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Post by moneypit on Oct 5, 2005 12:40:30 GMT -5
I have been thinking of upgrading the head lights on the LJ. I would prefer to keep the existing wiring. Has anyone done this and what did you use. I have read about the IFP's with the H4 bulbs. Seems simple to do, but I don't know anyone thats used them and if they are happy with them.
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Post by nfunlimited on Oct 5, 2005 13:43:07 GMT -5
I ahve never tries it, but had a friend that changed his to hellas on his TJ. They were much brighter. You have to be carefull that the bulbs are not too hot (iff you get higher wattage bulbs) they may melt, or crack as you go ito water. That's what happen to the friend.
I am thinking of adding extra driving lights myself. then I have to option having them on or not in addition to the headlights.
Just my opinion though.
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Post by 04unlimited on Oct 5, 2005 23:24:22 GMT -5
If you are looking to upgrade to H4's you will want an aftermarket wiring harness. The stock harness is not designed to take the extra current drawn by the brighter bulbs. There is quite a bit involved with doing this switch, most of the information can be found on the web, and some of the larger forums. Here is some info that may be helpful in your decision. www.oman4x4.com/hidlights.htmThere were some kits around that would allow you to put h4 bulbs in stock-appearance headlamps, but they are no longer available in the US from what I understand, because they glare horribly, and are a hazard to other Drivers. Your best bet for an aftermarket headlamp would be the HID setup. I personally am not thrilled with the look, and think that I get enought light from my stock lamps and fog lights, but to each his own. |
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Post by moneypit on Oct 6, 2005 17:38:36 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. I have done some looking around on some of the other forums. There seems to be so much haggleing about whats the best. All I think I wanted to do was get the replacement lenses, and change out the stock bulbs. Then put in the 55-65 watt bulbs. They are supposed to be brighter then the stock bulbs. There are also supposed to be differant beam patterns as well. If you don't go above this wattage the stock wiring is supposed to be OK. Most of the argueing seems to be by guys who are not using them. I did check out the Oman thread. Those are more then I need and they look like BOOBS coming at you. (Not a bad thing, just not in a Jeep). As for the glare and undirected light pattern, I was hoping for someone thats running them to see if they like them.
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Post by 04unlimited on Oct 6, 2005 23:30:31 GMT -5
... they look like BOOBS coming at you....  |
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Post by treeofliberty on Oct 7, 2005 10:47:03 GMT -5
I agree that the HID's are more than I want to spend. However, there's a new variant on the market that doesn't look like a boobie. I think they are named XE7R. Here's an HID thread on another forum: www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=198068&highlightThis is the setup I want: IPF HEADLAMP UPGRADE-ROUND H4 920H  IPF FATBOY H4 BULBS-PAIR 60/80W X51  These are not as expensive and I've read lots of postings from happy, happy users. And they're running the stock wiring. |
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Post by 04unlimited on Oct 7, 2005 11:07:52 GMT -5
Those definitely look better than the HID projectors. What are you looking at for price range in getting into a set up like that?
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Post by moneypit on Oct 7, 2005 22:33:03 GMT -5
I agree that the HID's are more than I want to spend. However, there's a new variant on the market that doesn't look like a boobie. I think they are named XE7R. Here's an HID thread on another forum: www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=198068&highlightThis is the setup I want: IPF HEADLAMP UPGRADE-ROUND H4 920H IPF FATBOY H4 BULBS-PAIR 60/80W X51 These are not as expensive and I've read lots of postings from happy, happy users. And they're running the stock wiring. Thanks for the thread on the IFP's. Those are the lights that I was looking at. I was not sure if the fatboy bulbs were to big for the stock wiring. Some where I read that 55-60 watts were ok for the newer Wrangler stock wiring. If I can't verify the wattage thing I will go with the lower wattage bulbs to be safe. I will post how I like them when I get them installed. Thanks for the help. |
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Post by treeofliberty on Oct 9, 2005 10:54:44 GMT -5
Those definitely look better than the HID projectors. What are you looking at for price range in getting into a set up like that? I think you're looking at $110-125. I've heard of guys finding deals in the $100 range for the housings and bulbs. I bet a frugal shopper can find them for a hunski. |
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Post by 04unlimited on Oct 9, 2005 18:44:51 GMT -5
I am ever the frugal shopper. I may look into these as a future mod. Gotta work these things in slowly, so as not to alert the misses. She already thinks I have a strange obsession with all things Jeep.
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Post by treeofliberty on Oct 9, 2005 21:36:42 GMT -5
I am ever the frugal shopper. I may look into these as a future mod. Gotta work these things in slowly, so as not to alert the misses. She already thinks I have a strange obsession with all things Jeep. Mine uses the term, "Jeep widow". It's really her fault, because buying the Jeep was her idea. And the lift and tires were demanded by her. |
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Post by moneypit on Oct 9, 2005 21:43:32 GMT -5
I am ever the frugal shopper. I may look into these as a future mod. Gotta work these things in slowly, so as not to alert the misses. She already thinks I have a strange obsession with all things Jeep. Mine uses the term, "Jeep widow". It's really her fault, because buying the Jeep was her idea. And the lift and tires were demanded by her. My wife said buy whatever you want, I don't care. Just don't make me go on long trips with you in it! |
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Post by UnLTDRubicon on Oct 11, 2005 13:53:25 GMT -5
I just put in Sylvania Silverstar sealed beams this weekend. They are WAY better than the stock lights and they were only $45 for the pair.  |
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Post by salyers890 on Oct 11, 2005 15:03:01 GMT -5
thats what I heard, but isn't the life of the bulb decreased? got a pic?
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Mars
Trail Guide
Sit vis nobiscum
Posts: 169
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Post by Mars on Oct 11, 2005 17:06:40 GMT -5
I've had SilverStars in my XJ for over two years with no problems thus far. As for their apparent output they seem a vast improvement. I did some research, and the only dissenting opinion I could find at the time was from an "amateur electrical engineer" who prowled the newsgroups badmouthing them. I decided they were worth a shot and love 'em. I'll be replacing the bulbs in the LJ some time in the next few months with Silverstars and would recommend them.
I had the cheesy H3 bulbs in diamond reflectors in the Cherokee for a few days, and if you're going the HID route go all the way and buy a real HID system with harness. The cheesy "Xenons" I bought off eBay looked cool but were a complete waste of time and money and ultimately were unusable.
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