I installed "L" heads and Sylvania Silverstars and I am lookin for info on aiming them correctly. I've checked around with body shops to optically aim them but they want anywhere from 25 to 30 bucks kinda high I thought. If anybody has done this with the projector style light i would appreciate the tips. When the SS were in stock lights I was realizing alot more light cast down highway and better beam pattern on lane than I am now. I was told that the only way to aim this style of light is with a type of optical aiming device. So I'm lookin for any help.
Thanks
Rob

 

Not sure if you bought them used or new but, if new, they came optically aimed the way that they're supposed to be and the way that they're installed (pending no one messed with the adjustments at the distribution point).

I think you might be experiencing the ever so popular "Lightning Headlight Blues".

I say this because I had a set myself.... that I hated. They look awesome but, from a performance standpoint, I'd MUCH rather have stock. They seem to almost be pencil beams rather than nice headlights in my opinion....

But, to directly answer your question, I'd go ahead and pay the $25 and have someone do it. You can get them in a crummy position quick and they're not exactly cake to fix. Trust me on this one... I have one of the adjustment tools. It works great but, I had mine so screwed up after playing with them for about 2 hours that it wasn't even funny. Luckily, I had a buddy at a body shop that took care of them in a jiffy but, it was much more tricky than it appeared. Heck, it even took him about 30 mins. to do it and do it right.

So, go ahead and pay the man the $... I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Best of luck!!

RP

 

To put it lightly. They are a pain in the a** to aim. Don't take it to a body shop to aim them. I tried 3 none of them no what going on. Go straight to the dealer. They will lower the door and aim them for you. I think it cost me $20 dollars to get them done at the dealership. The light out put is pretty good if not better than my old lights on brights, but on dimms you can't see very far. Don't fool with it yourself. Save some sweat and time and take it to a dealership. Btw A body shop might try to align them with pliers. That will round the adjustment bolts. That why I say you need to go on and go to a dealer.

 

Thanks RP,
So I take it you did notice some improvement after your bud tuned them up a bit, I've got the tool also but i can't seem to get the pattern i'm after. Your right they don't seem to be as full covering as my stocks with the SS bulbs but damn I like the look they give my truck compared to the opaque lense that comes stock.
Rob

 

Invalid thanx for the input I was typin my response to RP when you posted, hence the dbl post. I was thinkin dealer myself but wanted some input from you that have either done or had it done. Right now I can drive with my brights on and get fairly good coverage but have yet to have somebody in oncoming traffic even flash me once so I know i'm not projecting the right pattern. With dims on its pretty shabby compared to my stock configuration.
Thanks
Rob

 

I'd agree with RockPick in that even when properly aimed, the L headlights just don't have as good of a pattern as the stock units. Yes, the "cool factor" when looking at the truck is higher, but I use my lights to see down the road - not to look at. I'd also agree that having somebody with the right equipment aim them is far better that screwing them up by yourself - and spending an hour getting them back to where they should be. I've done that. Good luck!

 

RP,
Yes I did buy them used and installed myself. After I first put them in I could have cryed the first time I drove the truck at nite. It was like all that money for this...*^(&%(*&))_ But after removing them and looking at the two side by side (stock and lightning) i noticed the adjuster difference. I put the new in the same position as best i could by some simple measuring of the star adjuster and thats where I am now.So I'll take your advice and let somebody adjust them with the optical machine. Who knows I might have them fairly close and this is as good as it gets........Now how am I gonna explain the cost of Xenarcs to the wife...
Rob

 

I noticed 'SOME' improvement once they were aimed correctly but, they still stunk in my opinion... You're right though, the look is AWESOME!!

The Xenarcs are just about the same look with a light output that isn't even comprable to stock, L, Harley, or anything.... it's just a different world.

They're pricey but, in this case, you really get what you pay for!

RP