RockyRoads

Would appreciate any advice re: an upgraded headlight system for my '97 XJ. I know there have already been a lot of posts about headlights (and I’ve tried to read ‘em all) so I hope nobody minds my bringing it up again.

I have recently taken a new job requiring a 40-mile commute on a remote 2-lane desert highway. It's fine in the daylight, but as soon as daylight savings time ends I'll be coming home in the dark. (There’ll also be some winter weather to contend with.)

I am in my 60s, and as I'm sure you know, night vision becomes a problem with age. (At age 60 average pupil dilation is half what it was at age 30.) Aside from just seeing the road, I am concerned about deer & other critters. I want to be able to really light up the highway, yet dim down courteously for the occasional oncoming driver.

I have already ordered a Putco H4 harness and will install it as soon as it arrives. Otherwise I'd like to know what headlight system you would install if you were me. I am willing to spend some money cuz, well, this is my life we’re talking about.

Also, should I consider any supplemental driving lights, or would the upgraded headlights be adequate?

Not concerned about off road. I don’t drive in the dark off road unless I’m lost or outa gas. ;-)

Many thanks for your comments!

93XJLI

Hella, IPF, Delta, or any other name brand glass housing combined with a set of Narva or Osram high output (+20,+50, etc is a common nomenclature) bulbs and you'll be set. I'm very satisfied with my Hella housings and Osram 85/80 bulbs. I don't see the need to get any kind of driving lights with this setup- 55w Hellas, KCs, etc will just put a hot spot right in the middle of your pattern. If you need more range, you'll want a good set of HID lamps to supplement the headlights.

If you want to REALLY get the best setup you can, email this guy:
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/

jeepscottr1

I have 2 Hellas from auto zone 500ffs and a police spotlight and a kc hi light on my a pillers for the windshield with stock headlights and its plenty of light

Lowrange2

Spend some money you say?

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1082758

I've seen these in person. They put any headlight upgrade I've seen to shame.

I run a custom relay headlight harness set-up with IPF housings and 100/55 bulbs.

wifin

Man I've been looking at those for awhile now. Is it bad that I want them cause they so unique and awesome? Haha

They even beat the harness upgrade?

RockyRoads

[QUOTE=lowrange2;2044441]Spend some money you say?

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1082758

I've seen these in person. They put any headlight upgrade I've seen to shame.

QUOTE]


Guess I'd better be careful what I ask for. Also have to evaluate how much my life is worth. ;-)

BTW, I did hear back from Daniel Stern, and will probably just follow his advice.

Thanks to all!

kennzz05

we have those led headlights in our semi truck they are well worth it i drive all nite every nite and i cant say enough about them. In addition we hit a deer this morning on the right front it busted the headlight bucket so the bulb is loose now but the bulb is intact and working, my opinion, get the leds

sam24th

Yes Ive seen those LEDs in person also and was about to suggest them. Those are ridiculously bright. I want a set but man those are expensive. I'll stick to my HID retrofit for now.

bambam0417

I have replaced my headlights with hellas. They are a huge improvement over stock headlights. here is the link for them on quadratec
http://www.quadratec.com/products/97009_02.htm
I also have two 6" KC daylighters on the bumper that I use if I see alot of deer around (I dont want to hit one of them).

RockyRoads

Just to follow up on this project:

Thanks to everybody for their input. I ended up going with the Daniel Stern Cibie solution, and did the installation over the weekend. Everything works great. Went for a test drive last night, and even though I'm not yet perfectly aimed I didn't seem to be bothering any oncoming drivers.

Thanks again for your help!

Bbasso

my Hella 700FF driving lights: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/i-b...3/#post2070444