H7 bulb dilemma

Hey everyone. I got a 2015 Tacoma and I have some aftermarket Spec D Tuning Projector headlights in it. They use H7 bulbs and for the better part of a year I’ve had some LEDs in there. But I recently started reviewing the many threads that exist on this forum about comparing LED vs HID vs Halogen and have come to the conclusion that LEDs really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. I’m looking for maximum distance with light without blinding oncoming drivers. And after reading some of these threads I have come to learn that LEDs don’t affectively throw as far and as bright as Halogen and HID and I’m looking to switch over but can’t decide how/what to get. I’m interested in HID but don’t have the slightest clue what I need to get? I understand that apparently a ballast is also needed to run them which is also another thing that’s confusing to me. Was just wondering if someone could explain it for an idiot like me, or if perhaps someone was in a similar situation and can share what they ended up buying. Cheers guys!

 

Did you happen to see this thread in your research?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

Yeah but to my understanding that’s for stock Tacoma housings. I still have mine but I swapped them out for aftermarket projectors so I didn’t know if that really applied still. I was thinking of doing the harness upgrade regardless but still unsure what direction to proceed in.

 

All I know to do is tag @crashnburn80 and see if he has any suggestions?

 

Alright. I’ve been reviewing some of the posts he’s made. Especially the one for HID vs LED vs Halogen and been using that as a guide but the world of lighting is far bigger than could have comprehended. I was in the group of people that thought slapping LEDs in projector housings was as good as it got.

 

I ended up digging around further in the forum and found this post: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bulb-replacement-recommendations.740439/ which answers literally every question I had. Think I’m gonna order the TRD lights in April and just go back to stock housings whilst still maintains a cool look. I’ll sell my Spec D and slightly faded OEM ones eventually.

 

Trust me, you will be far better off going ahead with your current plan. No bulb can fix the substandard optics in those Spec D lights. After you get the new OEM housings, do the Ultimate Headlight Upgrade and you'll be utterly amazed.

 

Those were my intentions exactly. I’m only confused about the ultimate headlight upgrade because I don’t understand how to wire it up? I’m assuming the kit will come with instructions (Im under the assumption it’s plug and play, just don’t understand how, I’m a bit of an idiot). Anyway, I’ve read countless things on this forum and have read basically everything @crashnburn80 has had to say, and I feel confident this is the next best move. As I get older my vision is getting worse and I do A LOT of travel in my truck and am having a hard time seeing at night.

i have my originals in the attic somewhere. I think I’m gonna reinstall them next week and do the harness shortly after, then move on to getting some of those cool TRD lights! Didn’t even know the TRDs had an OEM smoked housing like that!

 

Don't worry. I had the ultimate Headlight Upgrade in my 2014 Tacoma and the installation of the harness and relays isn't all that bad. Truth be told, just getting to and changing the passenger side headlight bulb is a bigger pain than putting the harness in. And since you'll be changing out entire headlight assemblies, you can change the bulb while the assembly is out of the truck. Speaking of the headlight assemblies, they can be a bit of a bugger to change out since the bottom bolt is a bit of a pain to get to. But when you get everything changed out, you will be more than pleased with the results.

If you need more (street legal) lighting after this upgrade, you might want to consider a set of Diode Dynamics SS3 fog lights. They more than round out a great selection of forward lighting.

 

Funny you mentioned DD because that was literally the next thing I was gonna buy. I know what a PITA it is to change the headlights because if that little bolt. It was a pain when I installed the Spec D. Just wish I was smarter at that point and never bought them. Oh well. Thanks for your help!

 

If you want maximum forward lighting, you could go with exactly what I had: 1) The Ultimate Headlight Upgrade with the best OSRAM bulbs, 2) Diode Dynamics SS3 Max fogs, 3) Diode Dynamics Stage 30" (all driving pattern) LED bar triggered through a relay from the high beams. Awesome doesn't come close to describing it.

 

That is the ideal setup for what I’m looking for! I’ll be using yours as a guide for I plan to do lol! Truck looks good!

 

Feel free to PM me if you need any advice or information. I no longer own the truck (went to a 4Runner), but I have plenty of pics.