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AZJeeps TJ&XJ
06-18-2005, 03:06 AM
Well, after some searching around I finally decide to upgrade the headlights on the TJ. I was going to do a H4 conversion, but for a decent setup the price would be around $100+. And I didn't want to wait around for parts to come in and I haven't seen any in use yet to compare to. So I went the cheaper route. I picked up a pair of Sylvania's SilverStar's. These run about $25 each, so about half the cost of the conversion. Now I have been running these on my XJ for almost a year now, so I know they are the brightest straight replacement.

I have also put these in my grandfathers Tahoe, which I should have gotten pics of because it just about doubled the light and I only replaced the low beam side. The low beams were as bright as the high beams.

The TJ had bright OEM lights, but driving out to Buckeye at 10pm on MC85, they just don't cut it. Now, I haven't gone out there yet, as I only put them in tonight, but I can tell they are going to help a lot. I snapped a few pics, but they didn't come out the best.

I compared the stock lights to the SilverStar's and I noticed one big change (besides the brightness). The silverstar's have a area that lets light out at the bottom where the stock ones didn't. So when I aimed them down the street, they lighted up the ground in front of me with more of a direct light where the stock ones have just a general light pattern.

I also picked up two new H3 bulbs, both Silverstar's and both only 55w for the OEM foglights. These do put out more light and still use only 55w, so if you are looking for more light and don't want to re-wire for more power, these will give you some more light.

I guess the biggest thing I like that is if a rock or something wants to take a shot at the lamp, I can pick up a new one at Checker or Autozone, and I don't have to buy a whole new housing and maybe a new bulb like the conversions.

http://members.cox.net/offroadn2/headlights1.JPG
The right side is the new lamps. Notice how there is some light goin down from the center point, I marked in red.

http://members.cox.net/offroadn2/headlights2.JPG
Now the red area I circled, this is about 75% from the new lights.

I know there is better options out there, but I am easy and lazy, and I know these work nice for the money. Just my few pennies...

John L.

Stomper
06-18-2005, 10:14 AM
Looks like a worthwhile investment. I am looking at replacing the stock headlights on my '03 also. Thanks for the info.

Take care,

S

cw50must
06-18-2005, 10:47 AM
Thats good to know cause my cherokee lights are no where near as bright as my car and it bugs me. I'll have to consider upgrading.

paparonbo
06-18-2005, 02:50 PM
The headlight upgrade is probably the best $$ I have spent on my XJ. I used to suffer from "headlight envy". A little ashamed of the size and intenciy of my beams, but no more. Sounds like one of those spam e-mails I keep getting :D :D
Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference, plus its a quick and easy changeover.

Ron
00 XJ
87 XJ

AZJeeps TJ&XJ
06-18-2005, 10:14 PM
I think I like the fact that they are available at most auto parts stores. I know it sounds like a add, but I figured some people would find it helpfull. Now if only I had stocks or some other ties to them :rolleyes:

Stomper
06-22-2005, 07:59 AM
I was going to ask where you got yours, thanks for the info. By the way what is an H4 conversion??

Take care,

S

XJ Un-Limited
06-22-2005, 10:43 AM
I did this replacement about a year ago after a rock took out one of my stock lights. I can't be happier about the improvements for the cost of replacement. I like good cheap mods. :D

AZJeeps TJ&XJ
06-23-2005, 01:25 AM
I was going to ask where you got yours, thanks for the info. By the way what is an H4 conversion??

Take care,

S

I got mine at checker for $26.99 a light (I think that was the price), but I was at Autozone last night and saw they have the same lights, but for the XJ (square) for $20.99 but they didn't have the round ones for the TJ. They aren't the H4 conversions, they are sealed beam replacements.

I have had the standard sealed beam halagens, then tried the Cool Blue, then the Extra Vision's and now I am on the Silverstars. So far they are the best.

SavageSun4x4
06-23-2005, 09:49 AM
I use the Hella euro lights about $36 bucks each. WOW, they allow you to reach out and touch someone...

strider
11-01-2005, 08:27 PM
I'm runnin' Silver Stars on my TJ ans the work well. Not quite H4 standards but close.

Desmo_Pilot
11-02-2005, 06:17 PM
I am running Hella H4 Euro-spec bulbs in my TJ and absolutely love them. I have run them in various vehicles over the years all with the same great results. They have a great pattern with zero hot spots or shadows. And they also have a various nice cutoff(similar to a good quality fog light) as to not annoy oncoming drivers...even when running 80W or 100W on the low beam. They are well worth the few extra bucks.

In my F-150 I am running the Silverstar bulbs, as trying to locate the Euro-spec light assemblies is not easy. So only option is to simply upgrade the bulbs. The silverstars are an improvement, but by no means can be compared to an H4 conversion.

The real bummer is that US lighting technology is in the dark ages in comparison to the Euro-spec lighting. And what really doesn't make sense is the Euro-spec lighting is far safer for not only the drivers, but for oncoming drivers too. Maybe one of these days the US government will get a clue!

AirborneSilva
11-10-2005, 05:15 AM
Maybe one of these days the US government will get a clue!

surley you jest.... Thanks for the info on the H4's

iamtheonewho
11-11-2005, 10:13 AM
I put these in my 77 CJ and they made a huge difference.

Markos
11-14-2005, 08:40 AM
I've been run IPF lenses with Hella H4 55/60W bulbs. This was my first mod. Huge improvement over stock. I've been meaning to wire up a harness so I could run 80/100's. I've been running 80/100 H4's in my jetta for close to 10 years, so I am a little biased when it comes to lighting. You should see an improvement over stock if you upgrade the wiring harness, regardless of the wattage that you chose.