IPF H4 head light upgrade

[Mudderoy]

Boy I think we can all agree that the headlights on the Jeep Cherokee are horrible!

I actually tried to get DETOURS to build in driving lights into my custom winch bumper because I didn't want to lose my factor driving lights. I even updated both the headlights and the driving lights to the Silverstars!

I was driving the wife's 1999 last night and they must be factory. So I've decided I'll go ahead and upgrade the lights on my 98 and then move the Silverstars to her rig. I'm going to put the factory driving lights on her 99 as well, so she will be able to see quite better.

Also if the wiring harness I am getting makes a difference on the stock lights I'll probably get one for hers, but I digress.

So today I jumped over to an xjtalk vendor JeepinOutfitters (http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/default.asp)and ordered the IPF H4 headlights (http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=603).

http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/images/medium/ipf820h.jpg

These are just the housings, no bulbs.

I knew that I wanted higher wattage bulbs, and since there was only one bulb offered at JeepinOutfitters, I started my search.

I found the ARB 80/110 watt H4 bulbs (ARBHHC1211080 (http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Univ/ARB/Headlight_Bulb/ARBHHC1211080.html)) and ordered them from Auto Parts Warehouse (autopartswarehouse.com)

Now I needed a wiring harness since the bulbs would require more juice. I had read about an inexpensive wiring harness in the past, and after a little digging I found the write up here :link: (http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/hd-headlight-harness-write-up-11306/)

It is a 90/100 watt wiring harness for a Chevy truck (36-3580 (http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cd/full.aspx?Page=61)) from LMC Trucks (http://www.lmctruck.com)

So now with all items needed on order, I sit back and wait. :drool:

[bluedragon436]

Nice can't wait to see the outcome of these upgrades.. I am always figuring most of the ads that they show you are biased and only want you to see what they want you to see.. so look forward to getting some good feedback..

[Mudderoy]

Nice can't wait to see the outcome of these upgrades.. I am always figuring most of the ads that they show you are biased and only want you to see what they want you to see.. so look forward to getting some good feedback..

Well here is one reason I went with the IPF...

:link: (http://jeepin.com/features/ipf)

http://jeepin.com/features/ipf/ipf7t.jpg

[Gldyrx]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why do you need to upgrade the harness to the chevy one instead of just plugging the h4's into the stock one?

[Mudderoy]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why do you need to upgrade the harness to the chevy one instead of just plugging the h4's into the stock one?

I thought the same thing at first. I'm only using a GM one because it's less than 1/2 the price of the other harness kits. The factory kits only have components that will support the wattage of the factory lights. People have found that by upgrading the factory harness the original lights are brighter! I may try this out myself to see it first hand.

Basically the bulbs have a wattage rating. The factory bulbs are 55 watts (low beam I believe) The bulbs I'll be installing are 80 watts low beam so I'll need larger wire to carry the additional current. Wattage = Voltage times Current. Since the voltage is going to stay at 12 volts, that means the current will have to increase. Using a wire too small will quickly heat up, begin to glow and then catch of fire.

[Joliet Johnny]

This is on my to do list. I planned on building a "foglight" harness and using the factory headlight switch to turn on the relay for the headlights. I have also thought about installing some white LEDs in the corners of the assembly so I wont get pulled over for having no headlights when headlights make it harder to see (heavy snowstorm)

[Carves]

Looking like a good setup Mudderoy



... I am always figuring most of the ads that they show you are biased and only want you to see what they want you to see...

Like taking photos looking into the headlights when on ... instead of how far they penetrate the dark, down the road .... :rolleyes:

Lets 'em say ... "oooooh - look how bright they are" ... :D

[Gldyrx]

Well thanks for explaining the harness thing for me is it possible get this part from the junk yard it do what vehicle if not were can I get the info 4 what I need thanks 4 all the help.

[Mudderoy]

Well thanks for explaining the harness thing for me is it possible get this part from the junk yard it do what vehicle if not were can I get the info 4 what I need thanks 4 all the help.

Well the harness would be the same for any stock 55 watt headlight. So you either have to make your own with components that will handle the higher wattage or buy it from someone that has already done it.

I don't think any OEM vehicles came with a harness set up for 100 watt bulbs.

[Gldyrx]

Thanks, but the one from lmc seems pretty straight forward as a plug n play ?

[Mudderoy]

Thanks, but the one from lmc seems pretty straight forward as a plug n play ?

If you've ever hooked up off road lights... Lets just say it's worth $40 to me not to have to make it. :D

[Mudderoy]

email received...

Out of Stock Notification
customerservice*@*autopartswarehouse.com

Dear Mr./Ms. Muckleroy,

We regret to inform you that we are "out of stock" on the product(s) you ordered.

Par(s) Detail
Headlight Bulb ARB Headlight Bulb ARB
Price: $ 46.10 Qty: 2.00 Part #: ARBHHC1211080



Sub Total: $92.20
Discount: $0.00
Shipping: $0.00
Handling: $0.00
Tax: $0.00
Core: $0.00
Total: $92.20

[Mudderoy]

Well I found them at Performance 4 Trucks for $82.25. Free shipping but I had to pay tax. I guess they are in Texas too. :( Still cheaper than the company that didn't have them!

[Mudderoy]

Ok 2nd company has told me they don't have the bulbs either. They say it will be a couple of weeks. Lets see.

[Carves]

H4 bulbs are a bit of an oddity over there ?? .... or are you specifically, wanting the ARB branded bulbs for some reason ??

[Mudderoy]

H4 bulbs are a bit of an oddity over there ?? .... or are you specifically, wanting the ARB branded bulbs for some reason ??

Well I'm assuming not, but these are the first I have ordered. I want specific wattage, not necessarily ARB.

[bluedragon436]

Hell, I am not brand specific either... I'm happy with just having a tad bit brighter than stock.. hell if I can see the road finally I'm happy!! LOL..

[4.3LXJ]

I am not brand specific either. I have the old IPF Fatboys. I like them. One nice thing about them is the increased light and that they are legal. The other is that they don't put out so much heat that they cook things.

[Carves]

Well I'm assuming not, but these are the first I have ordered. I want specific wattage, not necessarily ARB.


Was just wondering - coz brands, price and availability options are generally easier to find in the 80/100 range.

[96xj]

hay mud why dont you check out my old company i use to work for they have the 4x6 crystal clear with H4s and for another $60-80 you can also get the HIDs

[Mudderoy]

hay mud why dont you check out my old company i use to work for they have the 4x6 crystal clear with H4s and for another $60-80 you can also get the HIDs

Thanks.

[XJ4IV]

im considering the HID upgrades... but Im not a huge fan of mixing HID with halogen... and until I land the texas lottery Im not going to HID the lights I have on top... that would cost mea nearly a grand...10 bulbs at 87 EACH for the ballasts and bulbs to use in MY housing. plus I tend to hit tree branches pretty frequently so the cheapo lights up top are good for me... who knows maybe I'll get over the mixture

[Mudderoy]

im considering the HID upgrades... but Im not a huge fan of mixing HID with halogen... and until I land the texas lottery Im not going to HID the lights I have on top... that would cost mea nearly a grand...10 bulbs at 87 EACH for the ballasts and bulbs to use in MY housing. plus I tend to hit tree branches pretty frequently so the cheapo lights up top are good for me... who knows maybe I'll get over the mixture

Yeah after I read that "we" humans see better with yellow light than blue I decided the ultra white or blue tinted HID's are a fad. They look neat but don't make it where I can see better in bad weather. I guess in the future you'll be able to change the color of the 30 watt dual, or tri color LED that we'll be using.

[LizardRunner]

wait till they go with NIFR and Night vision goggles.

[Mudderoy]

According to my wife the bulbs have arrived!

[cpttuna]

all 5 of the cherokees in the family have the LMC headlight harness upgrade.(also my 78 Bronco). It takes about 30 minutes to install and was about $40.00 each shipped to my front door. I also picked up a couple spare relays. I do not remember from whom though.

[Mudderoy]

all 5 of the cherokees in the family have the LMC headlight harness upgrade.(also my 78 Bronco). It takes about 30 minutes to install and was about $40.00 each shipped to my front door. I also picked up a couple spare relays. I do not remember from whom though.

How did you run the harness between the headlights? I'm sure a path will present itself when I look at it, but just curious how you did it?

[cpttuna]

I took out the grill and just ran the harness along the bottom of the grill area. the harness came with yellow covering over much of the harness. I wrapped the yellow with black electrician's tape mostly for appearance purposes. Fishing all that harness through the small hole on the passenger side near the headlight takes a little time.

[JAG]

I just wanted to chime in, I have done this to my last XJ and my current one. It is def. one of the first things i like to upgrade/fix. I have done alot of research though before I actually did anything and I would suggest Osram bulbs, they are awesome. But anyways, there is a place I get my bulbs from that seems to be a lot cheaper than previously mentioned. Check it out and see what you think. I have ordered a couple sets through them and they have been great. LINK (http://store.candlepower.com/h4hb29003bulbs.html)

[Mudderoy]

I just wanted to chime in, I have done this to my last XJ and my current one. It is def. one of the first things i like to upgrade/fix. I have done alot of research though before I actually did anything and I would suggest Osram bulbs, they are awesome. But anyways, there is a place I get my bulbs from that seems to be a lot cheaper than previously mentioned. Check it out and see what you think. I have ordered a couple sets through them and they have been great. LINK (http://store.candlepower.com/h4hb29003bulbs.html)

Yeah those are really good prices, in reality they are probably fair prices, but certainly a lot cheaper than I paid. :thanx:

[Mudderoy]

So I removed both headlights and got the harness out to see if I could figure a way to run it.

A member had already told me that ran it behind the front grill, so this was an excellent hint. I just wanted to run it from inside the engine compartment the best way and least likely for it to rub over time and short out.

I saw the large opening behind the headlight housing, and then I saw the wire conduits at the bottom right corner. The bottom right was an opening to the front grill area.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CkHm9OKwGa0/Tou-oIZh4-I/AAAAAAAABXc/E35Qa00JqXo/s800/2011-10-04%25252018.37.57.jpg

So pulled the harness end through, the part that goes to the drive's side headlight.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-28sWcpe0Wzg/Tou-jN8zEPI/AAAAAAAABXY/C2jD3CxxhCI/s800/2011-10-04%25252018.45.30.jpg

You can see here where I pulled the harness into the connector that WAS connected to the headlight. This is how you trigger the relays to turn the headlights on and off with the harness.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-PGigeETR4/Tou-eQ4aIYI/AAAAAAAABXU/zwXqKBMlu5k/s800/2011-10-04%25252018.45.39.jpg

Then I ran the harness behind the grill. There is a cable conduit already running across here, so I just put this in the same place and tucked it under so the yellow wouldn't show.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKXY8iYo0sY/Tou-Zo21uRI/AAAAAAAABXQ/AmgGLcs6FyE/s800/2011-10-04%25252018.50.46.jpg

Here is the driver's side headlight housing, and it's really just the reverse of the other side.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EHL8Yk1cCZE/Tou-VGqtfZI/AAAAAAAABXM/ELIb9bf6oEU/s800/2011-10-04%25252018.50.57.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1EJrVHvgDt8/Tou-Qt0nQ-I/AAAAAAAABXI/s1UbmhqskI4/s800/2011-10-04%25252018.52.24.jpg

Relays button up to the fender. The two older relays are the KC light relays.
The harness ties directly to the battery, one of the MANY positive leads I have on there now!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qn0T3clmsJc/Tou9wIVAxgI/AAAAAAAABXE/axNNnmOKNVc/s800/2011-10-04%25252019.49.14.jpg

Well you can still see the harness if you look hard.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Fns1TYcoKL4/Tou9YOEx_5I/AAAAAAAABXA/WNrwrea7T6E/s800/2011-10-04%25252019.49.33.jpg

Here is where I grounded the drive's side of the harness.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-opF_xaQddh4/Tou9SwzspAI/AAAAAAAABW8/QlZ82sBXzic/s800/2011-10-04%25252019.49.45.jpg

I CAN FEEL THE POWER!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rc__klglYCA/Tou9HyvLPUI/AAAAAAAABWw/FmNMW7Y_O3I/s800/2011-10-04%25252019.52.59.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QcEk41O8aUU/Tou9KejopwI/AAAAAAAABW0/BZ7k9OEdCOU/s800/2011-10-04%25252019.52.33.jpg

Well that's all the lights on, lol....

Low beam...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TE9hJWuIlxg/TovBS6IXirI/AAAAAAAABXk/Wk34TwzGjFA/s800/2011-10-04%25252019.51.58.jpg

High beam...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QcEk41O8aUU/Tou9KejopwI/AAAAAAAABW0/BZ7k9OEdCOU/s800/2011-10-04%25252019.52.33.jpg

[Mudderoy]

http://youtu.be/MzRr9K-CAOA

[Mudderoy]

It was still a little over cast from yesterdays multiple inch rain so I turned on the headlights for the drive into work.

I noticed two things. I could see the beam from the headlights clearly on the vehicles, and street signs ahead of me. The bottom of the street signs unless I was bouncing. I also noticed that people were moving out of the fast lane and getting into the right or middle lane. Not right away, but eventually. :D

[LizardRunner]

Nice bright lights. I may go with that harness just to upgrade the wimpy factory one.

[bluedragon436]

Nice bright lights. I may go with that harness just to upgrade the wimpy factory one.

I'll be there with you... at least until I can afford the full mod like Tony did...

[Mudderoy]

Nice bright lights. I may go with that harness just to upgrade the wimpy factory one.

So far I'm pretty happy. I'm not sure happiness level = $$$ spent yet :D
The harness was very nice and very easy to install. It was so nice and easy I ordered a 2nd one for my wife's 99. I thought it would be silly to install the Sylvania Silver Stars lights without the harness.


I'll be there with you... at least until I can afford the full mod like Tony did...

Yeah, get the harness, I think it's worth it from stock to death beam.

[bluedragon436]

Yeah I figure it can't hurt to throw on there.. even with the stock style beams.. I'm going to see if I can't talk the wife into hooking me up with some IPF housings and bulbs for X-mas.. LOL.. can't hurt to try!!

[Carves]

Yeah, get the harness, I think it's worth it from stock to death beam.

X 2

Better lamp output ... and less load on all the switches and connectors.

Other veh brands and models Ive owned got similiar treatment for improved lighting - as I do a lot of night driving - but the XJ needs the mod IMHO.

[Mudderoy]

Here we are with a 1998 XJ with IPF headlights and bulbs on the left and a stock 1999 XJ on the right.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BeIpPIe3Sss/Tqn0y1oESCI/AAAAAAAABhQ/255GZ3e68JI/s800/2011-10-27%25252019.08.10.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3RgYaGbn4K0/Tqn0iDlaSGI/AAAAAAAABhI/n9BHLZeCxwU/s800/2011-10-27%25252019.07.48.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Looks good. I like my IPFs too

[Mudderoy]

I finally got around to putting the SilverStars I took out of the 1998 and put them in to the 1999, along with a LMC Trucks, wiring harness.

This is a picture of the 2003 Wrangler (on the left) and the 1999 Cherokee (on the right)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2PFDQnhOcwI/TyYGU8plr7I/AAAAAAAABs4/y4mozKhkb6k/s800/20120129_201304.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iq_YEDQ0Dwo/TyYH3tBAwrI/AAAAAAAABtA/y4bYUToutkc/s800/20120129_201240.jpg

I will be adding the old factory fog lights from my 1998 to the 1999, they have the SilverStar bulbs in them.

[bluedragon436]

Might have to be doing this swap myself... as I hate not being able to see when I'm driving at night.. Seems like a decent priced way to get some good light on the XJ's..

[Mudderoy]

Might have to be doing this swap myself... as I hate not being able to see when I'm driving at night.. Seems like a decent priced way to get some good light on the XJ's..

Yep, the SilverStar lights are about $20 each, and another $40 for the LMC Trucks harness. Installing the wiring harness on the 99 (NO winch bumper) took less than an hour.

So it's a $80 headlight upgrade!

[bluedragon436]

I figure between that deal will give me better lighting now.. and I can always pick up the housings and H4 bulbs for a later headlight upgrade.. Kind of spread out the money a bit for the full lighting upgrade..

[Mudderoy]

I figure between that deal will give me better lighting now.. and I can always pick up the housings and H4 bulbs for a later headlight upgrade.. Kind of spread out the money a bit for the full lighting upgrade..

Yep, that's exactly what I was thinking. Better lighting now and you can upgrade when the SilverStars burn out. If I can find an OEM fog light switch for less than the $600 everyone wants for them, I'll get the OEM fog lights moved over to the 99. She'll really be able to see then.

[4.3LXJ]

Tony, what is so special about this switch?

[Mudderoy]

Tony, what is so special about this switch?

It's a factory switch that fits in the dash panel below the climate controls.

http://www.cherokeeforum.com/attachments/f51/72918d1319586739t-fog-light-switch-repair-switch_comments-1-1-.jpg

Looking for this picture makes me wonder if this isn't the same switch I just purchased for the TJ. I'll have to compare them, they look very much alike.

[bluedragon436]

That price they gave is that for the switch and the panel for it, or just the switch??

[Mudderoy]

That price they gave is that for the switch and the panel for it, or just the switch??

I'm not sure what price you are talking about. The switch is about $35 from ebay.

[Brasscatz]

You talking just the fog light switch and not the rear wiper or defroster? If so, I'll keep an eye out for one.

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Random/Switch_Comments1of1.jpg

[Mudderoy]

You talking just the fog light switch and not the rear wiper or defroster? If so, I'll keep an eye out for one.

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Random/Switch_Comments1of1.jpg

Thanks I think they are all the same just different icons.

[Brasscatz]

Thanks I think they are all the same just different icons.

I believe so, just wanted to make sure you didn't need the whole panel or something.