2003-2005 light bulb replacement questions

[RBLACAUSA]

I searched and haven't seen any recent "authoritative" threads on replacing any of the headlights, running lights, blinkers or brake lights with superior and/or LED bulbs. I replaced my interiors and reverse w/LED bulbs 10 yrs ago and never had a problem, but it seems not to be the case with the lights I listed above. After spending a weekend driving in heavy fog, with 20 yr old lights, I need to do something there. Any efficient solutions? Stick with Sylvania SilverSTar bulbs or a Phillips equivalent and repalce them every few months when they burn out? Get LEDs and pray no one road rages on me? Converting the entire headlight assembly is likely out of the question for me. How about the brake and running lights? Is that an easier switch?

 

[OopsIBrokeIt]

You're gonna need to start by replacing the headlight assembly with something with a projector assembly. Even high output bulbs kinda suck with a reflector, and there's a fair chance your lenses are yellowing and roughed up too. I know you'd prefer not to do it, but it really is going to make the largest difference in useful light output.

The cheap $200 chinese ones are fine for this, just add a layer of silicone to them yourself and it ought to avoid fogging issues. Some of those models are a drop in replacement for the 03-05. Otherwise it's an expensive retrofit and those are a whole other can of worms.

Once you're using a projector, pick your preferred bulbs from this thread and enjoy being able to see fine.
3rd Gen HID vs LED vs Halogen H11 projector headlights | Tacoma World

 

[mcbru]

The conversion to 06+ oem headlights is hugely helpful. Even with basic halogen bulbs, it is vastly superior to anything with the 03+ lights that would be considered acceptable in traffic. The 06 light upgrade is the best solution when it comes to ease-of-install and quality of upgrade.

I just did the conversion and it's just nuts and bolts if you want it to be. You can do this upgrade without any wiring mods and you will only lose your parking lights. A more enterprising DIYer would want to do some wiring to get the 06+ lights working 100%.... but not strictly necessary especially if your state wouldn't care about not having parking lights.

 

[RBLACAUSA]

The conversion to 06+ oem headlights is hugely helpful. Even with basic halogen bulbs, it is vastly superior to anything with the 03+ lights that would be considered acceptable in traffic. The 06 light upgrade is the best solution when it comes to ease-of-install and quality of upgrade.

I just did the conversion and it's just nuts and bolts if you want it to be. You can do this upgrade without any wiring mods and you will only lose your parking lights. A more enterprising DIYer would want to do some wiring to get the 06+ lights working 100%.... but not strictly necessary especially if your state wouldn't care about not having parking lights.

I installed a Shrockworks front bumper back in 2006, not sure if I even have parking lights anymore lol. When you did yours, was there a master thread here that you followed? Was planning on replacing mty headlights housing with OEM anyways...had an auto collision repair place talk me in to replacing them 9 yrs ago...big mistake as they replaced OEM with cheap China stuff.

 

[ifallalot]

I know this is verboten usually, but has anyone just replaced the halogen bulbs with LED bulbs? I did this in my Jeep and it was great

2020 Gladiator

 

[RBLACAUSA]

I know this is verboten usually, but has anyone just replaced the halogen bulbs with LED bulbs? I did this in my Jeep and it was great

2020 Gladiator

I'm trying to get an update from the original poster of this thread. The Auxito LEDs are ones that seem to have a good following and not susceptable to "wash-out", if that's even possible??:

Auxito 9006 Low Beam Review + Cutoff Pictures

 

[ifallalot]

I'm trying to get an update from the original poster of this thread. The Auxito LEDs are ones that seem to have a good following and not susceptable to "wash-out", if that's even possible??:

Auxito 9006 Low Beam Review + Cutoff Pictures

My front lenses are pretty yellow but I think they might be worth a try still