88CherokeeKid

Alright so I'd like to mount a set of lights to my bumper where there are two holes from the factory. I think I'll do driving lights, but they'll also be used for off-road lighting. My question is mainly about the wiring. If I should upgrade it, how and with what? What brand and model of lights should I get? Looking to spend anywhere from $100 through MAYBE $200. Any suggestions, setups, and ideas you have are appreciated

blue_on_blackXJ

If you're going to wire in an aftermarket set, they will come with a stand-alone wiring harness that will be sufficient. I've been happy with my Hella 500FF's, but they shouldn't be used in traffic. If you want to use them in traffic, make sure to get the proper beam pattern so you don't blind oncomers. KC is a fine light too, I just feel like they are a little over-done by the sister-lovin, mullet-headed rednecks who put 34539946 of them on their chrome roll bars and don't even wire them in. Plus the Hella's are cheaper.

blue_on_blackXJ

Oh and remember, relays are your friend!

88CherokeeKid

Thanks a lot! I'll look into them. Why do I see some guys that upgrade their wiring? What's the reasoning?

88CherokeeKid

KC is a fine light too, I just feel like they are a little over-done by the sister-lovin, mullet-headed rednecks who put 34539946 of them on their chrome roll bars and don't even wire them in.

Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!

88CherokeeKid

That is so true!

blue_on_blackXJ

For HID headlights, the current draw is more than the stock wires can handle. Bigger wires=less heat=Jeep not bursting into flames, and they won't be fully functional on the stock harness, at least from what I've gathered. I don't know too much on that specific subject.

88CherokeeKid

So the only reason I'd want to upgrade wiring is for HID's? And the wiring that comes in most kits is sufficient right? Thanks again thanks for educating me a bit

N8N

it's all about the wire gauge vs. how many watts you draw. If the wiring that comes with the lights is 12AWG or even 14AWG and has a relay you're probably going to have good light output. If the wires are little skinny things you'll probably be disappointed.

Personally I'd put a relay harness in anything that I could for the headlights; relays drawing power right from one of the battery cables or the alternator stud and 12AWG wire will make a huge difference in the brightness of your headlights.

88CherokeeKid

So maybe something like this when I put in lights?

N8N

I'm still waiting on someone to measure the wire gauge in that harness; I saw one looking very similar at a swap meet years ago and it looked like it was maybe 16 AWG at best. I'm going to use this one

http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=1247

(the H4 version) and it's already here and definitely real heavy gauge wire, but I'm going to modify it some for even more massive overkill before I install it - I'm going to use four relays and four fuses for more redundancy, and add additional fuse spaces so I can add another relay block for future fog/driving/off-road lights should I decide I want them in the future. I plan on being able to see where I'm going.

88CherokeeKid

lets see, maybe you could post a link with a set of driving lights and one with a harness that you think would be a nice setup?

blue_on_blackXJ

If you really feel like you need to upgrade the harness that comes with an aftermarket set of lights, I wouldn't even bother trying to buy a whole harness online. Go buy some 12 AWG wire at the hardware store, a relay with a mounting tab, some connectors, an inline fuse, and a switch. Chances are if you buy a harness it will cost more only to get cut up anyways.

88CherokeeKid

Yeah that sounds better, that way I can get the length I need. What about a set of lights?