OEM vs TRQ tailights advice needed. - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Monty87ls · 12-01-2024, 01:31 PM

I've looked over a bunch of different posts on the subject but right now I'm torn between getting OEM 06 led taillights for my 04 or the TRQ on the 1aauto website. I can get the OEM new for about $250 and the TRQ for about $100 less and says lifetime warranty! Concerned it would cost alot to send back if need be though.

Anyone try the TRQ for the lights? I know aftermarket lens and parts in general can be iffy.

Id like to OEM but I gotta admit the TRQ for less with lifetime is tempting. I don't drive the 4runner daily anymore but since I broke one of the original ones I want do the LED swap. Thanks

Humble Leader · 12-01-2024, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monty87ls

I've looked over a bunch of different posts on the subject but right now I'm torn between getting OEM 06 led taillights for my 04 or the TRQ on the 1aauto website. I can get the OEM new for about $250 and the TRQ for about $100 less and says lifetime warranty! Concerned it would cost alot to send back if need be though.

Anyone try the TRQ for the lights? I know aftermarket lens and parts in general can be iffy.

Id like to OEM but I gotta admit the TRQ for less with lifetime is tempting. I don't drive the 4runner daily anymore but since I broke one of the original ones I want do the LED swap. Thanks

I don't have personal experience with TRQ, but I do know that for more critical components like suspension it's probably best to avoid. quality can be iffy. for tail lights the risk is lower and sure you're saving $100 but at the cost of sub par quality product. OEM toyota is generally very good. IMO go OEM. TRQ themselves are not BAD parts, but they certainly are not going to last as long as OEM, just keep that in mind

OopsIBrokeIt · 12-02-2024, 09:18 AM

I got the Dorman OE style led tails and have zero complaints. Bolted right up, zero function issues for 3 years now.

Monty87ls · 12-02-2024, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humble Leader

I don't have personal experience with TRQ, but I do know that for more critical components like suspension it's probably best to avoid. quality can be iffy. for tail lights the risk is lower and sure you're saving $100 but at the cost of sub par quality product. OEM toyota is generally very good. IMO go OEM. TRQ themselves are not BAD parts, but they certainly are not going to last as long as OEM, just keep that in mind

I tend to stick OEM or a well known aftermarket brand known for quality when replacing parts. It is a $104.61 difference after tax. Only reason I didnt order right away is because of the lifetime warranty on the TRQ. Still trying to decide if worth the risk of getting aftermarket for them since it does come with the warranty. At least the company has been around a long time vs others. Ill have to decide by tonight when the sales end.

Monty87ls · 12-02-2024, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OopsIBrokeIt

I got the Dorman OE style led tails and have zero complaints. Bolted right up, zero function issues for 3 years now.

Dorman makes good stuff, I looked up the light for it and it would be about $53 cheaper then getting the OEM ones. for that much id def go with OEM but at $104 and lifetime warranty its got me thinking hard on it. Ill figure it out by tonight or just stick with my broken one until next years sale! lol

Humble Leader · 12-02-2024, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monty87ls

Dorman makes good stuff, I looked up the light for it and it would be about $53 cheaper then getting the OEM ones. for that much id def go with OEM but at $104 and lifetime warranty its got me thinking hard on it. Ill figure it out by tonight or just stick with my broken one until next years sale! lol

you know how the saying goes, buy once cry once. hassle factor of a potential return and your time required to deal with it - is it worth the price difference of $100?

Jeebus · 12-02-2024, 06:08 PM

For a moment I thought I read that you found TEQ lights for cheaper! TEQ lights are not cheap by any means.

I personally would go OEM, but em used or from the wreckers.

Monty87ls · 12-02-2024, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humble Leader

you know how the saying goes, buy once cry once. hassle factor of a potential return and your time required to deal with it - is it worth the price difference of $100?

I know but it doesn't hurt to give it some thought first!

Monty87ls · 12-02-2024, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeebus

For a moment I thought I read that you found TEQ lights for cheaper! TEQ lights are not cheap by any means.

I personally would go OEM, but em used or from the wreckers.

Local place had them for $90 each but one was cracked. Ebay prices seem to be almost as much as I can get them new! crazy prices for some tailights!

Yotascape · 12-03-2024, 11:17 AM

If you’re getting a pair of the 06+ taillights aftermarket is fine. (TRQ/ 1AAuto/Amazon) The only gripe I have with aftermarket taillights is if you already have OEM ones and replace 1 side, you can definitely tell a difference in brightness from the LEDs.

Syr4RinNC · 12-03-2024, 12:34 PM

Ive found that aftermarket taillights tend to be all the same. Ive bought from Rock auto, Amazon, etc. It seems like no matter where I buy them or what name they are under, I get shipped "eagle eyes" brand

If youve got OEM taillights now, save the wiring. Ive found the wiring and connections are not as secure in the aftermarket and ive had to chase a few bugs.

Swapping out the wiring and connections helped

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdmxvqUWNig

Bluesky 07 · 12-03-2024, 10:54 PM

FWIW, I bought TRQ LCAs and ignition coils, both solid after a couple of years. I have a set of their tie rods awaiting installation. I also very much appreciate their superb playlist of 4th Gen maintenance and repair videos on YT.

I kept my OEM LCAs and will rebuild them with aftermarket bushings if the TRQs go south.

Site Navigation