92XJGuy

I need to get better lighting when on the road at night, and I was considering just throwing two lights on my bumper, but I figured I'd just put money aside and do a full lightbar later on. I'll just upgrade my headlamps to solve my current problem. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations of headlamps. I'd prefer to buy in-store (Pepboys, Autozone, Advanced Auto, NAPA, etc..) just in case something happens, it's easier to drive to the store and replace them. But if there's a better deal online, I'll do it. I don't want a light that comes off as LED or whatever makes those newer Escalades and Audis have. Unbelievably annoying to be in front of. Just need a brighter light than my stock, and better coverage.

freegdr

when was the last time you installed new head lights mine were kinda bugging me i just bought a new set and it was a big difference,they were blue stars or bright stars from the auto parts stores

92XJGuy

I haven't replaced the headlights since I got the truck earlier this year. I figured since I'm due for an upgrade, I might as well get a bit of a brighter light, and I'd love to have more coverage on the road. I drive on dark roads with no street lights, sometimes through a forest (with deer), and the only way I can see is with my hi-beams, and I can't do that if there's oncoming traffic.

freegdr

thats true ive had mine 15 years never replaced them but when i did it was like night and day get some good driving lights that can be used later on the upgrade light bar

wildbill1

I've been using the Sylvania Xtravision lamps. They're considerably brighter than standard equipment but last much longer than the Silverstars. Also, check that the headlight plugs are clean and not corroded.

92XJGuy

Well I didn't want to put two expensive Hellas on my bumper, so I was going to get two decent priced lights from a local auto store, but thought since I'm going to do a lightbar down the road, that will have nice quality lights, I'll just save for that. I probably wouldn't use the bumper lights in the lightbar project.

You're happy with those? Any complaints? I haven't messed with my headlights before, but I take it it'll be obvious to find and notice if my plugs are OK?

I usually don't see things until I'm right up on it, if it's pitch black out and my hi beams are off. And yes, my eyes are fine lol.

freegdr

thats what i run the silver stars

92XJGuy

Looks nice! So, I have a newbie question now. Am I just buying those bulbs and still use the stock headlamp?

Thanks

victorlanda

headlight wiring harness upgrade + new headlights.

http://fitchva.com/jeep/?p=48

mideerslayer

You will buy the whole light, the xj's dont use the removable "bulbs", you are looking for the square lights that usually below the bulbs

Rich

92XJGuy

Thanks for that! Looks very detailed.

How do I find out what light to buy? I take it I buy a light housing and then the bulbs, and then just replace everything entirely?
--
Just did a search on Autozone. So I would buy something like this then?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...412572_0_7179_

That's just one of the first listings, so maybe not that one exactly, but something similar, right?

mideerslayer

Yes what you listed is what you need to replace if you are not going to upgrade to new housing

92XJGuy

OK, sweet. Is a new housing recommended if I've never replaced it before?

victorlanda

i got a pair of hella e-codes and i recommend them i have them with hell a 130/90W H4 bulbs.. they're way better than stock but silverstars are fine if you don't want to spend more money. what housings gives you is that you can replace the bulbs, H4, and anytime upgrade to HID if you want.
http://www.quadratec.com/category/Je.../183/index.htm

peep

I really really like the bright white and distance from my Silverstars. Too costly at $65 pair cdn. Not the cost per pair BUT I am very disappointed in having to replace them about 2X per year. I have collected too many failed lights. Given the Peep runs over 1100km weekly year long and some rough rides on the weekend. I really like the qualtity of the light out put but expect for the price they should last longer. I have run fresh 14ga wiring to both, good soldering and heat shrink on all connections. I also have cleaned the contacts in the wire plug each time. Even with the mean eyes I still have a great low beam. The mean eyes have shrouded the high beam but I have other options for high lite requirements. Running them for 3 years. I have saved the burned out sealed beams and plan to do a new roof setup with 5 Silverstars wired for the high beam.
When I set the lights aim to spec I get flashed a lot so I actually aim them a bit low for oncoming courtesy. Those ambers are also angled to the right and are not problematic for oncoming on the road in inclement, great in tight woods! So I guess bottom line is I really like the light but am grumpy about the lack of longevity.