Headlight aiming for dumies

RubiconSS · 08-13-2005, 09:46 PM

Lifted the jeep 3" and just did an H4 IPF conversion, I think its time to aim the eyeballs. Did a search and only found one "how too" that friggin Einstein would have a time with.

Anybody aimed these IPF's?? Weird beam pattern, whats the best way to aim so I can have maximum effect w/o pi$$in' anybody off?

Rocky5 · 08-14-2005, 12:24 AM

I'd just leave em!

I run on my bike with the highbeam all the time, people see me and GET OUT OF MY WAY!

If it works on my bike, imagine how ell it will work with a large grill guard and a HUGE jeep!

PS are those things really any brighter/better than Silverstars?

kizer · 08-14-2005, 12:44 AM

Heres a link to two head light aiming sites.

I love a search feature. Well off Links4jeeps that is.
http://www.links4jeeps.com/search.php?whichtype=all&filled=1&search=headlight s

RubiconSS · 08-14-2005, 10:21 AM

Kizer- Thanks. Tonite I will be aiming headlights.

Rocky- I'll let you know once they are aimed. First impressions are that the H4's are really out there, very bright. I want to get the pattern directed before I pass final input. I just pulled the Silverstars so it will be a direct comparison.

kpatrick · 08-14-2005, 11:32 PM

PS are those things really any brighter/better than Silverstars?[/QUOTE]

Yes, a definite improvement. I tried Silverstars and promptly returned them. I guess if I had a factory light go out, I would replace it with a Silverstar due to them being fairly inexpensive. The IPF's with their superlow bulbs made a huge difference. I have the Ecode european lens which is a bit different in terms of beam pattern. It makes you think that your headlights are pointing too far to the left, but in reality, this is how they are designed.

RubiconSS · 08-15-2005, 08:49 AM

Got the IPF H4 (conversion) Headlites AND IPF 110 watt (model 968) Aux lites installed.

Holy crap! The Aux lites are wired to come on with the High Beams (no more getting flashed with the fogs on low beam).

It quite possibly is too much lite. Aimed correctly they bounce extremely bright off of roadside reflective signs.

Had Wifey drive towards me too check the Low Beam aiming. Asked her what the High Beams looked like and she screamed "Turn em' off" into her cell phone.

Granted all 4 come on at High Beam, but for under $200.00 I'm pretty happy with the IPF's vs plunking down $1200-1400 for the Boobie lites.

The Silverstars were nice, this is some serious light for anybody who likes to see field mice crossing the road.

fergyfer · 08-15-2005, 10:16 AM

My IPF lenses and PIAA bulbs are fantastic. I aimed them and only get flashed by tiny little butt scooters like Miatas and VWs. They stop complaining when I flick my high beams at them. I've even got them aimed a little lower than spec just to make sure I'm not blinding a state trouper...

RubiconSS · 08-15-2005, 10:33 AM

Ferg-
Did you use the aiming method, 25 ft away - mark the wall with your vert/hori centers - then put the hot spots in the lower Right quadrants (about 4" down)??

That is what I did, the "cut-off lines" still look a little high when driving. But, when I park the jeep on a country road and walk out front to see what it looks like - it seems OK.

Maybe just needs some getting used too.

fergyfer · 08-15-2005, 10:43 AM

Yep, it sounds like the same procedure I used. I printed it out and took it with me with my tape measure and masking tape to a business in town where I could find a flat spot and bare wall. I was surprised at how sharp the cutoff was with these lenses and lamps. Not quite as sharp at my wife's kia which I replaced the lamps with PIAA's as well, but pretty darned close.

RubiconSS · 08-15-2005, 10:53 AM

Haaaaa! That is funny. I had to do the same thing, the wife thought I was nuts. She said, "where are you going". "Gotta go find a flat wall someplace"

Ahhhh, the things they have to put up with!!

hkiss96 · 08-15-2005, 12:48 PM

I was looking at doing the same H4 conversion (currently have silverstars). Then I saw that both Delta and IPF have sets. Does anyone have recommendations of one over the other? I also notice that many people use bulbs other than the IPF. Doe other companies make better bulbs? Also from what I've ready, no wiring needs to be changed. Simply plug and play. Finally, are H4 legal in the US. I know people keep mentioning Ecodes, and I thought Ecodes were illegal. Don't know if they all are though. Thanks for the input!!

RubiconSS · 08-15-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkiss96

I was looking at doing the same H4 conversion (currently have silverstars). Then I saw that both Delta and IPF have sets. Does anyone have recommendations of one over the other? I also notice that many people use bulbs other than the IPF. Doe other companies make better bulbs? Also from what I've ready, no wiring needs to be changed. Simply plug and play. Finally, are H4 legal in the US. I know people keep mentioning Ecodes, and I thought Ecodes were illegal. Don't know if they all are though. Thanks for the input!!

I can only speak to the IPF's as I just completed the process (Silerstars back in the box)
I did the IPF "Fatboy" bulbs in the IPF housings. I can't say enough about them as an upgrade. I felt the Siverstars were a nice bump over factory, this upgrade was more dramatic.
I used the stock wiring for the headlites and upgraded for the Aux lites as I am now running 110w bulbs.
The combo of the 4 lites is off the chart.
As far as other company bulbs, I am a stickler for keeping things (that were designed to work together - together)
I think the ARB/AEV/IPF "company" has a good reputation for making products that work together.

Jim Shanks · 08-15-2005, 01:40 PM

I just pulled up behind my wifes old cavalier. Aimed them right at the level of the rearview mirror.

Jim

fergyfer · 08-15-2005, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkiss96

I was looking at doing the same H4 conversion (currently have silverstars). Then I saw that both Delta and IPF have sets. Does anyone have recommendations of one over the other? I also notice that many people use bulbs other than the IPF. Doe other companies make better bulbs? Also from what I've ready, no wiring needs to be changed. Simply plug and play. Finally, are H4 legal in the US. I know people keep mentioning Ecodes, and I thought Ecodes were illegal. Don't know if they all are though. Thanks for the input!!

The wiring isn't a problem unless you go above the wattage your wiring can support. When shopping bulbs, make sure your bulbs are DOT approved. That's all. I went with PIAA bulbs because of their price over the IPF bulbs. Probably not much difference in performance. I've seen the PIAA's cheaper than I paid for them now too.

08-14-2005, 12:44 AM	#3
kizer Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Marysville Wa. North of Seattle Posts: 1,601 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Heres a link to two head light aiming sites. I love a search feature. Well off Links4jeeps that is. http://www.links4jeeps.com/search.php?whichtype=all&filled=1&search=headlight s __________________ Links4Jeeps.com 1600+ Write-ups, and more My Writeups \| My Heap

08-14-2005, 10:21 AM	#4
RubiconSS Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Poconos, Pa Posts: 2,126 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Kizer- Thanks. Tonite I will be aiming headlights. Rocky- I'll let you know once they are aimed. First impressions are that the H4's are really out there, very bright. I want to get the pattern directed before I pass final input. I just pulled the Silverstars so it will be a direct comparison. __________________ '05 Rubicon (to go) '01 CamaroSS(to go fast)

08-14-2005, 11:32 PM	#5
kpatrick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 242 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	PS are those things really any brighter/better than Silverstars?[/QUOTE] Yes, a definite improvement. I tried Silverstars and promptly returned them. I guess if I had a factory light go out, I would replace it with a Silverstar due to them being fairly inexpensive. The IPF's with their superlow bulbs made a huge difference. I have the Ecode european lens which is a bit different in terms of beam pattern. It makes you think that your headlights are pointing too far to the left, but in reality, this is how they are designed. __________________ 3rd time around with 2006 2.4L 6sp, warn bumpers front/rear, clean slate to work with-need ideas....

08-15-2005, 08:49 AM	#6
RubiconSS Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Poconos, Pa Posts: 2,126 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Got the IPF H4 (conversion) Headlites AND IPF 110 watt (model 968) Aux lites installed. Holy crap! The Aux lites are wired to come on with the High Beams (no more getting flashed with the fogs on low beam). It quite possibly is too much lite. Aimed correctly they bounce extremely bright off of roadside reflective signs. Had Wifey drive towards me too check the Low Beam aiming. Asked her what the High Beams looked like and she screamed "Turn em' off" into her cell phone. Granted all 4 come on at High Beam, but for under $200.00 I'm pretty happy with the IPF's vs plunking down $1200-1400 for the Boobie lites. The Silverstars were nice, this is some serious light for anybody who likes to see field mice crossing the road. __________________ '05 Rubicon (to go) '01 CamaroSS(to go fast)

08-15-2005, 10:16 AM	#7
fergyfer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Burnet Texas Posts: 660 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	My IPF lenses and PIAA bulbs are fantastic. I aimed them and only get flashed by tiny little butt scooters like Miatas and VWs. They stop complaining when I flick my high beams at them. I've even got them aimed a little lower than spec just to make sure I'm not blinding a state trouper... __________________ Green 99 Sahara OME 2.5", JKS Discos, 31" Dayton Timberline MT's IPF/PIAA Headlight Conversion [URL=http://www.281.com/fergy/jeep/]My Jeep[/URL]

08-15-2005, 10:33 AM	#8
RubiconSS Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Poconos, Pa Posts: 2,126 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Ferg- Did you use the aiming method, 25 ft away - mark the wall with your vert/hori centers - then put the hot spots in the lower Right quadrants (about 4" down)?? That is what I did, the "cut-off lines" still look a little high when driving. But, when I park the jeep on a country road and walk out front to see what it looks like - it seems OK. Maybe just needs some getting used too. __________________ '05 Rubicon (to go) '01 CamaroSS(to go fast)

08-15-2005, 10:43 AM	#9
fergyfer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Burnet Texas Posts: 660 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Yep, it sounds like the same procedure I used. I printed it out and took it with me with my tape measure and masking tape to a business in town where I could find a flat spot and bare wall. I was surprised at how sharp the cutoff was with these lenses and lamps. Not quite as sharp at my wife's kia which I replaced the lamps with PIAA's as well, but pretty darned close. __________________ Green 99 Sahara OME 2.5", JKS Discos, 31" Dayton Timberline MT's IPF/PIAA Headlight Conversion [URL=http://www.281.com/fergy/jeep/]My Jeep[/URL]

08-15-2005, 10:53 AM	#10
RubiconSS Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Poconos, Pa Posts: 2,126 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Haaaaa! That is funny. I had to do the same thing, the wife thought I was nuts. She said, "where are you going". "Gotta go find a flat wall someplace" Ahhhh, the things they have to put up with!! __________________ '05 Rubicon (to go) '01 CamaroSS(to go fast)

08-15-2005, 12:48 PM	#11
hkiss96 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kailua, HI Posts: 128 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I was looking at doing the same H4 conversion (currently have silverstars). Then I saw that both Delta and IPF have sets. Does anyone have recommendations of one over the other? I also notice that many people use bulbs other than the IPF. Doe other companies make better bulbs? Also from what I've ready, no wiring needs to be changed. Simply plug and play. Finally, are H4 legal in the US. I know people keep mentioning Ecodes, and I thought Ecodes were illegal. Don't know if they all are though. Thanks for the input!!