips 12361B1 H9 Standard Halogen Replacement Headlight Bulb, 1 Pack

 

Here's a link that shows how to trim the tabs (there is one small plastic one inside the plug, and a metal tab that needs to be adjusted in order to fit into the light socket).

https://www.goodmoneysense.com/h11-to-h9-conversion/

You'll want a sharp pair of snips (wire cutters or cutting pliers) and you can perform the modifications in less than 30 seconds.



IGAN-170 Wire Cutters

 

That’s where the H9 bulb swap comes in. Makes a very big difference. Then pair that with a 9011 high beam, and you’re good. With better rain and fog visibility than LED, and a light color that’s better for your eyes.

 

While you’re at it, replace the 9005 with a 9011 high beam. Turns night into day, and even easier than the H11 to H9 swap. Just have to trim the top ear. The socket is good to go.

 

This thread reminds me of how when automobiles were first rolled out and tons of people clung onto the belief that the horse and buggy were superior

 

Don’t get me started on headlights for horses… that’ll be another thread!

Everyone’s taste and eyes are different. The H11 to H9 and 9005 to 9011 bulb swaps do make a massive difference in light output, with minimal effort. There’s absolutely no glare to oncoming motorist, and the light pattern and projection down the road is outstanding. I used Philips for the high and low beams, and the color is almost identical to HID and good LEDs (as in around 5,500k, not too blueish).
No issues with taking up too much space, too much heat, fans, noise, buzzing, radio interference, extra wiring harnesses, drilling, or even daytime running light issues.

So there are big advantages to these simple mods, at minimal costs, and retains more of the “stock” vibe, which I’m fond of.

The H8s for the fog lights is a very good compliment to the brighter H9 low beams.
That combo of 9011, H9, and H8 upgrades all 3 light sets for less than $60 total!!!
Just tremendous bang for the buck, and extremely good lighting that is also friendly to oncoming motorist.
I am completely satisfied… this lighting is as good as any new vehicle LED lighting (esp high beams with those 9011 high beams).
I travel 3 weeks out of every month, and drive a huge amount of rental cars, usually premium. These upgraded halogens in the stock 4Runner housings are as good as or better than most new LEDs. Not quite as good as HIDs, but close. Bang for the Buck!

 

Just to fuel the fire i have LAsfit LEDs in HIs and Lows in my 5th gen. Love em. In my 3rd gen I did the retro fit upgrade and have the H1s. Love them too. Carry on

 

My terrible chinesium headlights have a great pattern, cleaner cutoff, nicer DRLs, and look far better than the stock '21 LEDs. Sure the pins were wrong and the adjuster is maxed out on one side, but that's all part of the fun.

Perhaps I'm not complying with every regulation my betters have concocted, but I have a startup animation to balance that right out.