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The Official JK Aftermarket Lighting Thread (HID, HALO, Fog, Etc..)

316K views 1K replies 233 participants last post by  Tnheritage 
#1 · (Edited)

__________________________________________________

Not all lighting options are legal and it is up
to the individual buying/installing the lights
to determine if it is legal or not. It is not up
to the members or staff of this forum to
make that decision for you.


__________________________________________________


If you plan to post your opinion or interpretation about the legality of certain lights, DON'T!!!

This thread and any other JK lighting thread is to be a discussion about lights, not the law. If you
can't do that, STAY OUT!!! And if you can't do that either, it's three strikes and
you're out. Third offense is a permanent ban.

This is your ONLY warning.





If you have questions about aftermarket HID lighting kits and whether or not they are legal you can follow the link below and read the article. You can also visit to your local law enforcement office or just Google lighting laws.

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
 
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#170 ·
#179 ·
yup, it was that discount fleet site. They had an additional 5% discount with free shipping. Once it arrives I cant wait to get em in there and see whats up. Hoping they live up to the hype for 419$ :bottom:

It was that or my Grill guard and i hate the lights enough to do them first. Course then I saw a set of speaker lights on Ebay for 600, but didnt want to go the used route. Like that the truck lites have a warranty
 
#181 ·
hey there,
I was able to get QuadraTec to match the pricing from DiscountFleetDirect. I really like dealing with Quadratec for my Jeep. They matched it exactly including the free shipping. :dance:

Coupon offer lifeisgood5 (5% savings) has been applied.

Item Options Unit Price Qty. In Stock Cost
SET OF 2 Truck-Lite 7'' Round LED Headlamp, Complex Reflector Optics Design Phase 7 27270C
H4 To H13 Adapters 96630 : Yes (+$16)
$441.95 1 Yes $441.95
Subtotal: $441.95
Shipping: $0.00
Tax: $0.00
5% savings: -$22.10
Total: $419.85
Get Shipping and Billing information from PayPal
 
#185 ·
You're mixing things all up.

The Rallylights kit isn't HID --- it's a Hella H4 reflector, a full bypass harness, and set of H4 bulbs. Halogen, not HID.
If you want Xtreme Power or Xtreme Vision bulbs, get the H4s. The Xtreme Vision are harder to find and are slightly better; might not last as long though.
 
#187 ·
Chimp?
What chimp; that's me...

I got my XPs from the Candlepower Store. See that page. The Osram Rallye bulbs are top-shelf also but never lasted as long for me. They worked better in my Cibies than in my Hella buckets.

And speaking of Hella, one of the mad scientists from SMS called me at home last night and let me know that they've crammed Hella 90mm projectors (like on motor coaches) into a custom bezel to fit a 7" round hole. Then they custom fabbed a full bypass harness to make the flapper work around the PWM on JKs (or Rovers or TJs or Miatas, etc).
The bi-halogen units will burn H9 bulbs @ 65 watts and 2100 lumen. :eek:
And there's a, dare I say, LEGAL HID unit. And a not-as-legal LED unit.
The HID bi-xenon should blow my light meter in to the next calibration level...

I'll be testing a halogen unit soon:
Headlight Shootout - Page 24 - JeepForum.com
 
#190 ·
Quick lighting question that may have already been answered (and I missed it?) but I've got a black JKUR and once I tinted the windows, changed to chaos 5 rims and removed all the badging all of a sudden all the lights stand out like a sore thumb.

I know about options like nite shade, tinted covers etc...but not sure the end result of those would be the right option for me.

Want to just tone them down so they blend in better with the all black jeep WITHOUT significantly reducing the light they produce. No need to black them out or anything, again, just want them to blend in more.

Anyone been able to do this? Pics? Info on what / how you did it?

Thanks!
 
#193 ·
sdgmcdon said:
Yea I was looking on their too and checked out the truck lites as well, I like that they look dark when not on...Might be an option but WAY pricier then I wanted.

I'll check out the LED tails and clear sides too
You will need amber marker bulbs to pass inspection if you get clear side markers. Just wanting to let ya know since I learned the hard way
 
#198 ·
Just as a folllow up on my install.

- Cibie housings
- Rallylights harness
- Osram bulbs

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with this setup. After getting it installed and adjusting the setup (had to adjust them down), the comparison to the factory headlights... isn't even a comparison. It's utterly amazing how much better the aftermarket lights are. Puts the factory stuff to shame.

Anyone considering making the jump to any sort of aftermarket lighting for headlights... you should pull the trigger. You won't be disappointed.
 
#200 ·
Just as a folllow up on my install.

- Cibie housings
- Rallylights harness
- Osram bulbs

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with this setup. After getting it installed and adjusting the setup (had to adjust them down), the comparison to the factory headlights... isn't even a comparison. It's utterly amazing how much better the aftermarket lights are. Puts the factory stuff to shame.

Anyone considering making the jump to any sort of aftermarket lighting for headlights... you should pull the trigger. You won't be disappointed.
I knew it! :dance:

I am psychic. :whistling::rofl:
 
#202 ·
How do you want them to work?

On any time? On only with parking lights (at least)? On only with low beams? On only with high beams?
 
#204 ·
Use this diagram then.

The "Supply" wire on the bottom gets attached to something with constant 12v; remember to turn off your lights though or you'll kill your battery some day.

I usually attach the supply line to my parking lights through a t-tap; that way the aux lights can only turn on if I have my parking lights on. If I forget and leave them on, the vehicle dings.

 
#206 ·
Ok Guys.. I put the Truck-Lites in. I am patiently waiting for dark to go see how bright these are on the streets and if I need to adjust them. Sadly I snapped one of my harnesses. I moved the red clip and the sucker wouldnt come off, kept trying and trying then SNAP... It came off but with a piece out of the middle too. So I rigged that up and its pretty secure.. perhaps this was my sign to upgrade the harness as well? *Hilldweller what do i need to reduce flicker?* Ok on with the pics..

Here is the Mopar plain janes.. They arent bad... but for sure pretty dull for a 4wd.


Then you need to remove the retainer clips. I took others advice and used two flat head screwdrivers. They popped out super easy.

Then remove the turn signal lamps, again very easy with a soft turn towards you and down.

make sure you take all the clips off and then gently pull on the bottom portion of the grill towards you you will hear clicks and creaks but if you do it gently, it will pop off easily.

I was surprised how flimsy the plastic is on this grill. Maybe I need a BLACK chrome grill *grin Even my Xterra had all metal up front.
Unloading the boxes from Quadratec. All enclosed as well as a sweet magazine.



The lights went in super fast after I figured out the harness.


Then the lights went on .. WOOT


So even though I messed up the clip, the harness was pretty secure. I will probably secure it with electrical tape to be safe. But I may upgrade to the beefier harness to eliminate the other issue.
Grill back on. I really liked the smoke look of the new lights on the black jeep.

Both Lights on.

I checked the lights quick in my garage and there was flicker.. I dont think it would drive me too crazy, but maybe it will. I can put up with it for now being i only spent 420 bucks on the whole deal, but I may want to do the Harness upgrade to eliminate the flicker.
I will be driving with these tonight and try to snap some pics of it and a video of the flicker if possible.

Overall
I really like them so far. Flicker YES.. .But not too crazy.. Install super easy, 20mns and thats with breaking the harness *grin More to come later this evening.

Joel
 
#207 ·
is this the kit that is needed Hildweller? I will be heading out now to take some shots of the lights in action.

:)
HL281
HL281 Transition Upgrade Headlamp Harness
Configuration & Pricing : HL28130J - H13 to H4 2007> Wrangler (NOT for DRL)
$161.44 $161.44
 
#208 · (Edited)
Here we go....
Here is the first ignition.. I hadnt aimed these yet. They are super bright and crisp. They are not as good as my Acura TL lights, but those are actual HID projectors :)
http://youtu.be/kiL77OBw9fU
Here is the *Flicker* Its not very noticeable and when I did notice it mainly was while stopped. But after driving for about 30 minutes I didnt notice it anymore. I may upgrade the harness later.. but not in a rush.
http://youtu.be/046e5ktYUaM
Here is a shaky drive.. That X is visible as noted by many on the forum, again I didnt notice it so much after a while of driving. I look passed the headlights I guess. Ones things for sure these suckers are bright and even brighter with high beams. I aimed them and observed the beam pattern on cars and got it just right I think :)
http://youtu.be/x55EyggitsQ
They are a classy Blue that again are very similar to my Acura TL Osram lights.


I think the reflector is what gives that X appearance that everyone talks about.

LowBeam

HighBeam

After I aimed the lights. I must have gotten them pretty spot on I didnt have one flash or glare after I adjusted them. You definitely need the longer Torx 15 Screwdriver to adjust these babies. It was pretty easy to do with it.
 
#209 ·
Dually D2 Driving beam from Rigid Industries on a 2 door Sahara Wrangler 2012

Hi from Sweden

I bought D2 Dually Driving beam (50231), White LED + smittybilt bracket (7690) and it includes a harness and internal switch from ORW Off Road Warehouse and it is rather easy to install.

I have never installed lights before.

Made some movies, bad english

Part one

Dually D2 Driving beam from Rigid Industries on a 2 door Sahara Wrangler 2012, Part one - YouTube

Part two

Dually D2 Driving beam from Rigid Industries on a 2 door Sahara Wrangler 2012, Part Two - YouTube

I find it very strange that it is so difficult to mount lights on a Wrangler, it should be more prepared from the factory. There are no mounting points on the bumper from factory, and I dont no if the Quadratec bracket will fit a European bumper and even so it seems that stuff need to be relocated to get it to fit. The Wrangler should be prepared with internal switches and harness from the beginning. There should be some more prepared holes through the firewall.

I am no expert in this field and gave up the thought to have lights on the bumper, I even asked my local 4x4 shop and they did not no how to fit the lights on the bumper because they did not have bracket for a wrangler. If I had a Volvo it would not be a problem with brackets for lights.

Anyway, so I went the easy way and hade help from a friend that now more than me and putted Duallys on Smittybillt brackets on the A-pillar, mounted directly to the battery and then mounted the internal switch on the plastic cover. There are already a hole there and I just mounted a rubber grommet and then pushed the internal switch into place, no need to drill.



Pushed the button cable through here. Took away the insulation, taped the switch leads to a wire and pulled it through. After that I putted some new insulation in the hole.



The cable comes out here. Have to take of the A pillar covers, beginning with the visor mount.



Cutted out a rubber piece from a bike tire to protect the paint when I mounted the Smittybillt brackets on the A-pillar.



Best regards from Sweden
Omar Brannstrom
 
#211 ·
Hi from Sweden

I bought D2 Dually Driving beam (50231), White LED + smittybilt bracket (7690) and it includes a harness and internal switch from ORW Off Road Warehouse and it is rather easy to install.

I have never installed lights before.

Made some movies, bad english

Part one

Dually D2 Driving beam from Rigid Industries on a 2 door Sahara Wrangler 2012, Part one - YouTube

Part two

Dually D2 Driving beam from Rigid Industries on a 2 door Sahara Wrangler 2012, Part Two - YouTube

I find it very strange that it is so difficult to mount lights on a Wrangler, it should be more prepared from the factory. There are no mounting points on the bumper from factory, and I dont no if the Quadratec bracket will fit a European bumper and even so it seems that stuff need to be relocated to get it to fit. The Wrangler should be prepared with internal switches and harness from the beginning. There should be some more prepared holes through the firewall.

I am no expert in this field and gave up the thought to have lights on the bumper, I even asked my local 4x4 shop and they did not no how to fit the lights on the bumper because they did not have bracket for a wrangler. If I had a Volvo it would not be a problem with brackets for lights.

Anyway, so I went the easy way and hade help from a friend that now more than me and putted Duallys on Smittybillt brackets on the A-pillar, mounted directly to the battery and then mounted the internal switch on the plastic cover. There are already a hole there and I just mounted a rubber grommet and then pushed the internal switch into place, no need to drill.



Pushed the button cable through here. Took away the insulation, taped the switch leads to a wire and pulled it through. After that I putted some new insulation in the hole.



The cable comes out here. Have to take of the A pillar covers, beginning with the visor mount.



Cutted out a rubber piece from a bike tire to protect the paint when I mounted the Smittybillt brackets on the A-pillar.



Best regards from Sweden
Omar Brannstrom
Nice job, Omar! :thumb:

One reason there is a lack of brackets for mounting lights to the factory bumper is that so many owners end up replacing the factory bumper with one that does have light mounting options.
 
#210 ·
great videos. one of the best vids i have seen demonstrating the light output from these d2's. thank you. love how you call them lead lights.... we say it by the letters...l....e......d.....acronym for light emitting diodes. the only bad thing about this video is now i want some of these lights...hahaha
 
#212 ·
OK, new to the forum here, but been a Jeep owner for many years. Just now getting into planning some mods for my 2008 JK Sahara.

I understand this is the place for lighting questions, so here goes....

I've pretty much decided I'm going to get the Rigid Dually D2's for my windshield lighting, in the spot format.

I'm thinking about adding the Mopar/Rugged Ridge light bar to the front factory bumper and adding 3 lights there. I was looking at the Hella Optilux HID's (4" or 7").

I'd also (at some point) like to upgrade my factory headlights to the Truck-Lite LEDs.

I'll probably get a Rugged Ridge A-Pillar switch pod to control these lights.

My main question is......should I do this? Overkill? I like the D2's for the windshield, but I'd like to stick with round lights in the front near the grille.

Just curious to get your thoughts on this.....thanks.
 
#213 ·
IMHO: Do what makes you happy & what fits your driving needs:wavey:
Here are some things to consider:
- Remember to appropriately fuse everything.
- If everything comes from the battery, remember to turn everything off, least you run down your battery.
- If you tie into one of the factory circuits, protect the circuit with appropriate doides & capacitors. You can buy wiring harness overlays from SMS or Daniel Stern, or you can make your own.
- consider future electrical mods, if you plan to add onboard air, winch, etc, later consider an S-POD module as your first mod.
 
#215 ·
Sorry, this question will be completely out of sync, but I don't think it can go anywhere else.

So after you install an sPOD, you connect the aux lights to one of the relays? There is no direct light to battery connection? What do you buy to run from the light to the sPOD relay?

TIA
 
#219 ·
Quadratec said they are getting one.. but sadly not yet. I will just ride out the flicker for a bit.. at 400+ for the lights I will have too :)

Is there only ONE adjusting screw per light? Or am i missing something?
 
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