The Final Word (I Hope)

[Ausumm]

I have searched and read through most of the threads here...
regarding LED headlights.
But I need to start a new one, because I am hoping to settle this argument once and for all.

In researching my wish to replace my headlights and fog lights with LEDs...
I keep finding conflicting answers.

Some say you simply CANNOT use LED headlights of ANY kind...unless you have PROJECTORS.
Because you will blind oncoming drivers.
So I would need to replace the headlight assembly(s) as well as the lamps.

Some say you CAN use LED's with the OEM headlight assembly.
But you need to use an LED bulb that has an adjustable beam...
you need one that addresses the beam pattern in some other way...
or...you can use them IF you don't really care about blinding oncoming drivers. :shocked:

Some also say you can use them WITHOUT projectors...
but you have to buy a certain brand or model LED.

And what's the story on "HALO LED" headlights? Is the circle of small LED's the only light source?
Or do they come with LED headlight bulbs.

Then, I read about LEDs "flickering"...
about the bulbs not fitting because the back end is too large to fit...
I see where people wanted to, or had to...modify the dust cover, the bulb, or some other part...
I read one post where someone's truck didn't pass inspection...


Remember, there is a difference between
a FACT
an OPINION
a RUMOR
a PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
an EDUCATED GUESS
and an UNEDUCATED GUESS

Can SOMEONE please tell me THE TRUTH!

 

[Thai]

Whatever you put...PLEASE AIM THEM CORRECTLY!! No need to blind the daylights out of oncoming traffic or folks you are driving behind.:frusty:

 

[meder24]

Both the reflectors of the early 5th gens and the projectors of the later 5th gens were designed for use with halogen bulbs.
Will LED and HID technically work in either? Yes they will. However none of the three bulb types mentioned are 100% compatible or interchangeable with one another, at least from an optics stand point. This is why all three have specific output devices that are designed for use specifically with the type of bulb they are associated with.
So even though it may appear that non-halogen bulbs in the stock headlight housings perform better than halogen, just keep in mind they were not designed for non-halogen bulb use.

 

[ElZilcho]

The FACT is you can find LED lamps to fit in nearly any housing projector or otherwise.

My OPINION is you should only use them in projector housings because they tend to "dazzle" in reflector housings giving the appearance of poorly aimed headlights or high beams left on.

There is RUMOR that non-OEM LED headlamps are illegal however...

in my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I have never seen or heard of anyone being ticketed or pulled over for LED headlamps that were properly aimed and of the proper lumen output.

I have never seen an adjustable LED headlamp that successfully prevents dazzle in a reflector housing. I'm not saying they don't exist, just that I don't know of them. The point source of the LED creates bright spots on a faceted reflector whereas the larger surface of a halogen lamp filament tends to "smooth out".

HALO LED lights are an aesthetic thing. There is another light, halogen or LED, to provide road illumination. They confuse me. The halos are highly associated with BMW and putting them on non-BMW's seems little different than badge swapping... but I'm not here to judge.

LED's do "flicker" but it's faster than the human eye can see... unless you're vibrating... or being vibrated... Why are you vibrating?

There is usually a heat-sink on the back of the lamp; some engine bays are too tight for this heat-sink to fit between the headlight housing and other components. This isn't an issue on my 4th gen, I can't speak for your vehicle.

Some people will make modifications to the lamp base or housing to fit a different type of lamp, say put an H9 lamp in an H8 socket. It's a work around.

I recommend avoiding Amazon for this and instead sourcing parts from someone with customer support and a solid reputation. I buy mine from Superbrightleds.com. There is a vehicle guide, lots of options, and you are guaranteed a quality component and a return policy. With Amazon you risk getting knock-off components in a fancy box.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, for everyone's sake match approximate lumen output of replacement low beams with stock values, aim your headlights properly, and don't use LED lamps in reflector housings... it's super annoying.

 

[96RedRunner]

[MENTION=134486]Ausumm[/MENTION], Mike don't know gen you have, check this out. Amazon has different types.
Real Hi/Lo Beam LED bulb! AWESOME!

 

[Primetime4370]

Can of worms you have opened.:vader:

 

[96RedRunner]

Can of worms you have opened.:vader:

It is that, think the criteria is covered in thread.

Remember, there is a difference between
a FACT
an OPINION
a RUMOR
a PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
an EDUCATED GUESS
and an UNEDUCATED GUESS
Can SOMEONE please tell me THE TRUTH!

They are better than any halogen nothing beats a projector.
Projectors on list, for the what they are for the money projectors further down list.
I am a hard sell, ha my worm in the can.
There is another thread on these bulbs think under bulb name.

 

[Trench]

Headlight Revolution Video

Search Headlight revolution on YouTube. They have tested over 100 LED lights for the 4Runner and found two that work great, straight fit plug and play and no need to adjust beam pattern. Good video. Supernova Perfect fit is one they liked a lot. I don’t have them, just passing along the site for review.

 

[GX4SEVEND]

I went through this issue with amazon lights. You need to make sure that the lights are adjustable. As in once locked in place you can rotate the LED so they actually are pointed ahead and not pointed down.

After having to send a set back that the lights were manufactured poorly the new set works great and are very bright and don’t blind people. The dust cover also closes with zero modifications.

 

[Ausumm]

I went through this issue with amazon lights. You need to make sure that the lights are adjustable. As in once locked in place you can rotate the LED so they actually are pointed ahead and not pointed down.

After having to send a set back that the lights were manufactured poorly the new set works great and are very bright and don’t blind people. The dust cover also closes with zero modifications.

Which ones did you buy? (the "new set")

 

[GX4SEVEND]

I bought the Katana set for like $49. Super bright for the money and 2 year warranty.