Led headlights (2 Viewers)

[TOYTACO11]

Im sure there is already a thread about this which I have read through a few with mixed advice/ products plus most are quite a few years old

so figured I would ask for my self and see if anything has changed

Im looking to upgrade my headlights to LED projectors. On my 1992 land cruiser and cant seem to find any.

Anyone know where I can purchase a set of decent one that do t cost 5-600$ or possibly a retrofit of some kind.

Thanks in advance

 

[Somebodyelse5]

the depo headlights alone cost $500... then you need to get the retrofit parts which, the lights and ballast alone will run you at least $300... if you want quads, double that...
Better off buying the set from Freedom retrofits for like $1.2k if you want projectors.


Get a set of Diode Dynamics SL1's and call it good. They are great and only $150

 

[TOYTACO11]

the depo headlights alone cost $500... then you need to get the retrofit parts which, the lights and ballast alone will run you at least $300... if you want quads, double that...
Better off buying the set from Freedom retrofits for like $1.2k if you want projectors.


Get a set of Diode Dynamics SL1's and call it good. They are great and only $150

Yea Im not trying to spend that kind of money on some headlights just wanted a little better lighting and cut down on some power draw

How are the Diode sl1 in stock housings do they have the tendency to blind oncoming traffic. Definitely dont want that but loke the idea of just replacing the bulb much cheaper

 

[gummycarbs]

LED projectors

a set of decent one that do t cost 5-600$ or

I don't think you're going to find that.

At best, you could get Depo housings and try those H4 LED projector bulbs. I seriously doubt that they'd give good output, but you can try.

Anzo headlights are the cheapest option that will give you LED. They use plastic lenses, so they'll degrade after a few years.

Do *not* put LED bulbs into the stock housings. You'll blind everyone and barely get any better usable light output.

I don't know what's going on with Depo. Mine were $240 in 2017. I know that they made some announcement about not selling to the US market, so maybe that's added an additional layer of shipping by resellers.

The Depo housings alone with H4 incandescent bulbs were a huge upgrade over stock. I ran H4 LEDs in the Depo housings for awhile. Light output was decent, but narrow. Fine for around town and familiar roads, lousy for mountain highways where the road plows ate off most of the lane markings. You need to do a lot of research on LED H4 bulbs if you go this route, because most have a terrible light pattern.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Do *not* put LED bulbs into the stock housings. You'll blind everyone and barely get any better usable light output.

This was true 10 years ago and of cheap LED’s… the good stuff, installed correctly, no issue…

 

[Saito]

Here’s some LED projector bulbs in DEPO housings. They’ve got low beam ‘cutouts’ so as not to blind oncoming traffic. They’re not just a drop in fix though. Still a work in progress for me. One housing wasn’t sealed properly from the factory and my fix . . .well, it wasn’t. So I still get moisture in the DS one

 

[TOYTACO11]

Yea thats what i keep reading as far as blonding other people some say it does some say it dont thats ultimately what Im trying to figure out.

Ultimately just want some liggt source besides regular halogen without using high wattage halogens bulbs that draw alot of power…

 

[Outsane]

Yea Im not trying to spend that kind of money on some headlights just wanted a little better lighting and cut down on some power draw

How are the Diode sl1 in stock housings do they have the tendency to blind oncoming traffic. Definitely dont want that but loke the idea of just replacing the bulb much cheaper

I like my diode dynamics sl1 led replacement, I have them in low and high beam.

Make sure you index them correctly, the base can be rotated with a set screw.

I printed a replacement bulb retention ring. The oem one was cracked and has a raised bump that was in the way.

Headlight Bulb retention ring

Headlight Bulb retention rings for the 80 Series Landcruiser LX450. sold in pairs or full kit If you have busted rings or want to instal Diode Dynamics SL1 9005 and 9006 bulbs then this it the ticket for you. The LED bulbs need more clearance than the OEM retention rings have...

solvefunction.com

 

[FMC80]

the depo headlights alone cost $500... then you need to get the retrofit parts which, the lights and ballast alone will run you at least $300... if you want quads, double that...
Better off buying the set from Freedom retrofits for like $1.2k if you want projectors.


Get a set of Diode Dynamics SL1's and call it good. They are great and only $150

Depos are that expensive now? I haven’t checked, but that seems off.

Additionally, I’ve read some chatter on the Facebook about Freedom retrofits and BX Built lights having major quality control issues. I specifically read Freedom Retrofits customer service is also lacking.

Up until two weeks ago, I tried buying a set from Freedom Retrofits and after some back and forth, the owner, Austin had one of his buddies email and say they’re not interested in supplying me with blacked out depos with projectors. They have so much work, they can turn me away for wanting blacked out housings.

Anyway, to the OP, you gotta pay to play. I recommend retrofitting yourself to save money. But it’s still going to cost you for quality components.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Depos are that expensive now? I haven’t checked, but that seems off.

Additionally, I’ve read some chatter on the Facebook about Freedom retrofits and BX Built lights having major quality control issues. I specifically read Freedom Retrofits customer service is also lacking.

Up until two weeks ago, I tried buying a set from Freedom Retrofits and after some back and forth, the owner, Austin had one of his buddies email and say they’re not interested in supplying me with blacked out depos with projectors. They have so much work, they can turn me away for wanting blacked out housings.

Anyway, to the OP, you gotta pay to play. I recommend retrofitting yourself to save money. But it’s still going to cost you for quality components.

Google results showing $320 - $400 for depos right now. May go back down, but they are definitely getting more and more expensive.

Unfortunately those retrofit guys aren't going to have the best QC, they are using the exact same process that you or I would use to retrofit... bake them, pull the glass, dremel the housing, glue the projector in, glue the lense back on... would be cool if they could mold their own housing but, the volume just isn't there.

For the record, installed my SL1's and had to use a razor blade to trim the ring so that they would fit. Took about 5 minutes.

 

[Marco Lau]

Here is my set from Freedom Retrofit. No more bitchin from oncoming traffic..

 

[TOYTACO11]

I like my diode dynamics sl1 led replacement, I have them in low and high beam.

Make sure you index them correctly, the base can be rotated with a set screw.

I printed a replacement bulb retention ring. The oem one was cracked and has a raised bump that was in the way.

Headlight Bulb retention ring

Headlight Bulb retention rings for the 80 Series Landcruiser LX450. sold in pairs or full kit If you have busted rings or want to instal Diode Dynamics SL1 9005 and 9006 bulbs then this it the ticket for you. The LED bulbs need more clearance than the OEM retention rings have...

solvefunction.com

I think im gunna go with the diode sl1’s and ill prolly be purchasing those rings as well this weekend thanks

 

[Outsane]

Enjoy

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I think im gunna go with the diode sl1’s and ill prolly be purchasing those rings as well this weekend thanks

I think you will be happy with them.

They are also good people and stand behind their product... @ncavi10 had an SL1 go out and they replaced it, no questions asked

 

[peneumbra2]

Another way to get good lighting (without blinding oncoming traffic) is to install PIAA bulbs and adapters. Very nice light at about $50 per light (I think).
If you need the P/N etc, contact me here.

 

[TOYTACO11]

Another way to get good lighting (without blinding oncoming traffic) is to install PIAA bulbs and adapters. Very nice light at about $50 per light (I think).
If you need the P/N etc, contact me here.

Yea I currently have the phillips crystal vision hi and lo they are awesome very bright but are pretty hard on my charging system.. trying to get away from halogen if i can

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Yea I currently have the phillips crystal vision hi and lo they are awesome very bright but are pretty hard on my charging system.. trying to get away from halogen if i can

Definitely worth doing a ground cable upgrade... mine made a pretty considerable difference (nearly a full volt less drop when operating stuff at idle).

 

[peneumbra2]

Definitely worth doing a ground cable upgrade... mine made a pretty considerable difference (nearly a full volt less drop when operating stuff at idle).

The PIAAs come with a transformer thing for each bulb. OK, it LOOKS like a transformer...

 

[Somebodyelse5]

The PIAAs come with a transformer thing for each bulb. OK, it LOOKS like a transformer...

if it turns my 80 into bumblebee and megan fox comes along, i will throw away my SL1's and buy 6 PIAAs

 

[TOYTACO11]

Definitely worth doing a ground cable upgrade... mine made a pretty considerable difference (nearly a full volt less drop when operating stuff at idle).

Ill give it a try first much cheaper and probably have one laying around in the garage i could use thanks for the advice