Questions regarding replacing headlamps

[JeffMerr]

I've decided to replace both front headlamps and have been looking at the best option without spending an arm and a leg. I noticed RockAuto has a set for about 80 each but there is a normal model and a sport edition model. I didn't know there was a difference? Does anyone have recommendations on an aftermarket brand that makes good lamps at a decent price? Anything I can do to re-enforce the waterproofing before i install them don't have all the issues I have now?

Thanks!

 

[paraordnance]

I've decided to replace both front headlamps and have been looking at the best option without spending an arm and a leg. I noticed RockAuto has a set for about 80 each but there is a normal model and a sport edition model. I didn't know there was a difference? Does anyone have recommendations on an aftermarket brand that makes good lamps at a decent price? Anything I can do to re-enforce the waterproofing before i install them don't have all the issues I have now?

Thanks!

I like to use brand new headlights every time I do my retrofit. I have bought 2 sets so far. First set I bought was cheapest option from rockauto. I wasn't too impressed with fit & finish but they held for 5 years, no problems.
Last set I bought were from rockauto and they carry TYC brand. But the ones I bought were not 'Economy line' but 'CAPA Certified' for little bit extra (I think they were $80 each). I don't see them right now on rockauto, for some reason TYC only available in cheap option now. Anyways, those CAPA certified headlights are the shit. Virtually no difference from OEM after close side-by-side visual inspection, no leaks, no condensation inside. I love them! Affordable too

 

[JeffMerr]

I like to use brand new headlights every time I do my retrofit. I have bought 2 sets so far. First set I bought was cheapest option from rockauto. I wasn't too impressed with fit & finish but they held for 5 years, no problems.
Last set I bought were from rockauto and they carry TYC brand. But the ones I bought were not 'Economy line' but 'CAPA Certified' for little bit extra (I think they were $80 each). I don't see them right now on rockauto, for some reason TYC only available in cheap option now. Anyways, those CAPA certified headlights are the shit. Virtually no difference from OEM after close side-by-side visual inspection, no leaks, no condensation inside. I love them! Affordable too

Dang wonder where I can get those. Did you do anything before installing them like running a bead of silicone on the seam or just threw them in out of the box? Am I right that there's no difference between normal headlamps and sport edition headlamps?

 

[JeffMerr]

So according to this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/180307-do-4th-gen-sport-model-headlights-fit-sr5.html the sport model headlight assembly is actually smoked a bit compared to the normal ones.

Also when you click on the cheaper headlights in Rock Auto it states that all of the top 4 are CAPA Certified, but there's no telling which manufacturer you're going to get. Guess I'll just give it a shot.

 

[paraordnance]

Dang wonder where I can get those. Did you do anything before installing them like running a bead of silicone on the seam or just threw them in out of the box? Am I right that there's no difference between normal headlamps and sport edition headlamps?

I never added any additional sealant when I crack them open for retrofit. I bake them in oven and close together, I never had condensation issues. You right I think, the only difference between sport and others is smokiness on the lens, they no different in terms of shape, size, dimensions or mounting points.

 

[The Yin]

When I installed my aftermarket headlights I just ran a bead of 'Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Silicone Gasket Maker' around the seam, just to be sure.
it was recommend on the site I bought them from and I haven't had any problems with water/moister. It may have been fine without it, but better safe then sorry.