LED/HID Differences and Questions

Wiseracing2 · December 1, 2016

Okay guys, I recently bought a 2014 Sierra SLT and my first mods were powdercoating the bumpers to match, leveling kit and LED headls/fogs, though I'm very unhappy with my LEDs. I have no one to blame but myself as I figured they would all be created equal and ordered cheap $40 bulbs on eBay. I knew better but after installing both heads and fogs(these were a pain in the butt as I had read from others also) I thought I was impressed. They matched perfectly even though they were different brands. But after a couple of nights I realized the light output was horrible. It seems as though the heads reach out way to far and didnt produce enough light while the fogs also spread the light so far that the bulb wasn't strong enough to actually give good light. Attached below are some pictures of the light output and spread of the lights (picture makes them appear to be pretty bright but they definitely are not). Please tell me if the headlights should reach out as far as they do (don't remember this being the case with the stock bulbs).

I have since ordered Diode Dynamics 5000k HIDS and 5000k XLM2 LED fogs. Can anyone please give their experiences with either of these 2 bulbs from Diode Dynamics? Are they bright? Did they fit good? Any quality issues? After speaking with them on the phone, they advised me that I should not need the relay harness as they are CAN BUS ballasts and will prevent warning lights, etc, though I can purchase it later if I have issues. I have read forums with unclear answers if they are in fact a necessity considering I do have the factory DRLs? Along with the HIDs and LEDS, I also ordered the switchback LED boards to replace the factory DRL leds and will tackle the headlight separation process to replace the LED boards as well as installing a clear reflector from Klearz and also switchback corner leds. I want all of these lights to work properly and want minimal problems, so will the harness be necessary to make everything work properly? I don't want the brightest lights to blind people, though I want to be able to see the road and also want a clean look and that's why I decided i want to replace the ambers with clears and make all the lights match! Any input is appreciated. Also, I have searched and searched these forums for answers on my questions but haven't found solid answers that's why I'm starting a new post for myself and anyone considering these items.

Dnt · December 2, 2016

I always hated the headlights on my 2014 Sierra to the point of dreading night driving.. Not sure if the 2016 LED hardware will fit the 2014 or not but if it does these 2016 LED headlights are friggin awesome and would be a great addition if you could find the parts.

Wiseracing2 · December 2, 2016

I always hated the headlights on my 2014 Sierra to the point of dreading night driving.. Not sure if the 2016 LED hardware will fit the 2014 or not but if it does these 2016 LED headlights are friggin awesome and would be a great addition if you could find the parts.

From what I've read, you can swap them with an afternmarket harness that someone is making! Someone has successfully done it already!! Considering it myself!