My headlights suck

[sparks57]

I don't know about you guys, but my headlights are worthless, low or high.



I looked at the front of the lights and it says: "Wagner Halogen" and the only other identifying marking is a "2B1" up top.



Can I get brighter lights than that??? I plan on getting some KC's, but those things aren't legal for street use.

 

[hdm48]

I run the Wagner "brite lites" in mine and I am very happy.





Dave

 

[CDegner]

Mine Don't!

I'm running a set of headlight conversions that are legal ... just so long as I don't use the high beams. I found a set of 55W/100W H4 bulbs that fit nicely into an aftermarket lens assembly. Entire setup, both lenses and two bulbs ran aobut $55. They are a BIG improvement over the normal sealed beam bulbs. Got the whole setup from JC Whitney



Carl

 

[tugboatphil]

I switched to GE Super Blues a couple of years ago. You can get them at Wal-Mart for about $15 each. Contrary to the name, they aren't those really bluish ones that the rice rods have. They were a real improvement over stock ones. I was getting high beamed pretty regularly after that, so I turned them down and right a couple of notches.



On a similar note, I got to where my back-up lights didn't seem to help much. I got the cheapest foglights I could find (also at Wal-Mart) and bolted them to my tow bar sides. Wired them into the existing wires and angled them down and out at about 45 degrees. Great help when backing up during rain or fog.

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

I did the same thing Carl did except for the bulbs. I run a street legal bulb in after market lenses - they work great - on both high and low beam.



Bob

 

[JLEONARD]

I just installed the GE Super Blues over the weekend but have not had the opportunity to try them out yet. I will tomorrow am.

Wallymart had them in a two pack for $26 +.



Phil, the package says 80% brighter, but I really feel better after hearing your comments about them.

Jay

 

[DKasper]

You think ours are bad -- the lights on the '99 I had were much worse! Even the brights didn't illuminate very consistently.



Anyway, I put some Hella XL's on my '93 -- love 'em. They are basically an aftermarket low beam light that you mount like you would an offroad light -- somwhere above/below the bumper. Much better than stock. I paid about $85 for mine. They aren't the nice metal cases and all, but they did come with a relay and I have not had any problems with them.



Cheers!



Dave

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

I have the GE Super Blues also, they are pretty bright.





Steve

 

[dpuckett]

I put the GE Halogen Extra life bulbs in Mom's truck 3 years ago, then sold it to her. 3 years and 85K later, they are still going strong. They outshine mine on dim vs dim. Since my truck has no bright setting (bad dimmer switch) I cant get a comparison. But out west, Mom's would light up a good 1/4- 3/8 mi on high. I think Wally World still carries them. Seems like a pair is about $20-25, depending on the area. I didnt go with the blue, for the simple fact that I dont like to meet them oncoming, and didnt want to polute the night air.



Daniel

 

[tugboatphil]

Dan,



The Super Blues that I run are definitely brighter, side by side with regular bulbs. But they aren't the annoying blue ones. I hate getting hit with those too. But my old eyes couldn't make out the faded lines on the road when it rained. These take care of that.



Phil

 

[sparks57]

So the "Super Blues" seem to be the way to go...



But I have a couple of questions:



Are they actually of a higher wattage, or is the coloration the advantage?



What wattage is max, and what are the Super Blues? What are mine?



Are they a drop in sealed beam, or do I need to get the replaceable bulb mounts?

 

[Tim1]

headlight switch

Hey fellas, if these bulbs draw more amps for being brighter, you might want to run some relays on them!! These headlight switches are marginal at best. In the First gen discontinued parts, I've listed the part numbers if you want peace of mind. Tim

 

[914x4ctd]

Although I do not have them in my diesel yet, Hella makes a H-4 conversion light set that looks stock and is a direct fit for the square 6054 size light. They come with high power 55 or 65 low and 100w high. Better yet Hella makes 80w low 100W high for these also. I had them on my ramcharger they are the best thing that I ever bought for that truck. Also the lights use the same plug- no need to cut wires. I had almost forgot to buy some for the diesel, but will order some tomorrow.

 

[JLEONARD]

Ran with the Super Blues this morning, and they are brighter than stock.

I don't think they are bright enough to **** anybody off, but they are a nice improvement. And they are white, not blue tinted.

I'll look at the box tonight and see if it mentions amperage.

Jay

 

[sparks57]

Hey 914x4ctd, are those street legal?

 

[CDegner]

Nope. 55W low beam, 65W high beam is max allowed under DOT rules. I suspect the 80W low beams would definitely get the attention of local law enforcement if you happened to pass them at night and they flashed their high beams at ya and then you flashed back (your high beams )!



Carl

 

[sparks57]

So are the ones I am running now probably 55/65?



If so, then I can't do much except for upgrade to a better bulb of the same wattage... .



That stinks.

 

[CDegner]

Legally, that is correct. There are some bulbs that are definitely brighter than others of the same wattage. Like I said in an earlier post, there are some aftermarket bulbs that are better than most of the off the shelf sealed beam bulbs out there. My low beams (55W) are significantly brighter than the sealed beams I was running before.



Carl

 

[914x4ctd]

I was never stopped by law enforcement for the 3 years that I had them. They did have a definate line between low and high. Had to readjust lights a little lower to avoid blinding people. Not sure about legality.

 

[frijoli]

I've never understood why light bulbs were rated by wattage. Does anyone know if the Super blues are the brightest legals?



Clay