Led headlights for 08 denali

[Jonah52]

I can second this. I added HID bulbs to my 12 Yukon and they were terrible. More light output but overall less useful - very scattered and splotchy beam. I a high end HID kit too (with adjustable high-low beam modes). The big issue here is the light wasn't focused in the right spot in the housing so it didn't get thrown to the road in the proper manner.

I ended up with some Sylvania bulbs after this. Significantly better light output to the road than the HID kit and far more usable too.

For an HID kit to work it would need to not just have a lot of light but also placement of the chip exactly where the filament in the normal bulb was. There is not a lot of room for error either - the distance between the high and low beam elements is 1/8" or less.

I don’t see an option for optimal lighting in a stock housing ther than a nice sylvania bulb.

It’s either that or full blown retrofit. I don’t see a solid in between retaining a factory halogen reflector. They are pretty bad headlights lol I mean my Duramax has more useful light and it was an 03 lol

 

[01Konvict]

Sometimes the problem isn't just the bulb, the problem is also the housing reflector, the OEM is designed for a bulb the emits light 360deg. With led your going to have gaps and it's going to show in the reflection, length of the bulb is going to matter also because this also affects the reflection.

I can second this. I added HID bulbs to my 12 Yukon and they were terrible. More light output but overall less useful - very scattered and splotchy beam. I a high end HID kit too (with adjustable high-low beam modes). The big issue here is the light wasn't focused in the right spot in the housing so it didn't get thrown to the road in the proper manner.

I ended up with some Sylvania bulbs after this. Significantly better light output to the road than the HID kit and far more usable too.

For an HID kit to work it would need to not just have a lot of light but also placement of the chip exactly where the filament in the normal bulb was. There is not a lot of room for error either - the distance between the high and low beam elements is 1/8" or less.

This is why I refer to either build a retrofit or stick to halogen bulbs. I've seen lots of adjustable LEDs and HIDs but unfortunately I still see random hot spots or unfocused beam pattern from the bowls not being designed for that light system. The best halogen bulb is PIAA Xtreme White Plus! Blows silver star away and is the cheapest good light output upgrade to stock bowls without doing a retrofit.

 

[kwOH]

TRS is starting to sell LEDs. Explain that.

 

[Jonah52]

Just because McDonald’s sells hamburgers doesn’t mean they’re good.

 

[01Konvict]

TRS has been selling LEDs for several years. Even they say it’s ok but really dependent on stock bowl shape whether they work well or not. Unfortunately our bowls are round dome which isn’t conducive to that style of glow. For example the nnbs truck lights have a square shape which are better for LED. Call them up for yourself to hear them tell you to do a retrofit.

 

[Doubeleive]

as far as front turn signal led's I have been using these, no issue's, nice amber color and there pretty bright even in daylight
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-920-Lum...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[Jonah52]

as far as front turn signal led's I have been using these, no issue's, nice amber color and there pretty bright even in daylight
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-920-Lumen-3157-50W-High-Power-Chip-LED-Amber-Yellow-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulbs/232162434118?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I like led swaps but not for blinkers. The halogen enits a glow that an led just can’t mimmick since the led diodes are more directional if that makes sense! I’m sure they look nice and crisp orange though.

 

[Shunto]

Hey guys I am sure this has been beat to death but looking to find some good led lights that will work without projector housings. All the housings I see are ugly and super expensive. I have hid lights now and work pretty good but want to switch. Anyone have any luck? I know all the bulbs have come a long way! Thanks!

Not for nothing... I Had HID in a 4 runner.... swapped em out for LED'S... i'm less than excited.... i'm not disappointed but thought i would get a little more light that i received.

 

[kwOH]

@Jonah52 @01Konvict

Guess I should have been more specific Morimoto is making LED’s. But I know you guys will come up with an excuse for why they are garbage too, & I will say AGAIN, I am not disputing that HID projectors are the best, I am simply saying that there are safe LED alternatives to halogens now on the market, you simply cannot say “LEDs are trash” anymore. They have found ways to eliminate the negatives that have been problems before.

 

[Jonah52]

@Jonah52 @01Konvict

Guess I should have been more specific Morimoto is making LED’s. But I know you guys will come up with an excuse for why they are garbage too, & I will say AGAIN, I am not disputing that HID projectors are the best, I am simply saying that there are safe LED alternatives to halogens now on the market, you simply cannot say “LEDs are trash” anymore. They have found ways to eliminate the negatives that have been problems before.

I’m not saying they’re trash im saying they aren’t designed for a stock reflector and vice versa. Every vehicle in my truck is led other than my headlights lol yes advancements are great, they are bright, they last forever. Every bulb in my house is led.

I’m saying it’s about the application! I haven’t seen an led shine in the same 360 degree (if you will) pattern as a halogen. They are always somewhat directional and subjective to how they are clocked in the housing.


If I recall didn’t the Escalades come with led headlights and now they are back to hid’s in the k2XX?