LED backup lights results

[hrothgar02]

Thanks to chrisdowling84, I followed the link and ordered some LED backup bulbs: Extreme Bright High Power 912 921 LED Bulbs For Backup Reverse Lights.

The bulbs seem to be high quality (see pic). The light is more concentrated and focused than the regular bulbs. The light is obviously much whiter. I don't know if it's necessarily brighter. The install literally took seconds and I am pretty happy with the results of this $20 mod. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), IMHO I would rate this mod a solid 6.

My apologies for the crappy pictures. It was dark and I used my Buttberry (hate that thing).

 

[Antman]

Buttberry :lmao:

 

[GrantK]

hrothgar02,

When you get time, how about pics of the lights output against a wall so we can see the pattern.

 

[JayBe]

Good call GrantK. I've been thinking of doing the same but would love to see what it will look like first.

 

[characterzero]

I had very similar ones on my Frontier

I rocked some very similar ones on the frontier.

Keep in mind these are directional - they'll throw light out back, but lack the spread of the OEM bulbs because they have their own reflector and aren't positioned to make use of the OEM reflectors. Think more of an intense hotspot further out than the even-ish wide coverage of the OEM.

That being said, I had them on the Frontier because I put on a camper and tinted the windows. Couldn't see dog-poo out back until I put these in! For that specific case, it made sense, but I don't see doing it to the 4R until it is time to replace bulbs, and perhaps not even then.

 

[Titanpat57]

Added them a few months back...nicer, whiter light

Rear shot...one on the right is original...

 

[hrothgar02]

I will try to take better pictures with the OEM vs iJDM bulb. It might be a while before I get the pictures up.

 

[windycity]

For those who have a limited and this mod: Do they provide enough light for the rear view camera?

 

[Flava Flav]

Part #s...?

Nice, love the compare/contrast pic. Excellent demonstration b/t OEM and Aftermarket. But did you have a manufacture and/or part number...or did you use the same like hrothgar02?

Added them a few months back...nicer, whiter light

Rear shot...one on the right is original...

 

[Titanpat57]

Nice, love the compare/contrast pic. Excellent demonstration b/t OEM and Aftermarket. But did you have a manufacture and/or part number...or did you use the same like hrothgar02?

thanks..

Here is the vendor I used.... http://forum.ih8mud.com/fully-lit-led/ Down the list a little bit is a section for the 5th gen 4runner. I just got rear door, interior domes, and reverse lights....but I'm very happy. The pictures don't lie, he mailed them right out, and answered a bunch of stupid questions I had. A real pleasure to deal with. The rear lights are 5 watt..and throw a completely different pattern then the OEM.

 

[Flava Flav]

Cool, thanks. I'll check out the ink.

 

[GrantK]

While the appearance of LED replacements is of interest for turn signal, tail light and interior lights the only thing I care about for reverse lights is how well they light things up when I'm in BFE on a moonless-overcast night. I want to clearly see not just what is directly behind but also to the sides where I will probably be turning into as I back up.

 

[Flava Flav]

Sounds like you may just want to run with an exterior light such as PIAA tacked on to the bottom of your bumper or tacked somehow to the spare.

While the appearance of LED replacements is of interest for turn signal, tail light and interior lights the only thing I care about for reverse lights is how well they light things up when I'm in BFE on a moonless-overcast night. I want to clearly see not just what is directly behind but also to the sides where I will probably be turning into as I back up.

 

[GrantK]

Sounds like you may just want to run with an exterior light such as PIAA tacked on to the bottom of your bumper or tacked somehow to the spare.

Nope, I just don't want to 'upgrade' to 'downgraded' results.

 

[2008_4Runner_Sport]

I am in the process of picking up some reverse leds. is there any chance you know how they would compare with these specific ones.

5K WHITE 19 LED 8W HIGH POWER BULBS 917 918 920 921 922 923 579 | 1 PAIR B/O - 921 LED - Reverse Back-Up - Bulb Type

this guy did a little write up on them.
Toyota 4Runner Exterior LED Lighting Conversion

I should phrase my question as whether people think the radially fired leds provide more output versus the unidirectional firing led.

thanks again.

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

I am running the last years version of the VLED 8W 921 LED's in my reverse lights and I will say that they leave alot to be desired.

In my experience, LED's in general may appear brighter at the source, but they don't come close the same usable output, where the rubber meets the road. The only reason in my opinion to upgrade (or downgrade) to LED reverse lights is for the "look" of LED lighting.

LED's are great technology and fill a definite void in available options but there are certain applications that are better suited to either HID or regular old incan. bulbs.

My opinion.... If you want the LED look, do the switch. If you truly want better illumination, add an auxiliary light like someone else mentioned.

 

[2008_4Runner_Sport]

thanks SOcalTRAIL

 

[eddiebx]

If you can hang on tight for a bit and are interested in going the "upgraded" incandescent route, I've just ordered a set of these supposedly brighter GE Nighthawk 921 bulbs, and can give you feedback later as to if they are actually brighter or not:

GE 921NH/BP2 Nighthawk Automotive Replacement Bulbs, Pack of 2 : Amazon.com : Automotive

I am tempted to try a pair not because I believe that the advertising claim of "up to 20% brighter" is true, but more based on the fact that the factory bulb is 16w (according to the owners manual) and this one is 18w.

I will report back if this is not an epic failure of an "upgrade"

Update: Got these in and did a quick comparison, absolutely cannot tell the difference between the factory ones and the Nighthawks. Also, upon more research it seems like the cause for the different wattage rating is because one is rated in @12V according to ECE standards and the other is rated @12.8V based on DOT standards; but basically same exact wattage and output between the two, just different standards.

Figured I would just update this here instead of making a new thread about my failed venture

So for those looking to upgrade to this particular bulb, save your money!

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Nope, I just don't want to 'upgrade' to 'downgraded' results.

I know how you feel. Been playing with some LEDs for tail lights and most suck. Concentrated only in one spot with limited spread. I want to black out my lights but want brighter bulbs before I do it. At first the bulbs were cheap enough so I just bought them and tried them out but that is getting old and the money does add up.

When someone finds LED reverse lights, marker lights, etc. that are truly brighter than stock with decent spread, please post.

 

[Go JayBee]

I am in the process of picking up some reverse leds. is there any chance you know how they would compare with these specific ones.

5K WHITE 19 LED 8W HIGH POWER BULBS 917 918 920 921 922 923 579 | 1 PAIR B/O - 921 LED - Reverse Back-Up - Bulb Type

this guy did a little write up on them.
Toyota 4Runner Exterior LED Lighting Conversion

I should phrase my question as whether people think the radially fired leds provide more output versus the unidirectional firing led.

thanks again.

One advantage you have with the backup/reverse light housing is that it has a reflector. The radial arrangement will mimick an incandescent lamp pretty well. I did this mod awhile back...I used: "iJDMTOY 360-Degree Shine 28-SMD 1210 T10 LED Wedge".

Very pleased with the result. Much better lighting for the Backup Camera too.