Aux. Lighting...need to pay to play??

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CardinalFJ60

CardinalFJ60

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I already have decent enough fog lights (Hella 550s - decent, 'cuz I already got'em) but looking to put some more powerful off-road/desolate road lighting on.

After reading all the Aux. Lighting posts, I now understand that Lightforce, Hella 4000's (and such) and IPF are probably most highly regarded.

But do you really need to shell out $250+ for a good-to-great set of aux. driving lights?

For instance, there are loads of cheapo Pro-Comp-types out there, Are they any good? concerns would be weather/waterproofness, beam pattern and mounting design...

Thanks for any input...

CardinalFJ60
 
I installed a pair of Lightforce 240s on my 80 a couple weeks ago. They're not cheap, but they put out a TON of light. They're adjustable too, so you can change the pattern from wide to spot by turning the head of the light (just like you'd adjust a maglight).

I was pretty skeptical before I installed them, but am very impressed with them.
 
I have a pair of Lightforce 170s that I bought from someone here that I will install on the other 80 we have. I also bought the 240s used from another forum member. The prices on the 170s and 240s vary depending on where you look (170s around $250-$275; 240s around $300 - $350)

The Lightforce 240 HIDs, IIRC, are around $900 -- give or take a few dollars... :eek:
 
I have a set of Euro beam Hella 4000's on my rig and love them so far. As far as cost goes, I shopped around and got them for like $180.00. With all the wiring, I think I am in about 190's. Anyway, the mounting system on those lights are really solid. Pretty impressed with this so far.
 
Hellas - sounds like a good compromise

Good hear on the Hella-Euros, that's what I was leaning toward...

Do you think there's a $100 light pair that works like a $200 set?

I'm starting to think, you get what you pay for in lighting. Anyone agree or disagree?

CardinalFJ60
 
Best lighting IMOP is to upgrade your headlights and wiring, for the most part I have takin off all my other aux lights, except OEM fogs......which are just too damn cool.

Soon I will prolly be selling a set of Lightforce 240's(VERY nice light, just I have no place for them), 2 pair of IPF(forget the model) a pair of Hella's(forget which) and maybe my Hella 4000's, just very little need for them with a nice upgraded headlight set up. I have liked IPF headlights, but might be trying some Cibie as they are true E-code lights, IPF or Hella is not........just happen to have a E on the lens ;)
 
Hey Landpimp, what kind of recommendations can you give for upgrading the wiring and headlights? Are you talking HID or just upgraded housing and bulbs along with new wiring?

TIA
 
I run Hella 4000's (euro and pencil beams) and PIAA 980's. Niether are cheap but you get what you pay for. I've had them on for a while now and they have seen lots of abuse with no problems. I also have the upgraded headlights (IPF highs and Hella lows with the X-51 fat boys) which are a huge improvement over stock but still fall short compared to my PIAA's.
 
hey landpimp. will you post when you are going to sell some of those lights? i live in tacoma so would like a heads up. also i read in the recommend a mechanic thread that you really trust billy bobs with cruisers. is this true? i just bought an 85 fj60 its in great shape but would like to know a good place if i need one.(which im sure i will eventually)
 
upgrading to a E-code style headlight, higher wattage bulbs(like 80/100) and upgrading the headlight harness to get full voltage to the lights, makes a HUGE difference.

ColoradoLC said:
Hey Landpimp, what kind of recommendations can you give for upgrading the wiring and headlights? Are you talking HID or just upgraded housing and bulbs along with new wiring?

TIA
Click to expand...
 
I will, but like alot of stuff......I like to hoard things.....so I may never sell em ;)

YES, Billy Bobs is a super place, GREAT guys, good/fair prices, great work, I trust them 110%, been going there sense 1989. Ask for Bob, tell him Holmaas told you to call, no one I have sent has been disapointed. Todd and Randy at Olympic Off road are good guys, but i have not had them do any work. For carb work, my buddy Alan at Carb Tech is THE local guy to see. Go see Al at Titus Will Toyota for parts, he will treat you right :) SOuthside Brake and Clutch for brake and clutch parts, Mike is the guy there.

Lemme know if you need anything else

email jholmaas@hotmail.com

Bring the 60 over to GH sometime :)

Hijack over :)

John

brett76 said:
hey landpimp. will you post when you are going to sell some of those lights? i live in tacoma so would like a heads up. also i read in the recommend a mechanic thread that you really trust billy bobs with cruisers. is this true? i just bought an 85 fj60 its in great shape but would like to know a good place if i need one.(which im sure i will eventually)
Click to expand...
 
thanks a bundle. your are the MAN. i probably will email you quite a bit as i have never had one before and will probably need advice.
 
my current favorite headlights.......

109673582.jpg


OEM Koito E codes, with OEM yellow bulbs, but upgraded to all weather 90/110 :)
 
Here's a webpage about the headlight loom upgrade that I have been working on:
http://www.mypage.tsn.cc/roddqld/
It is mostly complete, but I have been thinking about showing an option using 4 relays so that left and right headlights retain their separate circuits (for added safety).

There is the problem with the hi-beam lamp not working (in Cruisers) after the upgrade but I was simply going to replace the hi-beam 'indicator' globe with a LED one. Otherwise there is the resistor and diode option as displayed in another headlamp loom upgrade posted in this forum.

Although, there is a huge improvement to upgrading your headlamps and loom I would still add some decent long range driving lights.
 
lightforce = tough mofo's....almost finished with the install of a set of the 170's on the '60

check out the MPEG on this site: http://www.off-roadlights.com/ATOUGH.MPG

doesn't hurt the U.S. military is currently running these lights on most of their vehicles in Iraq/Afghanistan either....:D

-db-
 
I agree 100% with stock upgrade first. I run the Hella 4K euro beams. They are super tough and crazy bright. I would not buy the euro beam again but get the wider pattern, the euros are hard to use on road and off raod they seem to throw too much light too far to be useful. They make a wider beam that i will get next. Check out e bay for them.
 
dogboy2 said:
lightforce = tough mofo's....almost finished with the install of a set of the 170's on the '60

check out the MPEG on this site: http://www.off-roadlights.com/ATOUGH.MPG

doesn't hurt the U.S. military is currently running these lights on most of their vehicles in Iraq/Afghanistan either....:D

-db-
Click to expand...

Holy cow! That's a serious abuse test. They are tough. Hope the wiring is easier than horns - I hear those can be a challenge...
 
dd113 said:
I run the Hella 4K euro beams...They make a wider beam that i will get next. .
Click to expand...

Are you talking about the fog beam? Or am I in a fog?
 
prolly the cornering beam

lovetoski said:
Are you talking about the fog beam? Or am I in a fog?
Click to expand...
 
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