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2018 LED Headlights vs Retro?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by TTU19, Dec 7, 2017.

  1. Dec 7, 2017 at 9:43 AM
    #1
    TTU19

    TTU19 [OP] Wreck 'Em

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    So I'm thinking of switching from the Retro to the new 2018 headlights. Has anyone done this that can offer any info on how they compare? I also see there is a chrome and black version, anyone have any photos?

    From what limited research I've done, all I need to do is buy the headlights, and an appropriate PNP harness for my 2016 SR5, correct?

    Thanks for any other info and sorry for another headlight question, ha.
     
  2. Dec 7, 2017 at 9:49 AM
    #2
    dcsleeper408

    dcsleeper408 BASTRDS

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    BlueBottle and TTU19[OP] like this.
  3. Dec 7, 2017 at 1:23 PM
    #3
    Buildn

    Buildn 2022 Tundra Limited CM 6.5 Bed TRD Off Road

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    TT,

    I had the Morimoto HID Elite system in my 2017 Tundra.

    I am extremely satisfied with the 2018 LED headlights.

    I went a little further and bought Morimoto 2 Stroke LED H11 fog light system in case I didn’t like the LED headlights.

    The fogs are now a bonus! They really give me an extra wide light pattern for the dark country roads riddled with deer here in Ohio.

    I’d buy the 2018 lights!

    4D322670-CFBB-4E97-B7EF-402FC0AA4962.jpg
    13A6608F-4D13-41EC-9CB1-270B1ADA944B.jpg
     
    MDHinSD and TTU19[OP] like this.
  4. Dec 7, 2017 at 1:35 PM
    #4
    71_340

    71_340 The German

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    I have the LED headlights on my truck and they are definitely better then OEM HID headlights I had on my 2012 F-150 or my wife has on her BMW. With that said, some of the higher end HID setups (Lexus, Morimoto, etc.) are supposed to be pretty bright. I prefer OEM vs. retrofits because I don't like the idea of opening up the housings and then try to reseal them, I have read to many posts about moisture getting into the lights.

    As far as price is concerned there probably isn't a big difference if you buy quality retrofits and harness. If you want simplicity and OEM reliability by LED, if you want a lot of custom option buy retrofits (but the price will go up with options).

    My vote is OEM LED.
     
    TheBeast and TTU19[OP] like this.
  5. Dec 13, 2017 at 9:06 PM
    #5
    Tundra4us

    Tundra4us New Member

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    TTU19, I have just done the switch from retros ( RX350 ) to the 2018 set up. Mine is a Platinum, so it was literally plug-n-play with the harness from ihacker. And since we already have the morimoto relay wired in from the retros, it was even easier to switch! As far as lighting output, its not as powerful, but its pretty darn good. and most of all, stock/factory reliability. Sorry, no comparison photos.
     
    MotoTundra and 71_340 like this.
  6. Dec 13, 2017 at 9:30 PM
    #6
    A-A-Ron

    A-A-Ron Done messed up

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    I just installed the 2018 LED's this week. My inspiration for upgrading my headlights was driving my wife's RX350 with HID's. The LED's are a HUGE upgrade over my stock headlights with upgraded bulbs, but it does come up a little short of the RX350 HID's. I was expecting this based of other reviews on this site. For me it was worth the slight downgrade to have a factory part that I know will work properly. Very happy with my purchase, was so frustrated with the old lights.
     
  7. Dec 14, 2017 at 3:41 AM
    #7
    71_340

    71_340 The German

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    I am sure you can easily sell your RX350 retrofit lights. I have read on just about every forum I've ever been that the Lexus HID are the best you can get.
     
  8. Dec 14, 2017 at 6:19 AM
    #8
    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 retrofitted my headlights myself and I am very happy with the output. I went with all Morimoto stuff.

    If I ever get the opportunity to compare my headlights the the 18 LED's, I will. I'm curious how they will compare.

    I really love the look of my retro's, as they are blacked out a bit, but I also like the look of the OEM LED's.

    I would like to buy the LED's and see which one I like better overall, then sell my 2nd favorite, however I'm happy with my current setup and don't feel like taking a loss for no reason other than curiosity.

    Since I did mine myself I feel pretty comfortable if I would have to repair anything, so I'm going to keep them as is for now.
     
    MakMurph likes this.
  9. Dec 14, 2017 at 5:44 PM
    #9
    Tundra4us

    Tundra4us New Member

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    I am talking with a form member who showed some interest when I mentioned i will be selling them. If he doesn't want them, I will be posting for sale soon.
     
  10. Dec 14, 2017 at 5:56 PM
    #10
    Stulloh

    Stulloh New Member

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    What does it cost to swap to new led?
     
  11. Dec 14, 2017 at 8:52 PM
    #11
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    I just bought my new 2018 led headlights and will be removing my retrofit d2s. I love my retros they look good But I like the idea of oem lights that look good and produce decent output watch my build for pics if you want.

    My retro will be for sale as well if anyone is interested I’ll make a great deal
     
    dcsleeper408 likes this.

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