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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Indy
Posts: 151
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Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Hello.
My headlights on my '78 are A) not very bright B) Too high off the ground, so they just disappear into the darkness instead of bouncing off the road C) The Passenger side bulb is out. I want to swap them out and basically spare no expense to give myself the brightest, baddest headlights possible. After doing a search, posting a few questions, and researching, I figure that step one is to do the 2008 Wrangler headlight swap mod. I need the following parts: PART - MOPAR PART NO. RIGHT Lamp - 55078148AB LEFT Lamp- 55078149AB (doesn't really matter if I buy right & left, so I'll get 2 of the cheaper ones) Pigtails - 1-68018959AA Then, I want to get an HID conversion kit to switch those lights over to HID. My question regarding that is, 1. What's the best/brightest brand or make of kit? 2. What color temperature should I choose for maximum visibility at night? 3. Can I get projector HID? Like the kind with the severe "cut off" where the light ends? I'm looking for the brightest lights I can possibly buy. I don't care if they're illegal because this truck is rarely on public roads and it's even rarer that it would be on public roads at night. I want the high beams to turn on WITH the low beams so that when I turn on my bright lights, it's literally double the output (if possible). Does my logic all make sense? Any ideas on brands or manufacturers or vendors? Last edited by Anadrol; 12-21-2009 at 11:56 PM. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Franklin Indiana
Posts: 635
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
I'd like to see your results when you get them done. I'm in Indy as well.
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My Truck's not leaking its marking its territory! |
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#3 |
Robert Olson Transport
![]() Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,294
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
all im going to say is that rarely is NOT the same as never and its really bad to have someone with lights that bright behind you as well as dangerous..You blind the guy ahead of you and he goes off the road or something..I would hope that Indiana has strict dazzling headlights laws that are well enforced. Also what you are asking to do as far as making the lights that bright inpoerable hi beams is illegal and against forum rules.
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Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! |
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#4 |
Next project: 1970 K10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524
Posts: 6,685
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
For starters, the best bang for your buck it to add two relays so that you are sending power to the lights straight from the batteries. Keep in mind that right now, power to the lights runs from the battery, to a d-block on the firewall, through the bulkhead connector, to the switch, then to the dimmer switch, back through the bulkhead connector, THEN finally to the lights. There is a ton of voltage lost in all those connections.
I added relays to my 85 (with a 91 Suburban grill & dual headlights) by running a large gauge power wire from the d-block on the firewall to a pair of relays. I took the wires that originally ran to the headlights, and ran them to the relays to use as the trigger wire that turned the relays on. That mod alone made them much brighter than any new vehicle I have owned. It also prevents the possibility of overloading the old 1985 headlight switch, which can result in the switch melting down. I added a full 3 volts at the lights just by doing this. I also added a blocking diode between the two relays, so when I click on the high beams, power gets kicked back to the low beam relay and turns them on as well. Doing this is far cheaper than swapping in the Chrysler stuff. While they may or may not be as bright as some of the new cars with the blue colored headlights that can freaking melt your eyes, they still outshine my 02 GMC! ![]() ![]() ![]()
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Bob 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 next project!! 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE Last edited by glock35ipsc; 12-22-2009 at 11:08 AM. |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Indy
Posts: 151
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Quote:
I'm no different than everyone else. I'm souping up an old truck to make it excessive and fun. If this were my daily driver, I wouldn't do half the things I'm doing. If you think I'm trying to hurt someone, or even annoy someone with the features of my truck, you're way off base. This truck runs around my family's farm, and it will go to shows. That's about it. Trust me, I'm not trying to get pulled over for headlight violations. Last edited by Anadrol; 12-22-2009 at 12:01 PM. |
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#6 |
Next project: 1970 K10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524
Posts: 6,685
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Maybe 1% of the trucks on here are completely legal according to their various state statutes, so this is not an issue.
If you do nothing else, do the relay power mod I posted. You will be throwing good money after bad if you upgrade to some super dooper bright bulbs and still power them through the switch. And if you spend 5 minutes at the bone yard looking for relays, it will cost nothing. No yard around here would charge for a couple of relays.
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Bob 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 next project!! 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE |
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#7 |
Gettin It One Pice At A Time
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: everett, washington
Posts: 2,688
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Well, for me. I put silver stars on my stock truck. The difference between stock and silvers were insane. If you did the relay and wrangler with silver stars. I think you might be happy. But if your not, you could put some trail lights on. that would look awesome on your truck.
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RIP ELJAY ![]() ![]() Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby |
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#8 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville
Posts: 2,079
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Quote:
Another thing that will help is to get the upgraded alternator (assuming you still have the stock 1978 "63 AMP"). I got a "78 AMP" on mine and it fixed it up and now the lights stay bright and the volt gauge needle doesn't move around when I stop at a red light. I went up to the parts store and got a 78 amp alternator off of an '83 c10 with a 350. it's a bolt in swap and for the money you'll get a 12si alternator instead of the old 10si that came in 78. Last edited by 78 Chevyrado; 12-22-2009 at 03:25 PM. |
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#9 |
The Cheesiest
![]() Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SHALLOWATER, TX.
Posts: 986
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
The jeep lamps are a great idea! They come with factory bulbs and will be brighter than your factory lamps. Try them out before you change the bulbs. After all of my research, i 2nd the relay mod.!
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#10 |
Redefining LowBudget
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire
Posts: 4,538
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
pardon me but whats the big deal about jeep lights?? and couldn't you snag parts from a junk yard??
I have contiplated the siver stars are they really worth the $$$ |
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#11 |
The Cheesiest
![]() Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SHALLOWATER, TX.
Posts: 986
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Jeep lamps have a crystal clear convex face and look great!
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Waynesfield Ohio
Posts: 1,991
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Quote:
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![]() 1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71 |
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#13 |
Redefining LowBudget
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire
Posts: 4,538
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
I don't want to sound smart or anything but we use them all the time on street rods and the bulbs are plug and play H4's ( from speedway I think) with a silver star up grade I would think they would be killer.....you could get the best of both??? hell you can even get them with the tri bar or what ever they make a half dozen dif styles??
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedw...ghts,4407.html heres a kit to put in HID's? http://www.speedwaymotors.com/7-Inch...ight,2326.html
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1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... SunShine Syndicate.. ![]() Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N. Richland Hills Tx
Posts: 229
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
might as well just buy a housing for an h4 conversion and then buy hids...that just my opinion, my friend had them in his 78 and i have them on my 86.
hids.. xtremehids.com housing.. http://www.stylintrucks.com/part.asp...&partid=402175
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1986 gmc sierra....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=622 |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Milton, FL
Posts: 733
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Check out futurevisionhid.com for HID's. Probably the highest quality HID kits on the web.
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#16 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Here we go with the head light debate again.
Relay- No matter what light's you run in your truck, the relay update glock35ipsc covers is VERY beneficial. As he mentions, the flow path is horrible from the factory when it was new. Even if your running stock head lights this is an excellent upgrade. Silverstars- There are other brands out there, but it's hard to beat the quality of Osram/Sylvania Silverstars lights. These lights are premium quality for a decent price. This is an economical upgrade that is well worth the money spent. Before you purchase them, always check their website for discount coupons- LINK Jeep Wrangler- The Jeep Wrangler light is a good way to add contemporary designed lighting to our generation of trucks. The conversion gives you the latest in OEM designed lighting. Once the conversion is done, it allows you to replace or upgrade the bulb rather than replace the entire sealed beam. HIDS- I have yet to see a true HID conversion for our trucks that was affordable. Russell is the resident expert on HIDs, so I will save that area for him to cover. I think anyone that sets their lighting system up to be excessive, or illegal is asking for trouble. You may not get hassled by the LEO's but the reaction from other motorist might be more than just a friendly wave. I have actually had people swerve at me because they think the lights in my 06 Silverado are on bright when they weren't.
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Indy
Posts: 151
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Quote:
So far, I have seen such a huge price discrepancy that i feel like I'm not understanding what to look for in the first place. One site might have 2 headlights for $600, while another site advertises "true plug n play HID conversion" for only $200. Can someone just answer this- 1. How can I get HID Projectors inside the stock size 7" diameter round housing so that I get the ultra bright, precise beam pattern of HID, but the bulbs look stock to the untrained eye? 2. If I just want to mount a couple HID projectors in my front bumper (hole saw out 2 holes and have circular round lights peeping through the holes) what brand/site can I trust to buy quality HID projector fog lights? |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bloomington MN
Posts: 12
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Check out www.ddmtuning.com for HID kits great price and lifetime warranty and www.3bspecialties.com for relay wiring harness.
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1986 Chevy 2wd swb 1937 Ford sedan 2012 Silverado |
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#19 | |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Quote:
Do some research on the subject to understand what I mean, but a brief explanation is projection vs reflective. It's two entirely different systems of light housings and lenses.
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#20 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville
Posts: 2,079
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Good thread here
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318973 Look at the very last post... this is what projectors would look like, though the poster says the particular ones he got suck... The silverstars will put out the same light weather they are in a 78 chevy truck or in a 2009 silverado... my 7" silverstars aren't true (for lack of a better term) sealed beams.... inside the headlight is another bulb like the changeable h4's. I cracked one one time, and it kept right on working. Last edited by 78 Chevyrado; 12-23-2009 at 01:29 AM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N. Richland Hills Tx
Posts: 229
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
i have a ballast and bulb i got mine from xtremehids.com
it was like 64 buck with shipping. its an h4 bulb i can post pics if you want. i got the housing for like 40 bucks.
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1986 gmc sierra....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=622 |
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#22 |
Redefining LowBudget
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire
Posts: 4,538
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
pic please
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N. Richland Hills Tx
Posts: 229
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
ok.
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1986 gmc sierra....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=622 |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N. Richland Hills Tx
Posts: 229
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
i know they run on high beams, but its only the 35 watt ballast not the 55 watt
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1986 gmc sierra....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=622 |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: MD
Posts: 417
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Re: Wrangler Lights + Upgraded Bulbs = Brighter?
Any particular models year ranges to get the relays off of?
Quote:
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2006 Silverado Crew Cab 1500 4x4 5.3L automatic 1986 M1008 CUCV 6.2L Detroit Diesel TH400 4.56 Detroit Locker rear NP208 1973 K20 "Silverado" 350ci, HEI, TH350, NP203 with 2wd conversion, A/C, power windows,tilt wheel, dual tanks. My '73ish K20 thread My 5yo son claims it as his. 1987 V20 Custom Deluxe 350 TH400 NP208 "farm truck" getting parted out. 2016 Nissan Altima grocery getter/commuter |
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