LED headlights in stock housings - My Install and feedback

[GranPrix]

The only thing I can think of that will not let it work is if the ballast for the LEDs has some sort of a fail safe system built in which wont let it rapidly flash..

 

[GranPrix]

This is what blueprint does:

 

[RichardCranium]

Well, back on topic from the extreme tangent this thread went on......

It's been about a month now with this set of LED's in the stock housings, and I still could not be any more satisfied. And I have still never been "flashed" by oncoming traffic, which also makes me happy.

I have encountered several different situations in which I could actually test the low versus high beams, and I've honestly found these low beams project almost as far as the factory halogen high beams do. I'm so happy with the output, I am going to search for some comparable high beam LED's and give them a shot. The only difference I really have from low to high right now is the height of the beam, obviously. It's pretty impressive how far these low beam LED's project though, even seeing it illuminate a reflective street sign far off in the distance.

This change is right up there with the tires/suspension as the best thing I've done to this truck.

 

[GranPrix]

I'd be interested to hear feedback if you go with them...

So I ordered these and put them in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6...cfd7c39b45e5d0da7ec37f376598fd&language=en_US

There is a difference in light output compared to stock and they are brighter. The cut-off line is still there but it is actually a lot sharper and more distinct with the stock halogens. Also, I did notice with the LEDs there are some hot spots, the halogens have an even spread of light where as the LEDs have a couple of hot spots. Over all I'm happy with them. Oh and I did have to notch the frame a bit for these to fit.

 

[RichardCranium]

So I ordered these and put them in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6...cfd7c39b45e5d0da7ec37f376598fd&language=en_US

There is a difference in light output compared to stock and they are brighter. The cut-off line is still there but it is actually a lot sharper and more distinct with the stock halogens. Also, I did notice with the LEDs there are some hot spots, the halogens have an even spread of light where as the LEDs have a couple of hot spots. Over all I'm happy with them. Oh and I did have to notch the frame a bit for these to fit.

Nice. And those definitely have a bigger fan than the set I got, hence you having to clear the bulkhead.

Once I get my cooling issue straightened out I'll go for the high beams.

 

[CrashTestDummy]

Nice write-up, Darren! I'll be interested to see what you do for high-beams. IIRC, the clearance is even less for those bulbs than the low-beams..

Darren noted some aftermarket housings for a little over $100 each. I'll note that the OEM GM housings are also just over $100. So cheap I got a spare set for our '10. Not sure how the AM set will last in the real world, most knock-off housings are made of lower-quality plastic that quickly turn yellow in the sun and heat. I know nothing about the set that Darren listed, and know that the OEM stuff will eventually fog/craze, but may last longer. I just wanted to make note.

 

[RichardCranium]

Coming up on 9 months with the LED's in the stock housings, still absolutely love them. I would testify in court also, that I have STILL not been flashed. I know I stated it before, but just clarifying that one of my biggest gripes are folks throwing LED's in halogen reflectors and blinding everyone. That is the last thing I wanted, and honestly would have taken them out if it was creating this effect. I am beyond satisfied that I can see so much better at night, and do so without blinding the shit out of oncoming traffic.

Not sure why I held off on getting high beams, since I there isn't a concern about blinding oncoming traffic with them. These will be in today, can't wait to try them out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077B7GJ5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[MonkeyFresh]

Coming up on 9 months with the LED's in the stock housings, still absolutely love them. I would testify in court also, that I have STILL not been flashed. I know I stated it before, but just clarifying that one of my biggest gripes are folks throwing LED's in halogen reflectors and blinding everyone. That is the last thing I wanted, and honestly would have taken them out if it was creating this effect. I am beyond satisfied that I can see so much better at night, and do so without blinding the shit out of oncoming traffic.

Not sure why I held off on getting high beams, since I there isn't a concern about blinding oncoming traffic with them. These will be in today, can't wait to try them out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077B7GJ5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Put in a set of highs and lows of the same make and brand you have a link to and I love them. I did get flashed a time or two after install but, fixed that by lowering the aim a bit using my wife’s Corolla as a aiming guid in a flat parking lot. No issues after that which was six months or so ago.

Had to make a trip out of town for work, driving at night, on old country roads alone. The high beams are amazing in the middle of nowhere.

 

[RichardCranium]

Put in a set of highs and lows of the same make and brand you have a link to and I love them. I did get flashed a time or two after install but, fixed that by lowering the aim a bit using my wife’s Corolla as a aiming guid in a flat parking lot. No issues after that which was six months or so ago.

Had to make a trip out of town for work, driving at night, on old country roads alone. The high beams are amazing in the middle of nowhere.

Good stuff, I can't wait. I actually thought they'd be here today (there was a one-day option but evidently I didn't click on it). Oh well, that'll give me something to do tomorrow while I am grilling.

Did you have to clearance any at all for these in the high beam slots?

 

[RichardCranium]

Nice write-up, Darren! I'll be interested to see what you do for high-beams. IIRC, the clearance is even less for those bulbs than the low-beams..

Darren noted some aftermarket housings for a little over $100 each. I'll note that the OEM GM housings are also just over $100. So cheap I got a spare set for our '10. Not sure how the AM set will last in the real world, most knock-off housings are made of lower-quality plastic that quickly turn yellow in the sun and heat. I know nothing about the set that Darren listed, and know that the OEM stuff will eventually fog/craze, but may last longer. I just wanted to make note.

Just saw this, but can follow up on both ends of it now.

I didn't have to clearance anything at all for the high beams, this brand keeps a low narrow profile with the fan. There wasn't even any fancy "holding my tongue" to get it to fit just right, I slammed the headlight assembly right back in on each side with no issue. I'm really happy I didn't have to bring out the grinder.

As for the brand of knock-off headlights, I have been very satisfied. No leaks, no fog, just a really nice OEM looking headlight. I've never seen a single OEM headlight for less than $250-300, where are you sourcing yours?

 

[RichardCranium]

I got to drive at night for the first time since throwing the highbeams in. It was raining (pouring) so of course I didn't get to see how the full reflector/LED combo will truly work, but I was very happy with what I did get to see at more or less a "glimpse". Can't wait to see the difference while dry out. I'll get some beam shots as well.

From what I could tell though, these seem to give as much distance, if not more, than stock halogens. Needless to say I am already happy.

 

[The_Burban]

My setup:

Ebay link to OEM replica headlight housings from AM-Autoparts - I purchased a set of these to retrofit the bi-Xenon setup. They are great quality and fit well. For $100ish, they can't be beaten. Even if you want to replace your faded/foggy headlights, its worth the money. New headlights really make your vehicle look a ton better.

Here are the LED bulbs I went with - You'll find LED's range from about $40 to well over $100 for a pair. I was happy with the feedback on these, and ended up buying the anti-flicker harnesses with them also. You can fit these in your housings with no modification! You don't need to trim the core supports like you would with other brands. Speaking of, I actually have clearanced my core supports already for the bi-Xenon, as it was necessary with how far the projectors protruded out of the back. I can clearly see behind the headlights though, and there is plenty of clearance with no modifications needed.

I just bought both of these. I installed the bulbs. Next up is installing them into the vehicle. Waiting to do suspension still... but I look forward to more light to compliment the LED fogs.

 

[RichardCranium]

I just bought both of these. I installed the bulbs. Next up is installing them into the vehicle. Waiting to do suspension still... but I look forward to more light to compliment the LED fogs.

Coming from halogen bulbs to these LED's, you will be very happy!

 

[sanco]

So I ordered these and put them in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6...cfd7c39b45e5d0da7ec37f376598fd&language=en_US

There is a difference in light output compared to stock and they are brighter. The cut-off line is still there but it is actually a lot sharper and more distinct with the stock halogens. Also, I did notice with the LEDs there are some hot spots, the halogens have an even spread of light where as the LEDs have a couple of hot spots. Over all I'm happy with them. Oh and I did have to notch the frame a bit for these to fit.

I just received mine as well, kinda nervous about cutting the clearance. but im sure it will be worth it once im done. I almost returned them but I think I will give them a try

 

[sanco]

quick question for you guys running the LEDs, is the anti flicker an absolute must to purchase or can you run the setup without the anti flicker addition?

 

[GranPrix]

I don't run one and I haven't had any issues

 

[The_Burban]

Bought the 9005s too. Before I install the headlamps, figured do it.

May wrap these lights too with some film for protection..

 

[sanco]

So I don't have the clearance with the bracket in my z71. My 2012 z71 has a different core support than the pic of the ones I've seen. Cutting into it would kinda take a big chunk of the main brace... sucks

 

[RichardCranium]

Update on the Hikari's. I had one low beam fail. The model I had aren't available any longer, I guess for a reason. The better part, the price of LED's has come way down. Instead of following up with the "2 year warranty", which I've seen mixed feedback on how it worked.....I just bought a brand with much better reviews. I will follow-up with how they are as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KB7QX3/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_Bux7EbCS96JQ1

When I pulled The silicon lens was completely gone from one side of the light. I'm not sure what caused that, but there looks to be some damage to the substrate also. No apparent heat damage though.

 

[RichardCranium]

My new LED's came in today.

These are much better quality in construction. Less surface metal equals less retained heat. Also the emoled layout is much better constructed.

These will fit without having to clearance the bulkhead! I took a pic to show it.

Old on the left, new on the right.
View attachment 251715

The old style had this eye over the LED's, and is what failed on the other headlight.
View attachment 251716

The new lights
View attachment 251717

The top left corner is where I previously clearances the bulkhead when I did the HID retrofit. Plenty of room for air to circulate behind the fan and heatsink.
View attachment 251718

And the brand, just noting.
View attachment 251719