Headlight Upgrade - Bulb types

So I’ve been doing reading and this seems to be covered in great depths but I want to make sure I actually understand and confirm before pulling the trigger. But basically, the cheapest upgrade utilizing stock housings is to go H9 bulbs for the low beams?

I assume LED bulbs are a no go due to the light output. What’s drawing my to the LED bulb is the ‘whiter’ light more along the 5000k output vs the standard H9.

I am still going functionality over of looks. So can someone please confirm if my understanding is accurate.

 

I put in H9 bulbs after doing the appropriate mods to the plug. Much better might output.

 

You’re talking about the cutting the tab off etc. right?

 

Yes the tab in the socket and a little piece of the metal along the alignment tabs

 

I did the H9 mod when I had a 2016 and 2020. The output was amazing and very useful. Then, I did the OEM LED swap on my 2020 and it was even better. If you’re on a budget, do the H9 mod for the time being. When you have the funds, upgrade to the OEM led housings.

 

Also, it’s my understanding that replacement LEDs are more around 6k degrees. Too blue for me.

I’d go the H9 route too.

 

Thanks for the info. Does anyone know the output tenp color of the H9? And are you able to get something more temp color output wise along that would match a LED light for fhr H9?

I just white that color temp of the LEDs modernizes the vehicle a lot more.

 

If you do a search for member @mynameistory you'll find he's done extensive research on aftermarket bulb solutions. Whether any will work for you depends on what year 4R you have, as I don't see that mentioned. Halogen bulbs are not used in the more recent years.

 

The h9 upgrade is the best bang for the buck. Also diode dynamics fog lights also really help if you leave them on with low beams. It also really helps to adjust the lights.

I'm also looking into the 2021 led headlight upgrade.

 

Which involves replacing the entire housing, correct?

 

My 4R is a 2016, Limited.

 

H9 bulb would be the same color temp as stock, ~3000K.

You can go with LEDs but need to be very selective in picking one with thin LED section to focus properly: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-hid-vs-led-vs-halogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465/

Hikari Ultra that reviewed well and outperformed stock halogen bulbs: https://www.amazon.com/HIKARI-UltraFocus-H11-Performance-Replacement/dp/B0CMX812PR/

 

Yeah, and also changing a plug.

 

I've been researching the same topic and have the H9 bulbs sitting at home waiting to be installed. I went with the H9s because it is the cheapest option at less than $40 for a set of bulbs. As mentioned earlier, the only modification to the bulbs is to trim the insert tab on the bulb and the connector tab. If I'm not satisfied with the H9s, then I'll consider either HID or 2021+ OEM LEDs.

Here's the two threads that have been the most helpful for me:
Bulb comparisons:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/headlight-comparison-stock-vs-others.11875/

OEM Headlight Conversion, options, and related items:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/oe...on-adapters-for-14-20-halogen-4runners.25899/

HID:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/xenondepot-h11-hid-kit-xtreme-hid-install.6540/

 

what bulbs did you end up going with? Phillips?

 

I went with Hella:

$30 HELLA H9 2.0TB High Performance Bulb, 12V, 65W, 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078SHPZWQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1