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New headlights

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by MrWrench, Dec 3, 2017.

  1. Dec 3, 2017 at 12:52 PM
    #1
    MrWrench

    MrWrench [OP] New Member

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    i am looking for some input on new headlights. The stock halogens on my ‘17 CM aren’t doing it for me. Not sure if I wanna put the new Toyota headlights on or use aftermarket with a HID kit. Thanks for your help!!!
     
  2. Dec 3, 2017 at 1:11 PM
    #2
    nowayout

    nowayout New Member

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    I say this with a 100% guarantee, there is nothing better than an HID retrofit with top brand components. If you would like to know who I used for my retrofit pm me as he is not on this forum.
     
    dcsleeper408 and ldale like this.
  3. Dec 3, 2017 at 4:09 PM
    #3
    muisejt

    muisejt New Member

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    I put some PIAA Extreme White bulbs in and it made a big difference. Retrofitting next year
     
  4. Dec 3, 2017 at 5:14 PM
    #4
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    I think either one will be sufficient.

    With a retrofit I think you will get more performance compared to the OEM 18’ LED headlights, but I think you will have more reliability with the OEM LED’s.

    Just my opinion though....
     
    MrWrench[OP] and SouthBoundSteve like this.
  5. Dec 3, 2017 at 7:52 PM
    #5
    94slowbra

    94slowbra New Member

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    Once you have a good retrofit you will never go back. Right now I'm in your boat, stock PRO head lights. On my last f150 I had oem hid headlights then I swapped to a retrofit headlight with fxr 3.0 projectors. The retrofit was for superior and lasted about 4 years. I have since sold them and they are still going strong.
    I'm going to upgrade my current lights and will most probably go with a retrofit. I like the 18 leds but I want better output, plus I like the look of a black housing. Either will be an upgrade and it depends on personal preference.
    If you like oem then go with the 18s. If you want great output with a custom look go with a retrofit.
     
  6. Dec 4, 2017 at 6:20 AM
    #6
    MrWrench

    MrWrench [OP] New Member

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    Reliability is my top concern. With just about everything I buy I look at the long term reliability and cost. That’s why we bought tundras. Haha
     
    MotoTundra[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Dec 4, 2017 at 6:35 AM
    #7
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    Been using the Sylvania Ultra Bright halogens whiter brighter light throws down a lil more than stock I'm happy...but now they came out with Sylvania ZXE Gold which is more intense whiter brighter
     
  8. Dec 4, 2017 at 7:04 AM
    #8
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    With a retrofit you may have to change a bulb or ballast down the road. With the LED OEM headlights I don't think you'll have to do anything. Ever.
     
    MrWrench[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. Dec 4, 2017 at 7:28 AM
    #9
    94slowbra

    94slowbra New Member

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    If reliability is first then I would go 18 oem led. Only downside I see is if it ever goes out you have to replace the entire thing, not just part
     
    MrWrench[OP] likes this.
  10. Dec 4, 2017 at 12:56 PM
    #10
    71_340

    71_340 The German

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    A few years back I had a 2012 F-150 with OEM HIDs and I thought they were pretty good but I have no comparison to the FXR projectors you had. My last ruck (2016 F-150) had the OEM LEDs which were better then the 2012 HIDs or the HIDs on my wife's BMW.

    My Tundra has the OEM LEDs and they are much better then the LEDs I had on my Ford. Having had all three the Tundra headlights are the best light I ever had and you can't beat the reliability of a LEDs. No matter which way the OP goes (HID or LED) the weak link will be the conversion harness and ballasts. I would at least make sure to get Morimoto ballasts. Also, the biggest difference between HID and LED is that HID has a razor sharp cut off line.

    With all that said I would go OEM.
     
    MrWrench[OP] likes this.
  11. Dec 4, 2017 at 5:32 PM
    #11
    94slowbra

    94slowbra New Member

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    Or have the best of both worlds and get the new morimoto Mled retrofit. Great cutoff, great light and led reliability. But again it's a retrofit.
     
    MrWrench[OP] and 71_340 like this.
  12. Dec 4, 2017 at 5:52 PM
    #12
    71_340

    71_340 The German

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    I am sure they are good. The only drawback to me would be that the headlights have been opened (and baked) and resealed. I know it has been done many times but I am just not comfortable with that plus I always get OEM if it is an option.
     
    MrWrench[OP] likes this.
  13. Dec 4, 2017 at 5:56 PM
    #13
    94slowbra

    94slowbra New Member

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    I completely agree. 18 oem led is a great option
     
    MrWrench[OP] likes this.
  14. Dec 5, 2017 at 8:37 AM
    #14
    nowayout

    nowayout New Member

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    If you retrofit with OEM components like Lexus RX350 stuff you will get reliability. That is why I went that route. I went a cheaper route in the past and had issues, this time I did it right with the all OEM stuff.
     
    MrWrench[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  15. Dec 5, 2017 at 7:49 PM
    #15
    Tundra4us

    Tundra4us New Member

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    if your looking for reliability, 2018 swap, or change bulbs. I now have really cool retros W/ RX 350, Panamera shrouds, W/ DRL's that will be for sale ,as I prefer to have "stock" reliability.
     
    MrWrench[OP] likes this.
  16. Dec 5, 2017 at 8:39 PM
    #16
    MrWrench

    MrWrench [OP] New Member

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    I’m leaning towards the OEM ones. I prefer reliability over just about anything. Turning wrenches for a living, I hate doing something twice haha
     
    71_340 likes this.

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