LED headlights?

[WrenchTech]

I still have sealed beams on my first generation 4runner. Anybody have a recommendation on headlight conversion housings I could use to except these wonderful new LED bulbs? Some years ago I read that the Hella housings made of glass we're the best. There are a lot more choices now, Most of them constructed of plastic. What do you think?

 

[aquilon]

I still have sealed beams on my first generation 4runner. Anybody have a recommendation on headlight conversion housings I could use to except these wonderful new LED bulbs? Some years ago I read that the Hella housings made of glass we're the best. There are a lot more choices now, Most of them constructed of plastic. What do you think?

The housing isn't as important as the projector.

I'm no lighting expert, but the more important bit in general and for automotive application is the optics behind how the light source is projected.

You're better off doing a retrofit of a quality projector and using xxx light source, be that an HID bulb kit or an LED bulb.

If you have improper light optics, it doesn't matter how bright the lights source is, in fact it may be very very bright... but it will blind everybody. The brighter your light source, the more important it is to make sure that light is going in the right direction... if not you're causing danger to everybody else around you and likely not being very efficient in your light output.

 

[WrenchTech]

The housing isn't as important as the projector...

You're better off doing a retrofit of a quality projector and using xxx light source, be that an HID bulb kit or an LED bulb.

Up until now I was only aware of two components that apply to my application; the LED bulb unit and the headlight conversion housing. I had no knowledge of a "projector" as a separate component that could be used on my '89 4runner. However after a quick search, I did find I did find some headlight housings with built-in projectors that look like they would fit my application.. Some are even made of glass and quite reasonably priced. I'm attaching a picture of one I saw on eBay that has a black frame and a partial halo of LEDs that wire up separately and which could perform a daytime running lamp function. Not exactly sure it is what I'd want on my classic 4runner, but it's a start.

 

[WrenchTech]

Ooops! I guess I can't post pictures until I have a few more posts under my belt.

 

[WrenchTech]

I am seeing a lot of inexpensive sealed beam conversion housings, with projectors built-in, on places like eBay, but I am worried about the quality of those parts. Then again, they are almost so inexpensive that I can afford to experiment.


7" 7x6 Square Black Housing Glass Projector LED Headlamps H4 Head Light Bulbs | eBay
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[aquilon]

Up until now I was only aware of two components that apply to my application; the LED bulb unit and the headlight conversion housing. I had no knowledge of a "projector" as a separate component that could be used on my '89 4runner. However after a quick search, I did find I did find some headlight housings with built-in projectors that look like they would fit my application.. Some are even made of glass and quite reasonably priced. I'm attaching a picture of one I saw on eBay that has a black frame and a partial halo of LEDs that wire up separately and which could perform a daytime running lamp function. Not exactly sure it is what I'd want on my classic 4runner, but it's a start.

We're all learning about these things! It's nice we have a forum like this to share experiences.

The outer protective headlight housing on most 4runners seem to be made out of plastic... this has it's benefit of being pretty resistant to shattering, but the con of yellowing over time (this can be polished out though). A glass housing looks alot clearer but can shatter and chip more easily, unless you put something like lamin-x to protect it, which can sometimes make it look like a plastic lens, and they fade and yellow, so the aesthetic benefit is now gone.

I used to think glass was the best, and in certain applications I think they are. But for the 4runner, I think plastic is great, I know the 06 and on 4Runners came with projectors on the low beam, with halogen. That's what I have as mine is an 06. Given it already has a projector, retrofitting another projector should be easier. You may need to get a headlight that has a projector already to better suit a real retrofit of an 'HID' projector, like the bixenon ACME that I purchased from TRS.

 

[XenonDepot]

[MENTION=137968]aquilon[/MENTION] - I'd question that 5000 lumens per bulb number...

 

[aquilon]

[MENTION=137968]aquilon[/MENTION] - I'd question that 5000 lumens per bulb number...

You can question it if you want, but those are the specs from Morimoto.

CREE makes the LED's used in this application and their spec page also indicate XHP50 LED chips... according to Cree's spec page maximum light output is 2546 lm per chip... as there's 2 chips per bulb, it doesn't seem unreasonable to be close to the 5000 lumens claim. http://www.cree.com/LED-Components-and-Modules/Products/XLamp/Arrays-Directional/XLamp-XHP50

But if you wish to disprove, I'm more than willing to listen. :beer:

As a different application of that LED Chip this company made a flashlight claiming similar output to CREE's lumens output with only one chip.
http://www.eagletac.com/html/mx25l3xhp50/features/index.html

 

[fj40taz]

sub'd for future install..

 

[adkfinn]

You can question it if you want, but those are the specs from Morimoto.

CREE makes the LED's used in this application and their spec page also indicate XHP50 LED chips... according to Cree's spec page maximum light output is 2546 lm per chip... as there's 2 chips per bulb, it doesn't seem unreasonable to be close to the 5000 lumens claim. Cree XLamp XHP50 LED

But if you wish to disprove, I'm more than willing to listen. :beer:

As a different application of that LED Chip this company made a flashlight claiming similar output to CREE's lumens output with only one chip.
EAGTAC - BE the world first to experience CREE XH-P50 LEDon MX25L3 Limited edition

I have this guy: EC4S | Nitecore

It runs a single XHP50... can confirm, stupid bright. I think Nitecore says 2150 lumens, a bit under the maximum spec from CREE. This lamp has some serious throw and generates a decent amount of heat. A good example of what kind of power we are talking about: Mine accidentally got switched on while it was in the case and it burned (read: smoking and melted) the nylon case, in under thirty seconds...

 

[aquilon]

I have this guy: EC4S | Nitecore

It runs a single XHP50... can confirm, stupid bright. I think Nitecore says 2150 lumens, a bit under the maximum spec from CREE. This lamp has some serious throw and generates a decent amount of heat. A good example of what kind of power we are talking about: Mine accidentally got switched on while it was in the case and it burned (read: smoking and melted) the nylon case, in under thirty seconds...

Now I want a flashlight.

 

[adkfinn]

Now I want a flashlight.

It is a great light. It drains the 2x 18650's pretty fast on high, but has great longevity on the lower settings. I think I paid around $75 on Amazon last year for this light plus 2 3400mah batteries and the charger as a package. Not a bad price in my book.

 

[XenonDepot]

I apologize, I should have clarified.

According to your link the maximum drive current is 1.5A per chip.
Morimoto indicates 1.35A per chip.

1.35A @ 11.5 (typical forward voltage) * 2 (number of diodes) = 31.05W

Maximum Efficacy *at Binning Conditions* 149 lm/W

= 4626.45 lumens

However, that's not taking into consideration the efficiency of the LED driver -- There is no way the LEDs are getting all of the wattage.

My comment above was based on me guessing that they wouldn't run these LEDs at 1.35A (90% of the absolute max stated drive current) for longevity reasons, but maybe I'm wrong.

Steve

 

[aquilon]

Maybe TRS can shed some light (pun intended)

I'd still be pleased with a 4600lm output with a descent projector, as that's still about 1000 more than a Morimoto 35w HID bulb at 4500k (3500lm).

 

[thenewnewguy]

I'm not usually a fan of full aftermarket lights, but this sure is an upgrade from our very foggy OEM lights.

View attachment 205656

Your 4Runner looks like a slutty spaceship but you wouldn’t touch after market lights? (I’m just jealous)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ausumm]

These do not have projectors,
but they say the beam can be adjusted.

"360°lighting brings you a super bright and safe driving experience.Adjustable collar ring convenient to adjust the beam angle accordingly."

https://www.amazon.com/AUXITO-Headlight-9000Lumens-Extremely-Conversion/dp/B07DGTTTKN/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1546624081&sr=8-17-spons&keywords=2004+4runner&psc=1

 

[CampingT4R]

These do not have projectors,
but they say the beam can be adjusted.

"360°lighting brings you a super bright and safe driving experience.Adjustable collar ring convenient to adjust the beam angle accordingly."

https://www.amazon.com/AUXITO-Headlight-9000Lumens-Extremely-Conversion/dp/B07DGTTTKN/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1546624081&sr=8-17-spons&keywords=2004+4runner&psc=1

I bought them. i'll let you know.

 

[Terminator03]

I bought them. i'll let you know.

Awesome. Are you installing in the ‘06 projector style lights, or the earlier ones? It doesn’t say in your sig what year runner you have. I’m very intrigued by these, especially if they work well in the ‘06 lights, which I have.

 

[benztech82]

I got 05 4runner and I was lucky enough to find led bulbs that work just as stock in regards of not blinding anyone. Those bulbs have a shadow line just like stock.
Oslamp LED Headlight Bulbs H4 H7 H11 9005 9006 SMD Chips 70W 7000LM 6500K Car Led Auto Headlamp Headlights Led Light 12v 24v-in Car Headlight Bulbs(LED) from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

I had to recalibrate the headlights due a lift anyway. I bought 3 kits for all front lamps.

 

[CampingT4R]

Awesome. Are you installing in the ‘06 projector style lights, or the earlier ones? It doesn’t say in your sig what year runner you have. I’m very intrigued by these, especially if they work well in the ‘06 lights, which I have.

I installed in the older style 03 headlights.. they work great! The cheap headlights that I have are garbage as far as the reflector housing works.. but I checked the headlights with the halogen bulbs and the beam is the same as the LED. I am going to place these on my other cars as they need to be replaced.