Broken tail light - LED or incandescent?

[scottm]

Do the LED tail lights put out more light, or just look better? I can get an aftermarket replacement for my broken tail light for ~$70, probably less, or a pair of aftermarket LED for ~$200.

The best thing about my 4R is that I don't have to spend any money to make it cooler or more capable, its already cool and capable. But when I have an opportunity to upgrade something, I'm tempted. My job requires me to head for O'Hare in sometimes nasty weather, blinding snowstorms and such. I've upgraded my tail light bulbs in the past for better visibility, I can justify it to myself if it really improves light intensity.

What says the forum?

 

[TegoXR]

You might as well get the LED ones, they look a lot nicer.

 

[R.A.]

LED for sure. I did mine when TYC had the Toyota factory originals for sale on ebay. They are bright! The LEDs are a lot brighter than stock 03-05 taillights.

Don' t know about aftermarkets.

btw, what side of taillight did you break?

Got a 03-05 passenger that's in good condition ready to ship for $50!

 

[Huskey]

I'm happy with my LED's as they are good and bright when I put the break on, and they look real nice as well.

 

[scottm]

I broke the right/passenger side.

So LEDs are noticeably brighter? I seriously don't like the look of LED any more than my incandescents, higher entry cost, and if they fail I'm out a lot more than the cost of a bulb. There are some downsides as well as benefits to going LEDs. I work with automotive windows, mirrors, lighting, and like LED technology, but trying to be practical.

TYC and DEPO both offer aftermarket light assemblies, neither claims to be actually OEM, but direct replacement with the same specs. I can get a deal with a Toyota parts guy, but no way as cheap as these.

It would be cool to put the unused sockets from the running/brake lights into the rear foglights in the bumper. I have a broken spare foglight I can experiment with, rear fogs would be sweet in the many snowstorms I go through on the highway.

 

[R.A.]

I've updated my post (#3).

The only problems that I've noticed with LED vs incandescent, is that LEDs are more directional and brighter than stock. The LEDs are a lot brighter then my 3rd brake light (I don't have a spoiler). But I prefer the look of the LEDs over stock. I wish I could do something with my 3rd brake light.

Toyota OEMs from the dealer are outrageously overpriced!

 

[scottm]

I've updated my post (#3).

Hmm... got the bulb sockets from the running/brake lights?

 

[R.A.]

Hmm... got the bulb sockets from the running/brake lights?

The sockets were used in the LEDs.

But I think I might have two backup sockets (not sure where they are right now). But I was playing with increasing my backup lights and bought an extra set.

 

[R.A.]

I have a broken spare foglight I can experiment with, rear fogs would be sweet in the many snowstorms I go through on the highway.

There's a dude from Japan that has rear fogs/backup lights/brake lights on ebay. They replace the rear reflector that's only on the 03-05 T4R. Only problem is cost ~ $300 for the pair!

 

[scottm]

The sockets were used in the LEDs.

I looked through some threads, thought the tail/stop bulb socket was not used with the LED conversion...? If it is, this conversion would not net me a pair of sockets to play with.

 

[R.A.]

I looked through some threads, thought the tail/stop bulb socket was not used with the LED conversion...? If it is, this conversion would not net me a pair of sockets to play with.

No, they were used.

Here's the original thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/14083-tail-lights-led-project.html

Post#6, Post#45 and Post#49.

Edit: My link is wrong, but that one works for knowledge of sockets.

Here's the link where TYC had them on eBay for $175:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/97727-led-rears.html
That's where I bought mine.

 

[scottm]

These LEDs are supposedly new OEM from Toyota for $68/side + shipping, tempting.
OEM 2006 - 2009 Toyota 4Runner Tail Light RIGHT SIDE Passenger Side BY TOYOTA | eBay

If they are OEM, I'd think they would use a standard plug, not something that fits in a bulb socket.

 

[R.A.]

If they are OEM, I'd think they would use a standard plug, not something that fits in a bulb socket.

No, that's the way Toyota did it on the 06-09.

afa your link, might be ok.

Ask the seller for a pic of the box they come in (Toyota Genuine Parts w/label).

 

[krupnation]

LED all the way. And don't waste your time on DEPO aftermarket ones, spend the money and get the OEM ones from Conicelli (or search on eBay). I had a terrible experience with DEPO lights: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88439-do-not-do-business-these-people.html

 

[scottm]

Got a 03-05 passenger that's in good condition ready to ship for $50!

Deal, you have a PM.

I'll work on putting sockets in my bumper lights, that's probably a bigger improvement than LEDs for me.

 

[R.A.]

PM replied to.