24v electircal 12v headlights

[Dieseler]

Can any of you diesel heads help me out with this question. I have a 83 BJ42 it's a 24 system but 12 volt on the headlights,I have looked at wire diagrams to try to figure out how the headlights are 12 volt but can't make heads nor tails out of how this is acheived.
Were I am going with this is the JDMs I bring in are 24v on the headlights and would like to step them down to 12v so I can use after market lamps off the shelf.

 

[Frode S]

Can any of you diesel heads help me out with this question. I have a 83 BJ42 it's a 24 system but 12 volt on the headlights,I have looked at wire diagrams to try to figure out how the headlights are 12 volt but can't make heads nor tails out of how this is acheived.
Were I am going with this is the JDMs I bring in are 24v on the headlights and would like to step them down to 12v so I can use after market lamps off the shelf.

12 volt headlights are acheived by letting each battery power one headlight (the one on the same side as the battery). One does not normally drain 12 volts of one battery in a 24 volt system, but since the two 12 volt drains are identical (same bulb = same draw on each battery) this is considered "ok".

AFAIK this is only done in Canada. all 24 volt cruisers in Europe to my knowlege has 24 volt headligths

 

[Coolerman]

There are plenty of aftermarket headlight bulbs that are 24V. Why change them? Google 24V headlight...

 

[Dieseler]

still confussed looking at my battery connections there is no wire coming off the lead battery and in theory if you draw from the2nd battery this would be a 24v draw.
24v after market are expensive $130+ for the lenses and $25 per h4 bulb ,off the shelf 12v a measly $10,I haven't found anyone who supplies a 24v sealed beam .

 

[Fast Eddy]

Rewire the lights in series. 12v+12v=24v. If one burns out, though, they'll both go out, so you'll always have to carry a spare.

 

[lowenbrau]

still confussed looking at my battery connections there is no wire coming off the lead battery and in theory if you draw from the2nd battery this would be a 24v draw.
24v after market are expensive $130+ for the lenses and $25 per h4 bulb ,off the shelf 12v a measly $10,I haven't found anyone who supplies a 24v sealed beam .

You didn't say where you are. H4 housings are the same price regardless of voltage and 24v H4 bulbs are less than $5 here in Canada.

There is a centre tap coming of the system and a relay to run the headlights. Personally I'd sooner change a 12 v system to 24v rather than the other way.

 

[Frode S]

Still don't understand why you'd need special refelctors for 24 volt lights? Just use 24 volt bulbs?

 

[Poser]

Were I am going with this is the JDMs I bring in

...bring into where?

 

[Dieseler]

Lordco ,Canadian tire they both price out at $25per bulb,if I can convert I can go stock 12v sealed beam at $10 off the shelf.
Other than light output seal beam or H4 have the same operating life, and when you're trailing on the back roads a rock through the lense becomes costly replacing a set of Hellas.
Where is the relay located so I can trace it out on my 42.
By the way I,m a West Coaster reside in YVR spend my RnR on Van island or the interior.

 

[Zekester]

12V sealed beam in no uncertain terms...suck, you get dim yellow lights, that are useless on trail and at highway speeds you are over running your headlights. If you are bringing JDMs to sell, it would be a selling feature if you upgrdaed the lights. I upgraded mine and couldn't be happier. Even if I was smashing them and replacing them at a higher cost, the safety factor alone is worth this extra cost. I've been offroad with my truck for two years since replacing my lights, have bashed the crap out of my front end, I'm still on the original lenses and bulbs...

I'd rather spend the extra, and see the moose in the ditch at 80 km/hr, than just catch the look on his face as he comes over the hood....

 

[eleblanc]

Can any of you diesel heads help me out with this question. I have a 83 BJ42 it's a 24 system but 12 volt on the headlights,I have looked at wire diagrams to try to figure out how the headlights are 12 volt but can't make heads nor tails out of how this is acheived.
Were I am going with this is the JDMs I bring in are 24v on the headlights and would like to step them down to 12v so I can use after market lamps off the shelf.

Out of curisity, is you 1983 BJ42 and Canadian spec truck or a import?

If the truck is suppose to run 12V head lights do so. Has there ever been a Landcruiser using 24V headlight? i don't think so. I'm not to sure i understand really what you need. Doesn't mather how it is achieve, simply sue 12v head lights!

But. it is acheived with the dimmer relay. and the tap wire on the cable between the two battery. I highly suggest you do not mess with this.
And also look in the FAQ for eleblanc wiring diagram

 

[Dieseler]

The 83 BJ42 is Cdn spec I have owned since 85,but my others 41,43,61 are JDMs,and my 62 is Cdn eh.
Guess I won;t mess with the way they are.
Thanks for the imput guys ,anybody interested in the 41 its a1981 rust free frame and body,factory black, low kms.