LED headlights in stock housings - My Install and feedback

[GranPrix]

The only thing I can think of that will not let it work is if the ballast for the LEDs has some sort of a fail safe system built in which wont let it rapidly flash..

 

[GranPrix]

This is what blueprint does:

 

[RichardCranium]

Well, back on topic from the extreme tangent this thread went on......

It's been about a month now with this set of LED's in the stock housings, and I still could not be any more satisfied. And I have still never been "flashed" by oncoming traffic, which also makes me happy.

I have encountered several different situations in which I could actually test the low versus high beams, and I've honestly found these low beams project almost as far as the factory halogen high beams do. I'm so happy with the output, I am going to search for some comparable high beam LED's and give them a shot. The only difference I really have from low to high right now is the height of the beam, obviously. It's pretty impressive how far these low beam LED's project though, even seeing it illuminate a reflective street sign far off in the distance.

This change is right up there with the tires/suspension as the best thing I've done to this truck.

 

[GranPrix]

I'd be interested to hear feedback if you go with them...

So I ordered these and put them in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6...cfd7c39b45e5d0da7ec37f376598fd&language=en_US

There is a difference in light output compared to stock and they are brighter. The cut-off line is still there but it is actually a lot sharper and more distinct with the stock halogens. Also, I did notice with the LEDs there are some hot spots, the halogens have an even spread of light where as the LEDs have a couple of hot spots. Over all I'm happy with them. Oh and I did have to notch the frame a bit for these to fit.

 

[RichardCranium]

So I ordered these and put them in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BT6M6...cfd7c39b45e5d0da7ec37f376598fd&language=en_US

There is a difference in light output compared to stock and they are brighter. The cut-off line is still there but it is actually a lot sharper and more distinct with the stock halogens. Also, I did notice with the LEDs there are some hot spots, the halogens have an even spread of light where as the LEDs have a couple of hot spots. Over all I'm happy with them. Oh and I did have to notch the frame a bit for these to fit.

Nice. And those definitely have a bigger fan than the set I got, hence you having to clear the bulkhead.

Once I get my cooling issue straightened out I'll go for the high beams.

 

[CrashTestDummy]

Nice write-up, Darren! I'll be interested to see what you do for high-beams. IIRC, the clearance is even less for those bulbs than the low-beams..

Darren noted some aftermarket housings for a little over $100 each. I'll note that the OEM GM housings are also just over $100. So cheap I got a spare set for our '10. Not sure how the AM set will last in the real world, most knock-off housings are made of lower-quality plastic that quickly turn yellow in the sun and heat. I know nothing about the set that Darren listed, and know that the OEM stuff will eventually fog/craze, but may last longer. I just wanted to make note.

 

[RichardCranium]

Coming up on 9 months with the LED's in the stock housings, still absolutely love them. I would testify in court also, that I have STILL not been flashed. I know I stated it before, but just clarifying that one of my biggest gripes are folks throwing LED's in halogen reflectors and blinding everyone. That is the last thing I wanted, and honestly would have taken them out if it was creating this effect. I am beyond satisfied that I can see so much better at night, and do so without blinding the shit out of oncoming traffic.

Not sure why I held off on getting high beams, since I there isn't a concern about blinding oncoming traffic with them. These will be in today, can't wait to try them out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077B7GJ5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[MonkeyFresh]

Coming up on 9 months with the LED's in the stock housings, still absolutely love them. I would testify in court also, that I have STILL not been flashed. I know I stated it before, but just clarifying that one of my biggest gripes are folks throwing LED's in halogen reflectors and blinding everyone. That is the last thing I wanted, and honestly would have taken them out if it was creating this effect. I am beyond satisfied that I can see so much better at night, and do so without blinding the shit out of oncoming traffic.

Not sure why I held off on getting high beams, since I there isn't a concern about blinding oncoming traffic with them. These will be in today, can't wait to try them out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077B7GJ5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Put in a set of highs and lows of the same make and brand you have a link to and I love them. I did get flashed a time or two after install but, fixed that by lowering the aim a bit using my wife’s Corolla as a aiming guid in a flat parking lot. No issues after that which was six months or so ago.

Had to make a trip out of town for work, driving at night, on old country roads alone. The high beams are amazing in the middle of nowhere.

 

[RichardCranium]

Put in a set of highs and lows of the same make and brand you have a link to and I love them. I did get flashed a time or two after install but, fixed that by lowering the aim a bit using my wife’s Corolla as a aiming guid in a flat parking lot. No issues after that which was six months or so ago.

Had to make a trip out of town for work, driving at night, on old country roads alone. The high beams are amazing in the middle of nowhere.

Good stuff, I can't wait. I actually thought they'd be here today (there was a one-day option but evidently I didn't click on it). Oh well, that'll give me something to do tomorrow while I am grilling.

Did you have to clearance any at all for these in the high beam slots?

 

[RichardCranium]

Nice write-up, Darren! I'll be interested to see what you do for high-beams. IIRC, the clearance is even less for those bulbs than the low-beams..

Darren noted some aftermarket housings for a little over $100 each. I'll note that the OEM GM housings are also just over $100. So cheap I got a spare set for our '10. Not sure how the AM set will last in the real world, most knock-off housings are made of lower-quality plastic that quickly turn yellow in the sun and heat. I know nothing about the set that Darren listed, and know that the OEM stuff will eventually fog/craze, but may last longer. I just wanted to make note.

Just saw this, but can follow up on both ends of it now.

I didn't have to clearance anything at all for the high beams, this brand keeps a low narrow profile with the fan. There wasn't even any fancy "holding my tongue" to get it to fit just right, I slammed the headlight assembly right back in on each side with no issue. I'm really happy I didn't have to bring out the grinder.

As for the brand of knock-off headlights, I have been very satisfied. No leaks, no fog, just a really nice OEM looking headlight. I've never seen a single OEM headlight for less than $250-300, where are you sourcing yours?