Just another headlight upgrade question
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
Hmmmm. I like the idea of the LEDs... but not sure I am sold on the look of the sealed beam style. I see those styles going down the road but it just doesn’t seem right to me. LEDs tho... definitely. But only if replacement is easy. See ... I want my cake and eat it too! 
If you decide you want to go this route let me know. I can help you find the parts...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,744
Likes: 5
From: Earth
I am in the process of a front end conversion on my truck, but All you need is the lamps of your choice and an adapter kit, new header panel if you want no cutting options, grille optional.
Thanks to FTE for making me rewrite this post…grr
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
Opinions are like *******s but I find most aftermarket housings (the dark or "altezza" type) or the LED kits people add look pretty juvenile.
While I am ranting... adding HID bulbs to non-HID housings is also pretty lame. Those lights need to be in housings that will self-level the beam so that you don't blind people. Basically, if your car did not come with HID low-beams from the factory, then you are a "not very considerate person" if you install them.
For my truck, I threw a new set of OEM housings in with fresh bulbs and the difference was night and day. They're just the 2000 OEM style from rock auto. $20 or so a piece. My original lights were pretty beat/yellowed from the sun.
I also threw some long beam 130W KC Hi Lites on with the ARB bumper. They light up the road pretty good. Those were closer to $200. Used off-road only, or on long lonely highways at night.
Always make sure to level any lights you install properly;
How to Adjust Your Headlights - Aim Your Headlights
While I am ranting... adding HID bulbs to non-HID housings is also pretty lame. Those lights need to be in housings that will self-level the beam so that you don't blind people. Basically, if your car did not come with HID low-beams from the factory, then you are a "not very considerate person" if you install them.
For my truck, I threw a new set of OEM housings in with fresh bulbs and the difference was night and day. They're just the 2000 OEM style from rock auto. $20 or so a piece. My original lights were pretty beat/yellowed from the sun.
I also threw some long beam 130W KC Hi Lites on with the ARB bumper. They light up the road pretty good. Those were closer to $200. Used off-road only, or on long lonely highways at night.
Always make sure to level any lights you install properly;
How to Adjust Your Headlights - Aim Your Headlights
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Opinions are like *******s but I find most aftermarket housings (the dark or "altezza" type) or the LED kits people add look pretty juvenile.
While I am ranting... adding HID bulbs to non-HID housings is also pretty lame. Those lights need to be in housings that will self-level the beam so that you don't blind people. Basically, if your car did not come with HID low-beams from the factory, then you are a "not very considerate person" if you install them.
For my truck, I threw a new set of OEM housings in with fresh bulbs and the difference was night and day. They're just the 2000 OEM style from rock auto. $20 or so a piece. My original lights were pretty beat/yellowed from the sun.
I also threw some long beam 130W KC Hi Lites on with the ARB bumper. They light up the road pretty good. Those were closer to $200. Used off-road only, or on long lonely highways at night.
Always make sure to level any lights you install properly;
How to Adjust Your Headlights - Aim Your Headlights
While I am ranting... adding HID bulbs to non-HID housings is also pretty lame. Those lights need to be in housings that will self-level the beam so that you don't blind people. Basically, if your car did not come with HID low-beams from the factory, then you are a "not very considerate person" if you install them.
For my truck, I threw a new set of OEM housings in with fresh bulbs and the difference was night and day. They're just the 2000 OEM style from rock auto. $20 or so a piece. My original lights were pretty beat/yellowed from the sun.
I also threw some long beam 130W KC Hi Lites on with the ARB bumper. They light up the road pretty good. Those were closer to $200. Used off-road only, or on long lonely highways at night.
Always make sure to level any lights you install properly;
How to Adjust Your Headlights - Aim Your Headlights
I just want brighter lights...I would say steering closer to a white instead of the kinda yellow look. As for aiming, I intend on marking the wall in the shop with the truck about 20ft back and marking for both high and low beam on the old set. Then installing new and aiming them at the same spot. I usually go with the top of the lighted area to keep them out of oncoming eyes. I just want a better lighted area as I drive 90% in the sticks to and from work and the mornings are always still dark as I leave the house at 4:30am.
As for Halo, projector etc... Not too keen on those since most some with the "Angel eyes" that are just leds outlining something and always on. Not for me.
Just want a nice clear lens so I can put in my silverstars and see the road.
The only reason I am looking for one piece is that for some reason, the tops of the turn lights wont stay in the hole with that peg. Tends to pop out after going down a dirt road and then it looks like crap. So...
Unless there is an easy fix for the turn light to keep it tight to the fender.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
I have to agree on the aftermarket HIDs and the improper aiming. Can't stand them and the "blue" tends to really bug me.
I just want brighter lights...I would say steering closer to a white instead of the kinda yellow look. As for aiming, I intend on marking the wall in the shop with the truck about 20ft back and marking for both high and low beam on the old set. Then installing new and aiming them at the same spot. I usually go with the top of the lighted area to keep them out of oncoming eyes. I just want a better lighted area as I drive 90% in the sticks to and from work and the mornings are always still dark as I leave the house at 4:30am.
As for Halo, projector etc... Not too keen on those since most some with the "Angel eyes" that are just leds outlining something and always on. Not for me.
Just want a nice clear lens so I can put in my silverstars and see the road.
The only reason I am looking for one piece is that for some reason, the tops of the turn lights wont stay in the hole with that peg. Tends to pop out after going down a dirt road and then it looks like crap. So...
Unless there is an easy fix for the turn light to keep it tight to the fender.
I just want brighter lights...I would say steering closer to a white instead of the kinda yellow look. As for aiming, I intend on marking the wall in the shop with the truck about 20ft back and marking for both high and low beam on the old set. Then installing new and aiming them at the same spot. I usually go with the top of the lighted area to keep them out of oncoming eyes. I just want a better lighted area as I drive 90% in the sticks to and from work and the mornings are always still dark as I leave the house at 4:30am.
As for Halo, projector etc... Not too keen on those since most some with the "Angel eyes" that are just leds outlining something and always on. Not for me.
Just want a nice clear lens so I can put in my silverstars and see the road.
The only reason I am looking for one piece is that for some reason, the tops of the turn lights wont stay in the hole with that peg. Tends to pop out after going down a dirt road and then it looks like crap. So...
Unless there is an easy fix for the turn light to keep it tight to the fender.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
HA!! I just replaced the right/front "Bumper stay" on my wife's Highlander. Looks great now!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
Nice. I have a really clean '87 4runner with nearly 250k on it. All original drive-train except the timing chain and piddly **** like spark plugs/filters. Even the clutch is original... Damn thing is 10x more reliable than this Ford has ever been!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Powell, wy
Opinions are like *******s but I find most aftermarket housings (the dark or "altezza" type) or the LED kits people add look pretty juvenile.
While I am ranting... adding HID bulbs to non-HID housings is also pretty lame. Those lights need to be in housings that will self-level the beam so that you don't blind people. Basically, if your car did not come with HID low-beams from the factory, then you are a "not very considerate person" if you install them.
For my truck, I threw a new set of OEM housings in with fresh bulbs and the difference was night and day. They're just the 2000 OEM style from rock auto. $20 or so a piece. My original lights were pretty beat/yellowed from the sun.
I also threw some long beam 130W KC Hi Lites on with the ARB bumper. They light up the road pretty good. Those were closer to $200. Used off-road only, or on long lonely highways at night.
Always make sure to level any lights you install properly;
How to Adjust Your Headlights - Aim Your Headlights
While I am ranting... adding HID bulbs to non-HID housings is also pretty lame. Those lights need to be in housings that will self-level the beam so that you don't blind people. Basically, if your car did not come with HID low-beams from the factory, then you are a "not very considerate person" if you install them.
For my truck, I threw a new set of OEM housings in with fresh bulbs and the difference was night and day. They're just the 2000 OEM style from rock auto. $20 or so a piece. My original lights were pretty beat/yellowed from the sun.
I also threw some long beam 130W KC Hi Lites on with the ARB bumper. They light up the road pretty good. Those were closer to $200. Used off-road only, or on long lonely highways at night.
Always make sure to level any lights you install properly;
How to Adjust Your Headlights - Aim Your Headlights
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Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Those actually look brighter because of the snow. On nights with out snow...not so bright. I’ll grab another shot in the morning.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
According to DOT safety standards, your low beam should illuminate 350 feet down the road in front of you. It's hard to tell in those photos if that is good or not. From here, it looks pretty bright. My wife's Kia Soul has great headlights, but my truck has vast improvement after replacing with 2003 stock replacements and new Ultra bulbs.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
According to DOT safety standards, your low beam should illuminate 350 feet down the road in front of you. It's hard to tell in those photos if that is good or not. From here, it looks pretty bright. My wife's Kia Soul has great headlights, but my truck has vast improvement after replacing with 2003 stock replacements and new Ultra bulbs.