Aftermarket black headlights - review and lots of pics

[rokr1292]

I'm back, with pictures of the new housings with LED strips: LED Strip housings from AKKON - Album on Imgur

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/ScEAZ2L"><a href="//imgur.com/a/ScEAZ2L">LED Strip housings from AKKON</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A couple things of note:

The strips are SOLELY DRL as configured. not blinkers or hazards. it might be possible to rewire them that way, but I'm not willing to cut apart a brand new set.

the turn signals are still the same as OEM for the most part (reflector assembly looks like the oem shape) but the "reflector" part is blacked out, not chrome, which isn't great. but the "diffuser" that is normally in front of the signal bulb is also removed.

I was surprised that they included bulbs, but the included bulbs are not good. one of the blinkers was frosted-looking out of the box, and the high/low bulbs are fairly dim-looking. I've already changed back to my other bulbs after cleaning seals.

I personally think that LED signal bulbs are essential in these, due to the reflector situation.

Besides that, the amber reflectors are only reflectors, no light passes through in a meaningful way.

The housings themselves fit better than my old pair, no more rubbing on part of the hood/fender, which I'm very happy about. Inspecting the seals before installing, and comparing to my other pair, these do seem better-sealed as well.

overall I like them so far, but I would prefer if something else was done with the turn signals. maybe also include an amber strip in the housing and do without the bulb socket altogether, or at least not black out that reflector/remove that diffuser.

 

[ThatT4RGuy]

Wow rokr1292! Those look great! Do you make them or is there a website you ordered them from?

 

[Terminator03]

I saw those just a few weeks after I installed my DTMoto black housing projectors. I'm also curious about them, and I especially like the halo style running light. Please post your thoughts when you get these!

Have you had any moisture issues with the DT Moto lights? Those are the ones I’m planning to try next as I’m beyond frustrated with the ones I have currently!:tsk:

 

[Terminator03]

I'm back, with pictures of the new housings with LED strips: LED Strip housings from AKKON - Album on Imgur

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/ScEAZ2L"><a href="//imgur.com/a/ScEAZ2L">LED Strip housings from AKKON</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A couple things of note:

The strips are SOLELY DRL as configured. not blinkers or hazards. it might be possible to rewire them that way, but I'm not willing to cut apart a brand new set.

the turn signals are still the same as OEM for the most part (reflector assembly looks like the oem shape) but the "reflector" part is blacked out, not chrome, which isn't great. but the "diffuser" that is normally in front of the signal bulb is also removed.

I was surprised that they included bulbs, but the included bulbs are not good. one of the blinkers was frosted-looking out of the box, and the high/low bulbs are fairly dim-looking. I've already changed back to my other bulbs after cleaning seals.

I personally think that LED signal bulbs are essential in these, due to the reflector situation.

Besides that, the amber reflectors are only reflectors, no light passes through in a meaningful way.

The housings themselves fit better than my old pair, no more rubbing on part of the hood/fender, which I'm very happy about. Inspecting the seals before installing, and comparing to my other pair, these do seem better-sealed as well.

overall I like them so far, but I would prefer if something else was done with the turn signals. maybe also include an amber strip in the housing and do without the bulb socket altogether, or at least not black out that reflector/remove that diffuser.

Thanks for reviewing them. Those are definitely unusual, and I hope they stay dry for you! I’m still not sold on them for myself though for the reasons you pointed out regarding the turn signals. It would have been really sweet if they made the led strip change to amber for turn signals! Did you add any additional sealant, or just install as is? Please update after some changes in temp, rainstorms, etc. mine stayed dry all summer and I thought I finally had them fixed, until the temps started dropping at night. Now it looks like it’s raining inside them.

 

[rwelch53]

Have you had any moisture issues with the DT Moto lights? Those are the ones I’m planning to try next as I’m beyond frustrated with the ones I have currently!:tsk:

Nope, not a drop! The seals were very tight on each bulb...I used the Auxbeam H11 low beams and Vehicode 1156 DRL's, OEM highs and Alla 194's for the blinkers. I was really impressed with the build quality of the headlights overall, and they fit perfect with no rubbing or gaps. I have an unlimited car wash deal, so I have probably been through at least a dozen times or more in the month they've been on and no problems at all. Definitely recommend!

 

[Terminator03]

Nope, not a drop! The seals were very tight on each bulb...I used the Auxbeam H11 low beams and Vehicode 1156 DRL's, OEM highs and Alla 194's for the blinkers. I was really impressed with the build quality of the headlights overall, and they fit perfect with no rubbing or gaps. I have an unlimited car wash deal, so I have probably been through at least a dozen times or more in the month they've been on and no problems at all. Definitely recommend!

I have those Auxbeam lows as well, and they rock compared to the halogens they replaced! I also have the LED DRLs and love those too! I can’t remember if they were the same brand as you have but they were the ones Formidable posted about awhile back. Those were one of my favorite mods because the yellow painted bulbs always faded from the heat and got very pale after awhile. These are very bright and nicely colored. Now I just need to order new housings and I’ll be a happy camper!

 

[rwelch53]

I have those Auxbeam lows as well, and they rock compared to the halogens they replaced! I also have the LED DRLs and love those too! I can’t remember if they were the same brand as you have but they were the ones Formidable posted about awhile back. Those were one of my favorite mods because the yellow painted bulbs always faded from the heat and got very pale after awhile. These are very bright and nicely colored. Now I just need to order new housings and I’ll be a happy camper!

Yup it was probably the same thread that we saw and followed for the light recommendations LOL

 

[Skiian]

Finally got around to changing out the headlights, I buffed them new when I got my 4R however there were stress cracks in them and ended up resulting in moisture getting inside. Need to do bulb replacement next.

Before:

After:

 

[rokr1292]

Wow rokr1292! Those look great! Do you make them or is there a website you ordered them from?

I bought these on ebay, and it seems like they went up for sale on amazon shortly after.

So far so good, we've had a couple cool rainy days in a row and no moisture ingress so far. I like these more every time I see them.

I did have to reaim them after installing, but thats no issue.

 

[JONBOY345]

Those are also available in chrome: 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner Chrome LED Tube DRL Projector Headlights

 

[tothpl]

I bought these on ebay, and it seems like they went up for sale on amazon shortly after.

So far so good, we've had a couple cool rainy days in a row and no moisture ingress so far. I like these more every time I see them.

I did have to reaim them after installing, but thats no issue.

just pulled the trigger on a set of these. thanks for the pics! any updates after a couple months of running them?

 

[roy326]

Just following up on this one... it's been a few months now and i'm wondering how they've been. I'm about the pull the trigger on these.

I'm back, with pictures of the new housings with LED strips: LED Strip housings from AKKON - Album on Imgur

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/ScEAZ2L"><a href="//imgur.com/a/ScEAZ2L">LED Strip housings from AKKON</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A couple things of note:

The strips are SOLELY DRL as configured. not blinkers or hazards. it might be possible to rewire them that way, but I'm not willing to cut apart a brand new set.

the turn signals are still the same as OEM for the most part (reflector assembly looks like the oem shape) but the "reflector" part is blacked out, not chrome, which isn't great. but the "diffuser" that is normally in front of the signal bulb is also removed.

I was surprised that they included bulbs, but the included bulbs are not good. one of the blinkers was frosted-looking out of the box, and the high/low bulbs are fairly dim-looking. I've already changed back to my other bulbs after cleaning seals.

I personally think that LED signal bulbs are essential in these, due to the reflector situation.

Besides that, the amber reflectors are only reflectors, no light passes through in a meaningful way.

The housings themselves fit better than my old pair, no more rubbing on part of the hood/fender, which I'm very happy about. Inspecting the seals before installing, and comparing to my other pair, these do seem better-sealed as well.

overall I like them so far, but I would prefer if something else was done with the turn signals. maybe also include an amber strip in the housing and do without the bulb socket altogether, or at least not black out that reflector/remove that diffuser.

 

[roy326]

Just following up on this one... it's been a few months now and i'm wondering how they've been. I'm about the pull the trigger on these.

I flipped the outer two wires and got the LED to blink when turning alternating with the amber


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[xtremewlr]

Finally got around to changing out the headlights, I buffed them new when I got my 4R however there were stress cracks in them and ended up resulting in moisture getting inside. Need to do bulb replacement next.

Before:

After:

Where did you get these from?

 

[Skiian]

Where did you get these from?

I snagged a set off eBay, they had a little bit of a cheaper price compared to amazon and I didn't mind waiting a little long for them to arrive. Still holding up just fine and looking sharp!

 

[rooneyy]

I wanted to contribute to this topic. I purchased a set of blacked out headlights on ebay as well. Item is HERE

ALBUM

It looks wonderful all blacked out and really changes the front end. I originally took apart my OEM headlights to paint them black but the housing has since been cracking and major hazing. I decided to give these a shot.

While I can't comment on the longevity of these, the light output is decent with a decent cut off (i'll try to get pictures), they seem pretty good for the money.

BE AWARE! Area circled in red in one of the pictures melted on the inner side. The amber turn signal/DRL bulb melted on the inside, breaking the bulb. I fixed this buy using a rotary tool to sand down the area's that where melted and touching the bulb. After doing so, I bought a new bulb and all is well.

 

[tothpl]

I flipped the outer two wires and got the LED to blink when turning alternating with the amber


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Can you take a picture of what you’re talking about, sounds interesting!
Update for mine, so far so good! I ran a bead of silicone around the seal for added protection too.

 

[tothpl]

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/203327-how-do-03-06-headlight-swap-8.html#post3429608

From your other post, I managed to figure out the wires you were talking about after learning you were doing a full 06+ headlight swap. Your wire swap works perfectly. The easiest way to do it without cutting and running new wires is to swap the red and black pins in the harness on the headlight side. All you need is a pick or similar mini flat head, undo the connector and release each pin lock from inside the connector. Swap the black and red wires and snap them back together. Enjoy lights!

Hope this helps

 

[roy326]

Correct ! Flip and black and red wire and it should do the trick and yes, I have a 03 and successfully completed the swap! I didn’t have the luxury of working with a harness and need to go back and clean it up. Since I had all the wires stripped I was like I might as well just play with the wires until I get something I like ... I really didn’t like that the LED didn’t blink

Glad you figured it out !!! I really think this is a must mod for people with AKKON LED headlight

 

[Monisio]

I got my headlights with hidretrofitkit company for my 2018 4runner . I enjoy the lights after spending a lot of money of aftermarket hids and different brands with no luck, connections were wrong and I flip them as the seller told me to do and I ended up buying a custom ones and the quality on these ones is different, clean workmanship and the halos I love the look gives to my car.