I have a 98 Cherokee and I can barely see the road with my headlights. No idea how old they are. Was looking at LED headlights on Amazon but most require some sort of harness to retrofit.
Can anyone recommend an LED retrofit for my Jeep?

 

I recommend an upgrade to the harness first. The XJ pulls all the power for the headlights through the switch. This results in a loss of power by the time it gets to the lamp. A harness with relays will usually provide better light. This also removes excess heat from the switch, which is a common fail point. It may make enough difference that you find replacing the lamps unnecessary. It isn't too bad of a job. I used this one.


I don't recommend LED lighting if you live where there is ice or snow. They don't generate enough heat to melt the snow.

 

I have read about that. I am in Florida so that's not as much a concern. Gonna check the village to the bulb.

 

Never a bad idea. LEDs also draw less than 1/3 of the amps of halogen.

 

I have pretty strong opinions on LED headlights. The vast majority are not DOT legal, regardless of what the kid at the sweatshop stamped on the housing. A proper set of headlights will have a cutoff line that doesn't blind oncoming traffic. Most LEDs do not. Unless you drop about $600 or more, you're probably getting the same cheap quality ones that will have people flashing their high beams at you.

The headlight harness significantly improves light output.

 

Trucklites or JW Speakers.

 

I installed Osram chips led headlights before last winter and I am very happy with them. DOT legal about $90 on Amazon

 

Watch this!

 

Great video. Should be mandatory viewing for anyone buying LED's haha

 

Aftermarket LED are a double edged sword.

They are great for those using them, but not so much for oncoming traffic. Or the driver unlucky enough to be in front of you. They are way too bright, but thats why people buy them. Good thing i can adjust my mirrors or look to the side as they pass by, but holy crap. Save that stuff for offroad. Everywhere else, stick with halogen. Upgrade the harness and be done with it. Check the headlight switch and connector for burning tho. Replace as needed.

 

If they're quality lights that are aimed properly, there's no issue. The problem is 99% of the lights out there are crap Chinesium lights. I paid several hundred dollars for my TL's, bought them used from a member here who couldn't use them due to living in a snowy climate. Problem is people see the knock offs and say "they're exactly the same", when they're not, they might look alike, but the quality is not there.

Out of the video, I would agree that the JW Speakers are a superior product, but you pay for it. The Mirimotos are a great second choice, and for LED projectors are the only 2 I'd ever consider putting on my XJ...but the reason I didn't is I just think they look too modern for our platform. So I went with the Trucklites. Absolutely love them. Way brighter, and not annoying to rear view mirrors or oncoming traffic...I had several family members in different vehicles drive in front of me, as well as past me, and have never been flashed on road.

But as stated, 99% of the lights out there are cheap junk, and people would rather save a dollar than spend money for quality for the most part, that's the real problem.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't Truck Lite's made in the good 'ole US and A?

 

I'm actually going to get rid of the LED's the PO installed and either get a pair of the quality ones or go back to Halogen. My issue is 2 fold, the ones on there give off good light, but the beam pattern sucks and high beam is worse. The second reason is design integrity, because they just look wrong as do 95% of the LED's on cars/trucks of that era. May seem **** to most, but I have to look at them and they look like crap compared to traditional lights. The aftermarket wins though as most people want a unique look regardless of quality. Don't even get me started on light bars, cut fenders, RTT's, 37's, etc.

 

Mine came on my 97. They are definitely bright as hell! Have not done a test for annoyance effect yet. I suspect they will fail,lol.

 

Yes, although they also have facilities in Europe and Mexico. JW Speakers are also made in USA