I tend to value function over form, but I like gadgets too. Lighting is usually my first mod on a new car and this was no exception. When installing the TRD Pro OEM grille I went ahead and added the raptor lights.
The lighting upgrades include:
* VLED Triton Extreme rear turn signals & backup lights - I used the Triton Switchback Extreme amber/white 5K model in the turn signal position and the Triton 921 5K white in the regular backup light socket. With some of the VLEDS (available) adapters, I was able to make the rear turn signals do double duty as supplementary backup lights. They grab the signal from the reverse circuit and activate the white LEDs of the switchback, giving four really bright backup lights. Another nice benefit is the bulbs are all clean when off, eliminating that “egg yolk” look inside the housing when off. All plug & play with no cutting or splicing.
* VLED Triton Extreme front turn signals & front side marker lights - the VLED Extreme product is bright and I’ve had excellent luck with their stuff for many years. Customer service is stellar too. As with the rear, these are clear when off and eliminate the “egg yolk” look in the housing.
* VLED 9005 Micro Extreme installed in former DRL location as auxiliary high beams - I didn’t like the halogen DRL, so those had to go. I picked up a 9005 auxiliary light harness, but only to use the plugs and wire. I wired this to one of the inputs on the SwitchPro controller. The result is an excellent beam, giving more fill to the high beams. For some, this may be all you need for added forward lighting. Mine are wired to the SwitchPro and tied to the high beam circuit for easy dimming. You could simply use the aftermarket 9005 harness and dash mounted switch and call it done.
* Yota LED sequential smoked mirror turn signals and led puddle lights. Got rid of the chrome.
* YotaLED grille “Raptor” lights - these are extremely high quality and the metal brackets fit well in the grille openings. I’ve seen the plastic ones on other rigs, but these are next level good. They are much brighter than I expected. Wired to the SwitchPro.
* Brite Box Anytime fog light controller - I went with the “Anytime” version, to have more control over them. They make a more basic box that simply allows the fogs to remain on with high beams. The Anytime box is switchable. I wired the power wires to my SwitchPro, labeling them “DRL”, then ran the included switch (Toyota style dash plug) to a blank on left side of dash. The result: I can run fogs as DRL and they switch off with ignition. I can leave them on with parking, low, and high beams, or simply turn them off with the press of a button. It turned out very well.
* KC Slimlight LED lights on front bumper - inspired by Noah @ Stage 3 Motorsports, I love the look and wanted two round lights on the bumper. These are very bright and the way mine are positioned they serve as sort of a driving-ditch light. A piece of metal behind the plastic bumper gives them enough support. Wired to the SwitchPro and only triggered with high beams, for easy dimming when needed.
* SwitchPros 9100 controller with SDHQ dash panel mount - it looks and works great. Not much more can be said. Love it.
* Meso Customs front dual-color dome lights - white/red at the push of a button. Meso quality. Easy install. Do it.
* Meso Customs rear dual-color dome light. - these are out of stock everywhere, but the Gen 3 Tacoma dome light is the same fit, just black instead of silver. It works for me. Done.
** upcoming:
* the new Diode Dynamics C1R pod kit. This mounts to rear bumper and plugs in line behind the trailer hitch wiring. Plug & play and provides tail, brake, and reverse lights in a bright LED pod that’s about 2” square. These won’t be switched as the plug & play harness does it all.
* Ditch lights. I’m seriously considering the Morimoto HXB “combo” beam. After watching actual user videos and some testing from Headlight Revolution, I’m convinced this is a nice add. We’ll see. There is an open spot on the SwitchPro, so it’s likely.
I’ll post more photos when I get a chance.
And here is the low beam, high beam, and high beam with supplemental high beam respectively.
Update 4/21/24 - I actually did this a few weeks back, but forgot to update the thread. Finally sourced and installed the Meso Customs rear hatch lights, completing the Meso interior light package. In addition, Meso provided their black trim ring to go with their red start button.