Which REAL HID kit to get?

[sixstringsteve]

My 4runner has el cheapo HIDs, the kind that blind everyone because they use the factory lenses that aren't focused right. I don't want a kit like that, but I do really like being able to see the road at night. Aside from driving with my high beams on all the time, what is a good solution for a bright driving experience? I assume a true HID kit would do the trick, but I'm open to other suggestions. I'm talking mainly needing this for on-road driving.

Maybe HID's aren't the solution and I just need some great fog lights, but I'm curious to hear the opinions. Which company do you like? Is it worth it?

 

[dutchman]

Check this thread out, I'm sure it can be made to work for your new DC.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102734-rickashays-projector-retrofit-thread.html

 

[sixstringsteve]

wow, that guy went all out. I'm definitely not at that level.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I foud this site to help noobs like me:

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/trs_tech.php

 

[bryson]

I have done a little bit of research on the topic as well, and I am convinced that HID's are not the way to go unless the housing and reflector were designed for HID's. There is little chance that you will get a good beam pattern with a HID bulb in a housing that was designed for a halogen - from my understanding, the focal point of the different types of lights are at different points, and the reflectors and housings are specific to each type. I have yet to see a conversion with a HID bulb in a halogen housing that worked as it should. They may be super bright, but the light isn't where it needs to be - mostly just annoying and unsafe for traffic around you.

My $.02

Edit - as I read your post again it sounds like you are already aware of this... there are lots of Cruiser nerds on 'Mud that have grafted actual HID projectors into aftermarket headlight housings with good quality results. A search over there will yield you much reading.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

If your stock headlamp housings are already glass and the bulb is removable, just install a direct replacement bulb with better output such as the Silverstar and add a set of auxiliary driving lights.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Edit - as I read your post again it sounds like you are already aware of this... there are lots of Cruiser nerds on 'Mud that have grafted actual HID projectors into aftermarket headlight housings with good quality results. A search over there will yield you much reading.

Yeah, that's what I meant. I didn't explain it very well. I'll check over on mud.

 

[sixstringsteve]

are HID's more fragile than halogens? I'm worried about vibration, extreme temperatures, and conditions (being submerged in water). Does anyone have any input here?

 

[dutchman]

I don't have anything useful to say about the HIDs. I'm interested in what you end up learning.

 

[sixstringsteve]

the post you linked to was a great start. The retrofit source site has a lot of great info too. I'm a little reluctant to mess up a system that is as reliable as the stock lights. I'm thinking some good driving/fog lights might do the trick.

 

[dutchman]

I'm a little reluctant to mess up a system that is as reliable as the stock lights. I'm thinking some good driving/fog lights might do the trick.

I'm with you on this one. I need to get my hella's wired up, that should give me a decent amount of light.

 

[N-Smooth]

there's nothing like a nice pair of factory HID's. my '05 acura has them and it makes me hate every other car without them. that being said, i will not be upgrading my new ram to HID's because it is just too much money to do it "right" with new housings and it's dumb to do it "wrong"

my truck's factory fog lights make up for the lack of light output from the stock headlights and i'm fine with that. i actually got some HID's for the fogs just to see what they're like and they've been on my shelf for months.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Great feedback Nate.

i actually got some HID's for the fogs just to see what they're like and they've been on my shelf for months.

I'd be curious to hear how they HID fogs do.

 

[Jeepj667]

For HID retrofits check out HIDPlanet.com
For halogen upgrades check out Candlepowerforums.com

 

[TJDukit]

I had a set of the cheap conversion HID's in my Duramax. Like you I'll never go that route again but I will say that the bulbs held up great, looking back I actually spent a lot of time bombing down washboard roads and never had any issues with the bulbs.

 

[Max Power]

I converted a set of Hell a 700FF lights to HID and they were bright as hell. I used DDM Tuning slim HID kits. They had some small hot spots in the beam but worked pretty well. That being said I replaced them with a 20" led light bar. I don't think I would ever convert a street vehicle to HID because it is not legal and unsafe in most cases.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I was under the impression that projectors were legal when done right. Simply.putting hid bulbs and ballasts in your stock housing isn't what I'm talking about. That's a poor and inconsiderate mod. I'm talking about projectors with a.lens and stuff, like the BMW's.

 

[Max Power]

I am having trouble finding my source but I'm 99% sure it is still illegal unless your vehicle came with them from the factory. I will keep searching.

 

[Jeepj667]

Unless your truck came with HID projector headlights as an option and those are what you are using then they are illegal.

The only legal upgrade is better halogen bulbs ex.GE Nighthawks, and an upgraded harness.

Fog lights are for fog, not everyday driving. They will actually hurt your visibility in normal conditions. Too much foreground light.

Driving lights are only for use with high beams.

 

[sixstringsteve]

interesting. Thanks for the clarification. So what lights DO I want? I want something that shines down on the road and makes it brighter without blinding oncoming traffic.