Question about headlights

[SavedbyHim]

Like stated in other posts, just picked up a 95 Limited in awesome shape and nearly everything works perfect barring the electric antenna which will not go down due to it being bent. The motor does work so guess I have to buy an expensive antenna for it?

Back on topic. I run Truck Lite headlight and running lamps in one of my Harley's. They are awesome so looked into them for this vehicle and was shocked at how much cheaper they are. Price quoted from NAPA was $54.00 whereas I have about $500 invested in the 7" and 2 4" lights on my Road King.

Just wondering if anyone is running them or any other high intensity headlights that will not break the bank?

Again, thanks in advance and hope for positive responses to my questions.

Mike

 

[RAD4Runner]

... I run Truck Lite headlight and running lamps in one of my Harley's. ... Price quoted from NAPA was $54.00 whereas I have about $500 invested in the 7" and 2 4" lights on my Road King.

Really? Someone sells the Trucklite 27450C for $54? Then why not buy it? I was happy to pay three times that.

 

[Dropzone]

Really? Someone sells the Trucklite 27450C for $54? Then why not buy it? I was happy to pay three times that.

X2, I paid $209 for those lights 4 years ago.

That version of light won't fit your 95 unless you retrofit the grill and head light buckets from a 90-91 4Runner or 89-95 truck

At $54 each buy a pallet of them, sell for $90 or (whatever price) and make a killing $$$

 

[KidVermicious]

Is the Trucklight that much better than a set of PIAA buckets and H4 bulbs?

 

[RAD4Runner]

Is the Trucklight that much better than a set of PIAA buckets and H4 bulbs?

Compared to H4 Halogens? Heck Yeah.
I'm extremely happy with mine. One bulb takes 38 Watts I think, and it's much brighter than the 55-watt halogen. However, the most important factor for me is the wide spread that helps enhance safety.

 

[HanginInUtah]

But still... are you going to retrofit your grill to use them? Because that's something I'd love... an option on a 95 to upgrade the lights. Best I can seem to find is an H4 bulb.

 

[Dropzone]

Is the Trucklight that much better than a set of PIAA buckets and H4 bulbs?

yep, nice light pattern, low amp draw- i think the high beams drew like 2.8 amps. Three warranty is nice too

The only disadvantage to the head lights is that they don't generate much heat so if you drive in snow conditions you may have ice build up

 

[KidVermicious]

Compared to H4 Halogens? Heck Yeah.
I'm extremely happy with mine. One bulb takes 38 Watts I think, and it's much brighter than the 55-watt halogen. However, the most important factor for me is the wide spread that helps enhance safety.

yep, nice light pattern, low amp draw- i think the high beams drew like 2.8 amps. Three warranty is nice too

The only disadvantage to the head lights is that they don't generate much heat so if you drive in snow conditions you may have ice build up

Cool to hear it. I like my H4s but I'd love more output. If you guys had to do it again and "safety" inspections weren't an issue, would you do the Trucklight over a projector HID conversion?

But still... are you going to retrofit your grill to use them? Because that's something I'd love... an option on a 95 to upgrade the lights. Best I can seem to find is an H4 bulb.

Just the H4s were such an improvement over the sealed beams, I'd say yes. I'd hack up the grill/core support on a second gen just to get H4s, and if the Trucklights are that much better...

 

[RAD4Runner]

...would you do the Trucklight over a projector HID conversion?

Yes, because of immense improvement with its plug and play install.

 

[Dropzone]

Cool to hear it. I like my H4s but I'd love more output. If you guys had to do it again and "safety" inspections weren't an issue, would you do the Trucklight over a projector HID conversion?

there are a few models available. The DOT stamped version should pass any safety inspection
Complex Reflector, 5"x7" LED Rectangular, 2 Diodes Headlight, Polycarbonate Lens, E-Coat Aluminum, 12-24V | Truck-Lite

other options
http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wc...=15554&parent_category_rn=13089&storeId=10001

And Yes I would do it again over a projector HID conversion. Half the 'HID' conversions out there are hack jobs anyway. If i come across a grill and headlights buckets in the future my 94 will see truck lites again. My old set is residing in my friend's 3.4 converted 88 4Runner

if money is no object the JW SPeaker LED's kick ass

Here is a great comparison of headlight options that is on Pirate
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/usmcdoc/lights/

 

[Kean]

And Yes I would do it again over a projector HID conversion. Half the 'HID' conversions out there are hack jobs anyway.

....and I'd wager the percentage is much higher than that.

The fact is that a good, safe, well-performing solution is going to cost money. I doubt much research or thought goes into the design of those other cheap solutions. ....that's why most of those will not claim to be SAE compliant, etc. They may even state "off road use only" (at least in those cases I can respect that they are somewhat honest).

If those TLs are in fact $54 each from Napa, I would jump all over it. Honestly though, I think you were quoted the wrong price.

Personally, I opted for halogen conversion headlamps from Hella. Glass assemblies that look completely stock but take replaceable bulbs. A noticeable improvement over stock and the flexibility of using anything from a long life bulb to one of the latest (legal) high efficacy alternatives. If I used my T4R more often than I did now, I would most certainly entertain the idea of upgrading to a quality LED option like the TLs, GEs or equivalent.

 

[SavedbyHim]

....and I'd wager the percentage is much higher than that.

The fact is that a good, safe, well-performing solution is going to cost money. I doubt much research or thought goes into the design of those other cheap solutions. ....that's why most of those will not claim to be SAE compliant, etc. They may even state "off road use only" (at least in those cases I can respect that they are somewhat honest).

If those TLs are in fact $54 each from Napa, I would jump all over it. Honestly though, I think you were quoted the wrong price.

Personally, I opted for halogen conversion headlamps from Hella. Glass assemblies that look completely stock but take replaceable bulbs. A noticeable improvement over stock and the flexibility of using anything from a long life bulb to one of the latest (legal) high efficacy alternatives. If I used my T4R more often than I did now, I would most certainly entertain the idea of upgrading to a quality LED option like the TLs, GEs or equivalent.

After reading the responses I am thinking the guy at the auto parts store didn't know what he was talking about. Knowing what I paid for the ones on my Harley I even questioned him if they were indeed TL and he said yes. Guess I will have to check again now that I know the part number. Thanks for the heads up to all that shared that. If that doesn't work I will look into some of the options suggested. Thanks again and mighty grateful.

 

[RAD4Runner]

...Honestly though, I think you were quoted the wrong price.

After reading the responses I am thinking the guy at the auto parts store didn't know what he was talking about...

+1 ^^^

Personally, I opted for halogen conversion headlamps from Hella. Glass assemblies that look completely stock but take replaceable bulbs.

This is a sensible solution.
However, more essential is making sure that current to bulb passes through a relay directly connected to the battery via a fuse, instead of the stock circuit where headlight current passes through the dimmer-combo-stalk. The "H4 Conversion Harness" would do this.
Furthermore, please note that Sylvania itself admits that its brighter bulbs will not last as long as the dimmer ones.

 

[Kean]

+1 ^^^



This is a sensible solution.
However, more essential is making sure that current to bulb passes through a relay directly connected to the battery via a fuse, instead of the stock circuit where headlight current passes through the dimmer-combo-stalk. The "H4 Conversion Harness" would do this.
Furthermore, please note that Sylvania itself admits that its brighter bulbs will not last as long as the dimmer ones.

Definitely worth noting for those who may not know. ...especially those who are used to bulbs lasting for years. It's definitely a trade off. YMMV but my personal experience is ~1-2 yrs depending on usage for a "good" quality, high efficacy bulb like some of the ones from Phillips or Osram (Sylvania overseas).

Personally, I avoid most bulbs from Sylvania (based on my own experience and product characteristics) with the exception of their standard long life models. Anything coated to attempt to "whiten" light I also try to avoid. Exceptions are those that are partially coated but still perform well like the XtremeVision by Phillips, Nightbreakers by Osram, etc. I would prefer bulbs without any tint added but even the good ones have succumbed to masses who want that look. ....at least with the partial coating at the base and tip of the bulb, it really doesn't affect the usable light emitted.

I used to have to source some of these bulbs from overseas (UK) but these days you can find them locally in some cases or on Amazon. The good news is that in general, they don't cost as much as they used to being more readily available here.

 

[SavedbyHim]

Definitely worth noting for those who may not know. ...especially those who are used to bulbs lasting for years. It's definitely a trade off. YMMV but my personal experience is ~1-2 yrs depending on usage for a "good" quality, high efficacy bulb like some of the ones from Phillips or Osram (Sylvania overseas).

Personally, I avoid most bulbs from Sylvania (based on my own experience and product characteristics) with the exception of their standard long life models. Anything coated to attempt to "whiten" light I also try to avoid. Exceptions are those that are partially coated but still perform well like the XtremeVision by Phillips, Nightbreakers by Osram, etc. I would prefer bulbs without any tint added but even the good ones have succumbed to masses who want that look. ....at least with the partial coating at the base and tip of the bulb, it really doesn't affect the usable light emitted.

I used to have to source some of these bulbs from overseas (UK) but these days you can find them locally in some cases or on Amazon. The good news is that in general, they don't cost as much as they used to being more readily available here.

I have never seen Philips bulbs at an auto parts store, only Sylvania. I searched eBay and there are many XtremeVision by Phillips versions. Can you please tell what model would be the one to buy? Seeing them in the $30.00 range so longevity would not bother me so much and would just order an extra set. Something I always keep an eye on is making sure all of my lights are working. Just an excuse to get pulled over by an LEO.

Sorry but I have not had this vehicle long and have only driven it a little bit, like less than a tankful. I work long hours and do not have time to do anything during the week other than sleep, eat and shower. Wake up, repeat. That being said is this stock light not sealed beam, meaning replacing the complete light? If so what does one need to do to make bulb replacement? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but as said I work a lot and get too little sleep.

 

[Kean]

I have never seen Philips bulbs at an auto parts store, only Sylvania. I searched eBay and there are many XtremeVision by Phillips versions. Can you please tell what model would be the one to buy? Seeing them in the $30.00 range so longevity would not bother me so much and would just order an extra set. Something I always keep an eye on is making sure all of my lights are working. Just an excuse to get pulled over by an LEO.

Sorry but I have not had this vehicle long and have only driven it a little bit, like less than a tankful. I work long hours and do not have time to do anything during the week other than sleep, eat and shower. Wake up, repeat. That being said is this stock light not sealed beam, meaning replacing the complete light? If so what does one need to do to make bulb replacement? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but as said I work a lot and get too little sleep.

I believe what you mean is that you see several variants of the Xtreme Vision with a different "+" number (eg +100)? I believe they are up to +130 now. ....basically, the marketing is that they deliver 130% more light than a standard bulb but while they do make a noticeable difference, it is not as dramatic as the marketing sounds IME.

Also note that the +130s may not necessarily be available in your size. .....you'll have to look around. To add more confusion there is a model called Vision and another called VisionPlus. The XtremeVision is that one that you will see with a higher rating/% than the other two models.

They do make a difference but just don't expect that difference to be "mind blowing" or you'll set yourself up for a big disappointment. They are after all still halogen bulbs (albeit better than your standard ones).

 

[KidVermicious]

That being said is this stock light not sealed beam, meaning replacing the complete light? If so what does one need to do to make bulb replacement? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but as said I work a lot and get too little sleep.

Woops, thread drift! Yes, you've got sealed beams, you can't just swap the bulb. And the kicker is, it's a bit of a funny size - earlier 4Runners have a standard 6x7 sealed beam, and there are several inexpensive aftermarket buckets that bolt right up in place of the sealed beam lamp and have an H4 slot in back, letting us run any bulb we want. Nobody makes one of those buckets to fit the funny headlamp size in the '90-'95 grill - hence the discussion upthread about going to the effort of modifying the grill. None of the talk of H4 bulb types or Sylvania vs. Phillips (I'm a Phillips guy, myself) applies to you unless you wanted to hack up your grill and make it fit a standard 6x7 lamp profile.

 

[Kean]

....yeah. Sorry about that. I responded to your post on my phone last night and obviously missed that second part.

Yes, all of my answers were in regard to a headlamp conversion product like the Hella model I bought which allows the replacement of the bulb. Again, sorry.

 

[HiLuxer]

I personally use IPF H4 replacement bulbs on my Nissan 240sx and the result is satisfying, for the price of it of course. They're directly bolt-on bulbs that don't require harness or relay boxes, fuse, etc.

Thinking about converting my headlights to H4 along with those IPF bulbs again until I get the money saved up for the cool LED's.