Author Topic: 2006 LBZ Headlights, is there something better? (Read 8100 times)

JR · « **on:** January 20, 2017, 11:20:18 AM »

I am tired of my 06 headlights. I have adjusted, tried new bulbs and cleaned them but all I get is 2 beams with no real side illumination.

My lights are plenty bright (80/100watt) and I don't want to go HID, maybe LED but the reflector is the issue. Many of the newer vehicles have the projector lights that have a nice wide beam and would like something like this.

Now this is a GMC Sierra, so what works for a Silverado won't help me.

Any ideas here as I start searching other forums??

Sammconn · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2017, 02:55:52 PM »

JR. I need to snap a pic one of these nights.

The flood effect of the 52" curved bar is fantastic.
Lots into the ditches and all up close.

JR · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2017, 03:19:28 PM »

My driving light help alot. Lightber is great for dirt, but not street.

I have found a few on ebay and other sights. Hear the new GM headlights really suck

I have the dual headlight conversion but its low beams that kill me without the driving lights

Sammconn · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2017, 08:22:07 PM »

Oh yeah, that much light bar not so good on the street.
If you don't need long range the 18 watt like I put on my snowmobile for rear light does fairly well. Not sure on effective range you need. This one is about 40-50 feet reasonably well lit and 20-25 well lit.

JR · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2017, 08:52:14 PM »

I have some of the 18w and 24w LED utility lights, they are nice. I have a couple in lines that fit into the Ruenel bumper.

I really just want to make the stock headlights better. Must be something (projector-crystal-???)

This is what I am thinking of, and they come in black.

Sammconn · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2017, 10:42:58 PM »

I like the look of those.
I agree the light output sucks.
I went all in on the HID's way back when and including the figs helped.
With the new bumper they were missed.

I don't know if there's a projector upgrade or mod or not.
I think that may be the best option.

Wilbur · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2017, 07:53:16 AM »

In my 04 yukon I kept looking at the good, better, best Sylvania replacements and wondered if it was bs or not. I finally tried the best version for low beam and was amazed at how much more passenger side throw they had. Ironically the first night I had them in in driving around some idiot was walking on the wide of the road all dressed in black but I saw him easily. I'm convinced with the other versions I would not have seen him until the last second if at all. I don't know if that helps or if you've tried them. I know lots of folks buy aftermarket stuff and it's not "quite right" which can be dangerous. Good luck!

JR · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2017, 12:37:43 PM »

Thx. Tried lots of bulbs and the light is fine, its the area covered is where I need to address.

mjmbrown · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2017, 01:32:17 PM »

ebay has a lot of projector options. black bezel, silver bezel, smoked lens. The halo ring is a bit rice powered tuner car for me but. the biggest difference is the LEDs IMHO. I did HIGH, LOWS AND FOGS in Leds and wish I would have sooner. heres an option:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/99-06-Gmc-Sierra-Yukon-Halo-Projector-Headlights-Bumper-Signal-Lamps-Left-Right-/131547607709?hash=item1ea0d9329d:g:p~sAAOSwEetV9K7F&vxp=mtr

mjmbrown · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2017, 01:33:05 PM »

heres the pic of a clear set

JR · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2017, 01:54:09 PM »

I am leaning towards trying LED bulbs first, then the black trim Crystal headlights above.

mjmbrown · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2017, 02:03:39 PM »

Here is what I did with mine, I had bumped a tree and the back of the headlight housing broke on the passenger side a few years back. It was fine but over time it had started to get very dusty inside the housing and would occasionally have moisture inside. it still worked but I couldn't stand looking @ them. I bough the factory headlight set up with matte black bezel. the housing and guts were all the factory set up. I really dig them, the LEDs were about $200 for all 6 bulbs they are ridiculously bright. I get flashed all the time and once I flash people back they change their minds. I'm sure the chrome bezel would obviously help reflect some more light but I kind of like the all black look. I thought about the Halos and just couldn't do it, it has no added light output benefit not really my style.

Bob Smith · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2017, 02:56:16 PM »

If you constantly get flashed, maybe yours need to be adjusted to help not blind oncoming traffic. Just a thought. I do wish mine were a bit brighter and if they were easier to get at I would try something different.

JR · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2017, 06:40:20 PM »

I don't get flashed and have my lights turned up some. I need a flatter pattern. What I am looking at is very similar to what you have there.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2017, 08:08:49 PM »

Call me simple but I believe you can get direct replacement for the Denali headlights for your truck. Same as the Yukon Denali

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Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2017, 08:11:06 PM »

https://m.1aauto.com/gmc-headlight-driver-side/i/1alhl00739?f=289994&y=2006&utm_campaign=gb_csv_br&utm_content=LHL&gclid=CP2y7urI1NECFU1gfgodIk8COA

Take these and instal them with a good set of high quality HIDs and you should be pretty good,

There are still lots of things lacking with the LED lights, there is lots of forums that will address the comparison.

JR · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2017, 09:11:39 PM »

Think I am going to stay away from HIDs for now. LEDs have come so far and don't need a transformer to start.

The lights I like seem to have the crystal shape vs the projector lens. I think the projectors like the halo look a little ricey.

Great feedback guys!!

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2017, 09:54:46 PM »

Not sure how factory lighting is ricey, other than quality from gm vs Chinese plastic parts that will discolor in months.

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JR · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2017, 04:10:21 AM »

Just not fond of the halo stuff. OEM or not.

EL TATE · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2017, 12:17:49 PM »

I think he means ricey in the sense of import tuner appearance vs. American truck. I agree, the halo look suits BMW just fine, but I'm not a fan on the trucks. just give me glaring, blinding lights.

JR · « **Reply #20 on:** January 23, 2017, 02:12:39 PM »

You nailed it tate. By the way just did a 1k trip and ran in 5th the whole time. Mileage and driving was better although the RPMs were up around 2k, still squeaked almost 20mpg from her. Those 4.56s should help and give me back 6th gear.

Did some night driving and way out in the boonies the coverage is OK, not great. Still needs more output though.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 23, 2017, 08:34:29 PM »

I sent you a lengthy text on how to get that, led lights won't achieve it, and with out projector lights you will just scatter light everywhere but where it is useful

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JR · « **Reply #22 on:** January 23, 2017, 08:38:21 PM »

I got the text, thanks. Was driving and didn't reply.

JR · « **Reply #23 on:** February 01, 2017, 11:30:47 PM »

I tried a set of LEDs. Super bright, but no real output???

Looks like new lenses are the ticket now.

JR · « **Reply #24 on:** February 20, 2017, 01:51:13 PM »

Got a new set of bulbs (sulvainia ultra) that are better. Leave it there.

Even got a new set of crystal lenses. They looked great but the rubber trim didn't fit nor did they take the stock bulbs, so back they went.

It is down to a short I am sure. I tried a new switch, no good. However I noticed the light for the switch comes on and off as it will. I believe it may be the switch plug or that harness.

I have been trying to find which wires goes from the switch to the BCM to trace that issue. I downloaded a 2003 service notice (181 pages) but have not found that wiring diagram yet.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #25 on:** February 20, 2017, 07:33:23 PM »

If money is no object you can get custom headlights from several outlets that will install morimoto hid projectors that will give you the flat wide coverage. Lightwerks and Blackflame customs come to mind. Otherwise look for new old stock oem AC delco

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rpar86 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 20, 2017, 07:40:54 PM »

JR, did you try the 9011 upgrade? That's the one that requires you trim the tab on the bulb socket to fit in the headlamp assy.

JR · « **Reply #27 on:** February 20, 2017, 08:35:58 PM »

Is that the 9011 and 9012? Thought I saw something in another thread about that.

I like to see, but can't see 3-400 for new headlights plus the bulbs. The set I got was just $100 but had to send back as the molding didn't match nor the bulbs sockets.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #28 on:** February 21, 2017, 07:38:23 AM »

http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136558

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rpar86 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 21, 2017, 11:37:28 AM »

Thanks Charles, you beat me to it. :)

JR · « **Reply #30 on:** February 21, 2017, 12:43:38 PM »

Thats the one guys, thanks.

JR · « **Reply #31 on:** March 01, 2017, 03:03:43 AM »

So I got some stock 9012 Sylvanias off ebay and did the mod. They went in with no problem but the light was dimmer. However it changed to a lower pattern and I could see much better. So possibly I had them adjusted to low, but I don't think so as I played with that a lot and had the stock beams pretty low a couple times.

As for the lenses, they are shot. I was hoping the new crystal lenses would work, but the rubber flashing did not match and the stock bulbs didn't either.

I tried rubbing out the old ones with 1500 sand paper, rubbing compound and polish, but it is inside. They work better but the way the stock lens defuses the light with the lens vs the reflector I think is a big issue.

Has to be a remedy for this vs new stock lenses?