ANZO HEADLIGHTS FOR SR5

Hey guys, so I'm pretty sold on upgrading to anzos from OEM on my SR5. Upon becoming familiar with all the different models, I'm not too sure what the best model will be given my situation. Basically there's 3 models, the

111396 (the model I'm leaning towards)
this model says it has led DRLS but there's no 5th plug for the leds like the other models have. Definitely looking for clarification on this. The site doesnt say that this model is only for tacomas with led DRLS.

111397


This model has led DRLS but has the 5th wire to connect them. The site warns that this model is only for tacomas with existing led DRLS, which makes sense.

And finally the 111377(safest option probably)


This model has halogen DRLS(styled like LEDs) and obviously no 5th wire for led DRLS. The site warns this model is only for tacomas without led DRLS aka SR/SR5

Basically the 111397 is off the table unless there's a relatively easy way to modify the harness to accept the led DRL wire. But I'm also wondering if anyone knows what the deal is with the 111396 where it says it has led DRLS but no wire for it? If that one will work for plug and play on my SR5 (no harness modifications) I'd definitely go with that, or am I safest to go with the 111377 with halogen DRLS? Obviously led are brighter and would be nice but I'm not looking for a whole lot of extra work. Let me know what you think, thanks for your time!

 

Why not spend a tad more and get OEM LEDs + adapter harness?

 

Depends on how much more we're talking lol. Don't want to spend more than $1000 and these are rated highly for the price

 

Plus I like the kind of retro look with the plank turn signals

 

Currently, I have non-LED because LEDs are too expensive, I agree. Having said that, I would look at some other threads about aftermarket headlights because it seems like many people have issues with water intrusion.

Aside from that, I do like these; they look really good. I have no input on their durability though Keep us updated if you end up getting these though!

 

I wouldn't call Anzos an "upgrade". You're still going to have the same halogen style headlights, just even worse quality. Save your money for a retrofit or OEM LEDs.

 

Really eh? Even if I decided to upgrade the bulbs down the line? Cause yeah I've heard that OEM is ultimately the best quality and performance headlight you're gunna get. Too bad led OEMs are pricey af.

 

I had Anzos in my '13 for 6 years. Only issue I had was the clear coat started to peel so I had them refinished. No big deal. About a year in and I put HID bulbs in them. Really loved them after that. Zero leaking issues but I live in AZ where water is rarely a problem. I have Morimotos in my '20. I love the look (I think the look better than OEM) but the LEDs aren't nearly as bright as HIDs. Might go with Kustom 54s with HIDs if I could do it over again. More of a unique look and brighter.

 

I’d read the light sticky by @crashnburn80 and you’ll see the downside to putting aftermarket bulbs in halogen housings. The fact that Anzo’s are cheap Chinese made crap, you’re better off sticking with the OEM halogens.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-hid-vs-led-vs-halogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465/

✅

 

@crashnburn80 save this man from himself

 

Not sure what you have been reading that would incline you to think this will be an upgrade, since the exact opposite will be true. This will be a catastrophic downgrade in every aspect.

If the optics are crap (like cheap china Anzo) then bulb upgrades do not work. Bulb upgrades rely on precision optics to increase the output intensity of a finer and more precise light source. If you get a more precise rifle round (bulb) and then put it in a musket (anzo headlight) it doesn't matter the bulb is better. The musket is garbage at aiming, just like cheap china optics. A bulb upgrade cannot fix a bad assembly.

 

My two cents are: Listen to this man! If you don't want to spent more than $1000 there are still a few option that will improve aesthetics and performance. But I would try to stay away from these China knock-off lights.

1. See if you can catch one of the 20% off deals and get the new full LED OEM headlights. Some members on here have been able to get lucky and got a set for under $1000. One thing you will have to consider is that you still need to get the harness for your SR5. I think @Puppypunter makes this one IIRC.
2. Retrofit your current OEM lights with better projectors. Option: you can do the BHLM at the the same time if you want to improve/change the aesthetics as well.
3. Read @crashnburn80 's thread and do the H11 -> H9 upgrade. I think that will cost you about $20 plus the option of BHLM.

If you don't want to tackle #2 or the BHLM yourself there are members on here that provide that service and do a great job, i.e. @no vtec 4me .

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/retrofit-and-bhlm-headlights.565466/

 

Retrofit yourself and be creative.
I went the retrofit way with my SR5 with RX-350 projectors, Profile LED high beams and Diode Dynamics halos and LED strips.
Total cost was around $800.

 

Sounds good thanks for the info. Lots to digest here lol but I'll be sticking with OEMs and just do some bulb upgrades

 

That looks great man, you were able to do that all yourself with a tutorial? Or did you have a professional open up the headlights to install all that?

 

Thanks for saving me from myself. Turns out a lot of the good word I got about anzos is from vendors who are obviously trying to sell it lol. I'll read up on your forum novel and get myself familiar with some bulb upgrades for my OEMs for now.

 

I did mine (but only blacked out the chrome) and it's a lot of work. It's not really hard; just a lot of work. Worst part is scrapping out all the old glue. Someone on here in the for sale section does this as a service.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-bhlm-and-light-mods.450984/

 

It's not too bad, the hardest part is getting the headlights apart and getting the butyl cleaned out. Once you get them opened, it's all downhill. The RX-350 projectors bolt in and you just need to do some minor trimming to get them to fit. You could also go with the Morimoto M-LED 2.0 if you want an LED set up. Add the aftermarket projectors, paint the housings, add in the retro rubber and seal them back up.

This is a really helpful thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-bhlm-retrofit-projector.429820/

 

So I actually have both the SR5 and the trd sets. (They accidentally sent the wrong set). The headlights themselves I like, the only thing that rubs me the wrong way is it’s an h6 bulb with an adapter to go to h9 otherwise they’ve been good so far