Best quality aftermarket 4th gen headlight units?

[adkfinn]

Got a set of TYC-stamped black housing ones from ebay (maybe theyre fake, maybe theyre real).

One is perfect, one leaks. both have a little peeled clear around the outside corner.

I'm looking to replace them and decided I'd try these next: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5QDM3S

They should arrive tomorrow, and I'm just interested in seeing how they look

Interesting option, please post up some pics once you have them installed!

edit: Now that I have read the entire thread I see someone else posted pics already. Oh well, I'm sure folks wouldn't mind seeing a few more pics of these lights as most of us haven't seen them installed or irl yet.

 

[Ventil8]

I have a 2003 T4R (reflector housings) and I'm planning to do a HID projector retrofit (Mini H1 or D2S). I'm looking to purchase aftermarket headlight housings so I can continue to use my T4R as a daily driver. My plan is to retrofit the aftermarket housings because the lenses on my current housings are heavily scratched (crashed into barbed wire fence). If I'm retrofitting, does it matter which brand aftermarket headlight assembly I get? I know OEM quality is better, but is it really worth paying $400-$500 for new OEM if I'm planning to do a retrofit? Thank you in advance.

I bought TYC headlights to do my retrofit while keeping the stock headlights on the 4R while I took my time to do my retrofit. I'm glad I did because I messed up on a headlight and had to buy another TYC headlight. I'm OK with that, I didn't spend $200 on an OEM headlight and the TYC headlights look awesome with my HID retrofit. No leaks since install 8 months ago. Buy the morimoto headlight retro rubber sealant and make sure you get the old glue off really good to put the new glue on.

 

[Bluesky 07]

I just bought a set for my 03. Fit and looked perfect. $90 for the set on rockauto.

By “set” do you mean both headlights? The TYC versions I see on Rockauto are $98 per side.

Edit: I see you have an ‘03 so the pricing may be different.

 

[Drift Monkey]

Can anyone that has done retros or handled a decent amount of headlights share some info on if I should try and retro my OEM projectors (14yo - one has a seal leak), buy a new set of OEMs to retro, or try my hand with a aftermarket set?

Also, suggestions for which HID projector fits in nicely?

 

[rokr1292]

Interesting option, please post up some pics once you have them installed!

edit: Now that I have read the entire thread I see someone else posted pics already. Oh well, I'm sure folks wouldn't mind seeing a few more pics of these lights as most of us haven't seen them installed or irl yet.

I think I posted some in another thread, I dont have any new ones. No Moisture so far! no LED's out, and no peeling, like some other aftermarkets did after a few months. I'm VERY satisfied.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Thanks, it looks like I need to order a new one.

 

[Flyer]

My originals ones are shot- slights cracks and she odd scraggy lines. I got a good set of used OEM ones. Should I just frequently coat with wax or Plexus? I have a set of precut clear clearer type of film (kinda pricey) but not sure I want to install those.

 

[NCHornet]

The OEM lights will yellow and suffer from condensation just like the aftermarket lights, at least mine have. I used the Mothers kit and in 20 to 30 min they were crystal clear. Then I sprayed them with a coating that was highly recommended by people I trust. It should be applied once a year or more and it's supposed to keep them from yellowing. It reminds me of spray lacquer that I have used on furniture. So far it has been working well and I plan to continue using. YMMV?
NCH

Amazon.com: Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating, 1 Pack: Automotive

 

[dontek]

I just installed a set of these with LED bulbs:

AmeriLite Black Projector Headlights Dual Intense LED Halo for Toyota 4 Runner
Amazon.com: AmeriLite Black Projector Headlights Dual Intense LED Halo for Toyota 4 Runner - Passenger and Driver Side: Automotive

Quality seems good. Can't speak to longevity yet. My driver-side OEM was collecting moisture inside.

 

[earthrealm]

I just installed a set of these with LED bulbs:

AmeriLite Black Projector Headlights Dual Intense LED Halo for Toyota 4 Runner
Amazon.com: AmeriLite Black Projector Headlights Dual Intense LED Halo for Toyota 4 Runner - Passenger and Driver Side: Automotive

Quality seems good. Can't speak to longevity yet. My driver-side OEM was collecting moisture inside.

How is the light projection?.
Clean cutoff?
Illuminates the road well?

 

[imthehink]

How is the light projection?.
Clean cutoff?
Illuminates the road well?

I have these and yes to all the above. I was going to swap projectors initially, but projectors in these aren't bad at all.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Lots of nice ideas!!

 

[Ron_Mexico]

So I purchased these lights of ebay oemassive. So far I'm happy with them only problem so far I cant get the led bar to dim at night. Its extremely bright.

You have a night time picture to share? What year is your 4runner?

 

[rwh963]

one of my units had its tabs break because of a very minor front end tap. being original from 2007, considering replacing both sides. concerned about rusty bolts (MA) and the need for some front end disassembly. anyone have comments on installation issues?

 

[Flyer]

I still have not installed my like-new takeoffs but will soon. Once I have them installed and cleaned/polished, I'll put some high-quality clear 3M tape on them so they do not crack like my current ones did.

 

[Cory619]

So I purchased these lights of ebay oemassive. So far I'm happy with them only problem so far I cant get the led bar to dim at night. Its extremely bright.

Are these the AKKONs? I just bought a set off Amazon. I think I'm going to reseal with silicon before I install them. If these are the AKKONs you have how are they holding up? How's the projector?

 

[HIMILESV8SPORT]

Akkons almost 3 years now

Whatever protective coating is starting to wear off, but still pretty good and clear(not yellowed). I could sand and clear coat I'm sure. Only moisture issues I've had were due to venting. Twice I made the mistake of washing my 4R after it had sat in the cold all night and had major condensation on the drivers side. Passenger was fine so I pulled drivers after the 2nd time and made the vent exactly the same. Haven't had the same issue since, but also more cautious spraying water on them until they have warmed up. I've blasted them many times with 2000psi washer and havent' had any water intrusion issues, just the condensation. Extremely bright with H11 Auxito 16000 lumen bulbs. Also running same bulbs in fog light and high beams. Can't say enough about the bulbs!