LED highlights

spock123 · 03-13-2019, 12:48 PM

Has anyone modified there OEM vehicle headlights to LED? I want to put brighter headlights on my Silverado. I was at the dealership this morning and they told me it was a safety issue and they could not install the LED headlights

007matman · 03-13-2019, 01:00 PM

I put a set in my F-350.

Best money I've spent (outside of the Bullet-Proof).

Really helps. They put the LED's in the same place as Halogen and have little fans to keep them cool. Light is much better

These are the ones I went with.

HIKARI Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit -H13/9008, Prime LED 12000lm 6K Cool White,2 Yr Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D7TFM9Y..._4suICb4HCXMT8

Cowracer · 03-13-2019, 01:02 PM

I put LED's in my side-by-side. Very easy to do. Well worth the $$$.

Tim

spock123 · 03-13-2019, 02:27 PM

Did you hire a shop or do it yourself

007matman · 03-13-2019, 03:00 PM

I don't know who you're asking.

It's just a bulb replacement. You can do it yourself. Just make sure you're getting the correct size.

Typically, the OEM housing comes out either with screws or with pins. Turn the socket to release the bulb, disconnect the wires and the opposite for install.

My truck has four screws and it probably took me 10 min to do both sides.

007matman · 03-13-2019, 03:05 PM

Ok.. it's a little more involved for your truck but here is a step by step video.

Doesn't look too difficult.

https://youtu.be/1oKyanoXa70

Cowracer · 03-13-2019, 03:09 PM

This is kit I used. They are for a 9008 number bulb.
click here

They plug right in like a standard halogen bulb. If you can change your bulbs, you can put these in. There is a small "power pack" that you zip-tie somewhere out of the way. Your headlight plug plugs into the power pack, the cable from the power pack goes to the new bulb. easy-peesy.

Literal "night and day" difference.

Tim

007matman · 03-13-2019, 03:15 PM

Looks like your truck may be an H11 size.

I would look it up first.

Lins · 03-13-2019, 03:29 PM

The dealership likely wouldn't do it as it's technically illegal to use a different type of bulb. A lot of dealerships do and they'll know what works best. Check the GM forums to see what works well in your type of headlight. For the Rams, HID works best in the projector style headlights and LED in the reflector style. If you do it opposite you get a lot of glare which is dangerous and annoying for other drivers.

MR.M · 03-13-2019, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lins

The dealership likely wouldn't do it as it's technically illegal to use a different type of bulb. A lot of dealerships do and they'll know what works best. Check the GM forums to see what works well in your type of headlight. For the Rams, HID works best in the projector style headlights and LED in the reflector style. If you do it opposite you get a lot of glare which is dangerous and annoying for other drivers.

Could you explain how it's illegal you use a different bulb? makes no sense to me . they have had kits and up grades for bulbs for yrs , different lenses , etc don't see where it's illegal

Lins · 03-13-2019, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.M

Could you explain how it's illegal you use a different bulb? makes no sense to me . they have had kits and up grades for bulbs for yrs , different lenses , etc don't see where it's illegal

Your housing is meant for a certain type of bulb. Replace with a proper quality aftermarket and you'll likely not have any problems. One of many articles easily found by searching online:

https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/br...to-hot-trouble

Lins · 03-13-2019, 03:47 PM

https://www.quora.com/In-what-U-S-st...llegal-and-why

https://www.drivesmartbc.ca/rules-ro...eadlights-hids

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/glob...ticle22107859/

Cowracer · 03-13-2019, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.M

Could you explain how it's illegal you use a different bulb? makes no sense to me . they have had kits and up grades for bulbs for yrs , different lenses , etc don't see where it's illegal

Probably not DOT approved.

Tim

MR.M · 03-13-2019, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lins

Your housing is meant for a certain type of bulb. Replace with a proper quality aftermarket and you'll likely not have any problems. One of many articles easily found by searching online:

https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/br...to-hot-trouble

That i am aware of . i just never thought people would be so stupid to just put a hid system with out a full lens replacement hence the why is it illegal . it just doesn't work that way . As you can get bright white bulbs to fit your needs or blue with out going full on hid .

ysidive · 03-13-2019, 04:30 PM

Check Morimoto HID or LED... I installed the Morimoto HID headlights in my 2018 Silverado 2500 Better lights and much whiter... check out the
retrofitsource.com.. Good prices and a good selection... I did a lot of research and decided for my vehicle with the projection lenses the HIDs were better than the LEDs...

spock123 · 03-13-2019, 08:46 PM

All really good advice. Thanks a bunch

TitanMike · 03-13-2019, 09:04 PM

Something to consider if you upgrade to HID or nice bright LED's, make sure they are aimed properly when you're towing. If your lights are pointing up too much with your trailer hitched to the Tow Vehicle you could be pulled over and possibly cited. These lights are great for YOU but for an oncoming driver they can be blinded.

OK, the cite will be an equipment violation which depending on the jurisdiction, the fine is usually waived if proof of correction is provided within a given time.

Headlight aiming is not all that hard and most can use their garage door to do so. The main beam cutoff on Low needs to be no higher than a given height at a set distance. Usually these numbers are on the box of a regular set of headlights. Set the headlights first for unloaded driving. Then when the trailer is hitched re-adjust and keep track of the number of turns you have to make on the vertical adjustment screw to get the beams back down. When done with the trip merely adjust back up the same number of turns. There is only one screw for each axis, horizontal and vertical.

Here's a chart that one can draw on a piece of plywood and use to aim headlights without any "machine".

HONDAMAN174 · 03-13-2019, 10:09 PM

With what Titanmike was saying, my led bulbs I had to get have the aluminum ribbons on the back to dissipate the heat. Couldn’t get the ones with fans-not enough space. Anyways, because of the ribbons, my adjustable headlights no longer move. I’m thinking it’s because of the ribbons jammed up things in back.

babock · 03-13-2019, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.M

Could you explain how it's illegal you use a different bulb? makes no sense to me . they have had kits and up grades for bulbs for yrs , different lenses , etc don't see where it's illegal

Most of the aftermarket bulbs that are not exact replacements like LED say in the small print...for off road use only.

spock123 · 03-20-2019, 09:33 PM

Just got my LED headlights installed today, WOW!!!! With the low beams on and fog lights the lights are fantastic. It cost a little more than I thought but they gave me a three year guarantee on the lights. My last headlights lasted 12 months, well one low beam

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