Driving light options

[bulldog]

AFter being very disappointed with the PIAA 520 SMRs I'm looking at various options.

I'm seriously looking into seeing if I can make the Lightforce 240s fit with the Shrockworks bumper. The Lightforce 170s look like they wont fit as they push back further to the grille than the 240s, but even the 240s might not fit.

Some other candidates are the PIAA 580s, Hella 4000, others??

Please list the pricing if you list an option. I will get some prices on the Lightforce lights, if I it is spossible fits.

I think the PIAAs are discussed at length in these threads
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=852
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=840

So lets review the other options in this thread.

[Cruiserhead]

Here is my LF170 thread
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=386

I think the 240's are just as deep as the 170- maybe it looks shallower b/c of the proportion of the big reflector...

You can check LF's site, I think they have the dimensions listed in the pdf. If not, I can measure mine for you
http://www.lightforceusa.com/

[bulldog]

Here is my LF170 thread
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=386

I think the 240's are just as deep as the 170- maybe it looks shallower b/c of the proportion of the big reflector...

You can check LF's site, I think they have the dimensions listed in the pdf. If not, I can measure mine for you
http://www.lightforceusa.com/
Thx I have checked the LF lights a bit. Form the specs it seems the 240s are deeper, but the sit more forward from the mount point compared to the 170s. So they will have more clearance away from the grill. I will recheck it again though.

[bulldog]

OK so I'm looking at a few options:

PIAA 580
85W Xtreme white H3 bulbs =135W according to PIAA 8" light
Price $240 up for a pair with wiring kit
Will fit SW bumper
Not adjustable can be bought in pencil, driving or fog configs
http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/580.html

Hella Rallye 4000
100W bulb 8" light
Price $220 set, excludes wiring kit
Not sure if it will fit SW bumper
Not adjustable can be bought in Euro beam (driving light), pencil, etc.
http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaPortal/WebSite/Internet_usa/ProductsServices/Performance_Lighting/Rallye_Series/Rallye_4000_Metal/Rallye_4000_Metal.jsp

KC Rally 800
130W bulb 8" light
Price $260 with wiring harness
Should fit SW bumper, similar to PIAA outlay
Not adjustable but can get driving or pencil beam (long range)
http://www.kchilites.com/store/Rally-800-C21.aspx?UserID=729082&SessionID=aaO3S0HA2jwxixordUbc

Ligthforce 240 Blitz
100W bulb (probably the highest output from tests done) 9.5" light
Price $360 pair excl wiring harness
Not sure if it will fit SW bumper
Adjustable pattern with lenses or twist setup
http://www.lightforce.net.au/images/240BLITZ.pdf

Cibie Super Oscar
100W bulb 9" light
Can't find any more good info on them now.


For driving light comparisons see
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520

[Cruiserhead]

just a note for consideration- (my use has been desert terrain)

-lightweight body to reduce vibrations
- I have one light adj to a bit more flood, and one that is sharper focused for distance.
-if you want more high speed desert runs, I think pencil would be better as it is pretty hard to outdrive a powerful light
- if you do slower night runs, maybe a flood or mix of flood/pencil to get more fill light and spread to assess obstacles closer to you
-some type of light protection so you don't shatter the lens w/ pebbles, etc
-consider the hoops may cut off some of your fill light depending on the position/mounting of the lights.

-altho I believe the 4Runner is mostly a bottom breather, consider the impact of blocking off a great deal of the grille. This may/may not be an issue but soomething to check on for sure.

JMHO

[bulldog]

just a note for consideration- (my use has been desert terrain)

-lightweight body to reduce vibrations
- I have one light adj to a bit more flood, and one that is sharper focused for distance.
-if you want more high speed desert runs, I think pencil would be better as it is pretty hard to outdrive a powerful light
- if you do slower night runs, maybe a flood or mix of flood/pencil to get more fill light and spread to assess obstacles closer to you
-some type of light protection so you don't shatter the lens w/ pebbles, etc
-consider the hoops may cut off some of your fill light depending on the position/mounting of the lights.

-altho I believe the 4Runner is mostly a bottom breather, consider the impact of blocking off a great deal of the grille. This may/may not be an issue but soomething to check on for sure.

JMHO
That's why I like the LF setup where you can adjust the lights to your needs. I noticed that in the test they had a combo of one driving and one pencil beam light to fill out the area ahead. The 4R stock lights does give a good fill adn penetration, but I would like some more penetration especially. Will see how it pans out though.

[expat]

Cibie Oscar series

"The Cibie Super Oscar is the world's most successful rally lamp. The choice of racers, rallyists and off-roaders from Le Mand to Baja."

http://www.extremeautoaccessories.co.uk/products.php?section=1178

http://www.4wdmegastores.com.au/products_ak2/driving_lights/cibie

http://bmackay.com.au/bamuniversal/4wddloscarsc.htm

[bulldog]

Cibie Oscar series

"The Cibie Super Oscar is the world's most successful rally lamp. The choice of racers, rallyists and off-roaders from Le Mand to Baja."

http://www.extremeautoaccessories.co.uk/products.php?section=1178

http://www.4wdmegastores.com.au/products_ak2/driving_lights/cibie

http://bmackay.com.au/bamuniversal/4wddloscarsc.htm

They look interesting, but I couln't get the physical diagrams to actually see if they might fit on the SW bumper.

I looked again last night and pretty much the LF 240 Blitz is out as well as it pushes back to far and would hit the grill pretty much when you open the hood. The same looks true for the Hella 4000 as well.

Guess the price we pay for having such a short overhang with the bumper.

The best options looks like the PIAA lights where the back end virtually matches up to the mounting point.

[Mikestang]

I'll be getting the 580s in a few weeks and will be sure to report on how they work.

[AlexJet]

They look interesting, but I couln't get the physical diagrams to actually see if they might fit on the SW bumper.

I looked again last night and pretty much the LF 240 Blitz is out as well as it pushes back to far and would hit the grill pretty much when you open the hood. The same looks true for the Hella 4000 as well.

Guess the price we pay for having such a short overhang with the bumper.

The best options looks like the PIAA lights where the back end virtually matches up to the mounting point.


I have Hella 4000. They are VERY deep lights. Those lights didn't fit in original ARB bumper locations for the lights, so I drilled the mounting holes 2-1/2" further forward. This might be the issue with Shrockworks, because ARB is stick 2" further then ARB. My lights are mounted nearly at the edge of the ARB bumper.
NOTE: ARB bumper and 2006+ grille will make Hella 4000 out of the choice, grille is way too big.

[bulldog]

I'll be getting the 580s in a few weeks and will be sure to report on how they work.
Kewl let us know. I would hate to but another set I'm not happy with. Are you getting the driving or pencil beams?

Let me know if you want to runa combo of one pencil and one drivng light. As I could buy a set that is either pencil or driving and we can swap out one lamp each.

The reason people do it is as James state above to give both a good fill and long range performance. That is also how they tested a lot fo the lights in the comparison report above. Seems like a good idea to get the most out of 2 extra lights.

Anyway let us know how you like the 580s first and then we discuss the 2nd idea. :guitar:

[AlexJet]

OK so I'm looking at a few options:

PIAA 580
85W Xtreme white H3 bulbs =135W according to PIAA 8" light
Price $240 up for a pair with wiring kit
Will fit SW bumper
Not adjustable can be bought in pencil, driving or fog configs
http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/580.html

Hella Rallye 4000
100W bulb 8" light
Price $220 set, excludes wiring kit
Not sure if it will fit SW bumper
Not adjustable can be bought in Euro beam (driving light), pencil, etc.
http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaPortal/WebSite/Internet_usa/ProductsServices/Performance_Lighting/Rallye_Series/Rallye_4000_Metal/Rallye_4000_Metal.jsp

KC Rally 800
130W bulb 8" light
Price $260 with wiring harness
Should fit SW bumper, similar to PIAA outlay
Not adjustable but can get driving or pencil beam (long range)
http://www.kchilites.com/store/Rally-800-C21.aspx?UserID=729082&SessionID=aaO3S0HA2jwxixordUbc

Ligthforce 240 Blitz
100W bulb (probably the highest output from tests done) 9.5" light
Price $360 pair excl wiring harness
Not sure if it will fit SW bumper
Adjustable pattern with lenses or twist setup
http://www.lightforce.net.au/images/240BLITZ.pdf

Cibie Super Oscar
100W bulb 9" light
Can't find any more good info on them now.


For driving light comparisons see
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520

Andries, here are some correction to your data:

Hella Rallye 4000 - 8-3/4", sold as individual lights + wiring + grilles.
PIAA 580 - 6-11/16", sold as complete kit including 2 lights, wiring and grilles.

[Mikestang]

Kewl let us know. I would hate to but another set I'm not happy with. Are you getting the driving or pencil beams?
I was going to get pencil beams, as I feel there's enough light right in front of me for now w/the 510s and regular headlights. I'd be happy to swap a light with you for the combo setup. Even a pencil/flood combo might be useful, but it will depend on how well one pencil beam illuminates at distance. I may start out just buying one pencil beam and not the kit and see how much light it puts out, but I haven't decided yet.

[AlexJet]

I was going to get pencil beams, as I feel there's enough light right in front of me for now w/the 510s and regular headlights. I'd be happy to swap a light with you for the combo setup. Even a pencil/flood combo might be useful, but it will depend on how well one pencil beam illuminates at distance. I may start out just buying one pencil beam and not the kit and see how much light it puts out, but I haven't decided yet.

Don't buy single light. I used to break one of my 510 on previous truck and the replacement light cost me almost 2/3 of a price of the full set.

[Mikestang]

That's good to know. I hadn't priced anything yet.

[bulldog]

Before you buy check out eBay as I found 580s for $230 shipped for the whole kit from a reputable vendor by the looks of it.

Agreed that buying a set is much cheaper than a single lamp. That is why I proposed that we could swap if you want to. I can then get a set of the different type if the lights measure up.

I might just get cheapie lights in the mean time, will see how I feel.

[bulldog]

I looked into IPF lights from ABR as well. 2 of them looks interesting.

http://www.arbusa.com/lights_driving_fog.php

IPF 960 Super Rally
110W H3 bulb 7" light
$330 -350 on eBay
Non adjustable driving light only
Only 3" deep and should fit SW bumper
Comes with wiring kit

IPF 968
55W (but also get 100W bulbs in package) 6.5" light
$150 or so, but make sure to ask if you get the 100W bulbs with
Non adjustable driving light only
Only 3" deep and should fit SW bumper
Comes with wiring kit


I am now wondering between the PIAA 580s and the IPF 960s. Guess I will have to sleep on it.

[bulldog]

Well I ordered a set of 580 driving lights. I contacted a few resellers and apperently the 580 pencil beams are discontiued. SOme still have the PIAA 80XT pencils in stock, these are also discontinued, which they claim to be the same apart from the black grill.
Here is still alisting for them
http://www.mvpautoparts.com/product.php?productid=16799&cat=389&page=1

I got my 580s of eBay (same vendor as above) for $230 shipped. I will post up once installed (at least I just swap lamps as wiring harness is the same as the 520 SMRs) to give feedback on their performance.

The H3 bulbs that is in the 580s can be found for about $65 or so on the internet, so if someone wants my 520s (for cheap) to try these bulbs let me know. I will ship the 520s with the HD wiring kit in the 580 box. (Probably should post it up in the ad section).

[Mikestang]

I'll was going to try to track down a set of pencil beam 580s in about 2 weeks. After you check out the driving light, if you still want to try trading 1 for 1, assuming I'm able to find a pencil set, let me know.

[bulldog]

I'll was going to try to track down a set of pencil beam 580s in about 2 weeks. After you check out the driving light, if you still want to try trading 1 for 1, assuming I'm able to find a pencil set, let me know.
I tracked down a pencil beam as well, but only a single lamp. Don't seem to get them in kits. So I will see how it works. I have 3 lights now :rotflmao: You might want to get some stuff (for cheap) from me later, once you have a report back. I hope I'm happier with the new lights than the 520s.

[bulldog]

Too late for me as I already ordered a set of 580s, but you guys might want to look into this
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=321398#post321398

It looks like the guy wants $120 or something for the 580 kit, missing box though. Not sure if it is fog or driving lights, but well worth it to ask.

[bulldog]

I fitted the 580 driving lights and they are so much better. I'm pretty happy with the increase in light output over the stock high beams. Not sure if it will worth my while to get pencils with these driving lights.

I got the 580s for $230 shipped from MVP on ebay on an auction. I'm sure if you contact them they will put a pair up.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AEOIBSAA%3AUS%3A11&viewitem=&item=130038381189

Pics here
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12214&postcount=31

[4run4fun]

I got the PIAA fogs with my Shrockworks bumper and am not too impressed with the lighting they provide. Did some shopping around and I decided to try these for driving lights:

http://www.kchilites.com/store/Black-Driving-SlimLitebrSystem-124-P268C48.aspx

They should provide the kind of lighting improvement I need. The long range look too long. See application graphic.

http://www.kchilites.com/store/applications.aspx

Best price I could find was here (quite a bit lower than PIAA driving light kits):
http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/kcblloraandd.html

Just ordered a couple of days ago, should be here this coming week. I will post some pics after I get them installed.

[Mikestang]

I found this light, too, which appears identical to the 580, minus the grill and a slightly different bulb

80 Pro XT Series
* Part NO. 8364 - Clear Pencil
* Bulb Type 12V - H3 120watt
* Features black aluminum housing, and glass lens
* Kit includes two lamps, wiring harness, relay, switch, and two white lamp covers with black lettering
http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/80proxt.html
http://www.mvpautoparts.com/product.php?productid=16799&cat=389&page=1

From MVP:
"These Piaa 80XT lamps are practically identical to the Piaa 580 lamps. They have the same size and shape. A matter of fact, they actually uses the same lenses, lamp housings and wirng harness as the Piaa 580 lamps. The only thing that's different is the grille cover."

[4run4fun]

As promised, pics of the KC Slimlites on my bumper

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7651/s1xb9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Rear profile

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6177/sbackax2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

With headlights and fogs on

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8100/slobe1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

With Hi-beams on

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/7178/shiku3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Switch location

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/167/sswitchfc3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I chose to wire them to the battery direct, so that I can turn them on/off at any time. I will only use them off-road anyway.

The KC kit came with everything needed to install. These have 100 watt halogen bulbs and really make a difference in lighting up the road. Best of all was the price, $149.00 incl. tax and shipping.

[bulldog]

Nice!!!! If you can shoot some pics at night with the ligth pattern.

[4run4fun]

I'll do that when I get the chance. The streets in this city aren't very dark, but I will be out wheeling next week so I will take some then.