'98 4Runner headlight replacement questions

[jeepj667]

Ok, I have a '98 4Runner with a cracked passenger headlight lens. I've looked into replacement options and have a question.
'99 4Runners have clear lens headlights. Are they a better than my '98 style fluted lenses? If only marginally better I will stick with my fluted lenses (can be had cheaper from those swapping in clears).
I've already got Nighthawk Platinum bulbs and plan on getting a harness soon.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[-Virgil-]

The '99 lamps are built to comply with a newer photometric standard than the '98 lamps, and the newer standard does require better performance than the older standard. That doesn't necessarily mean the '99 lamps are necessarily better than the '98 lamps; the newer standard has a higher "floor" (minimum performance allowed) but both it and the older standard have very high "ceilings" (maximum performance allowed). I don't remember if the '98 lamps have glass lenses and the '99 have polycarbonate plastic, or if they're both glass. If they're both glass, I'd get a pair of the '99 lamps because they are probably an upgrade. If the '99 lamps have plastic I would probably stick with the '98 lamps for long-term superior performance. Whatever you do, make sure you buy only real, genuine Toyota lamps. All of the non-Toyota aftermarket lamps are of very poor quality and durability (yes, all of them, despite claims of "DOT/SAE approval" and "OEM quality").