Halogen to LED Bulbs vs Full LED Replacement Headlight?

[Lock21]

Hi all, been reading a lot of threads on headlights. My '21 BigHorn 1500 has the halogen housings. In wet, dark conditions (like the entire PNW winter period), they seem almost useless. Granted, I'm not young, so part could be due to aging eyes, but I'd really like to improve the headlight performance.
Two options that seem to be popular.
1. Get replacement LED bulbs to install in the OEM halogen housing. Less expensive, but after reading some articles, looks like they just don't work so well and can blind oncoming drivers, even on low beams. However, I'm wondering if anyone has had success with a specific LED bulb swap which improved visibility, and didn't cause most everyone to flash their highbeams at you?
2. Replace the Halogen housings with LED housings. If you've done this, are the OEM LED's the best in terms of lighting output and reliability? (I don't want to get housings that are cheaply made and leak or otherwise fail).
Looks fall below performance and reliability in my selection process, if that helps. "Value" is a factor, but that's a judgement call - I'd rather spend more and get what I want vs spend less and have to deal with replacing broken lights too soon, or dealing with other quality issues. But if there are good LED bulbs that work great in the Ram Halogen housing, that's great too. I'm just looking for what works best with little worry.

Looking forward to recommendations, as I need to do something very soon. Thanks!

 

[mdmford93]

I’ve had great luck with Bosla led bulbs. Had them in an 02 Silverado and in a 13 Ram 2500. Worked excellent in both trucks. Will be doing this 23 soon as well

 

[CatDaddy66]

I went the full headlight replacement on my 2022 Bighorn. As many have stated, halogen housing are not designed for optimal light output of a LED replacement bulb. With that being said I went on the higher price end and Alpharex NOVA series MKII. The design and light output is awesome and I'm glad I spent the money I did.

 

[msnyder1112]

I converted to full oem led housings and used morimoto led fogs. Very happy with it all

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Many use Lasfit LEDs, just make sure to re-aim which most people leave that part out. OEM LED are great, also check out FORM lighting.

Video showing OEM vs FORM

FORM Lighting

 

[Lock21]

When I had my Tacoma, the one forum I frequented most had highly detailed testing of lots of options for improving headlight performance. OEM LEDs were high performance and reliable, and not too much more $$ than the quality aftermarket brands. Morimoto was another one that got good marks. Alpharex was not recommended, at least for the Tacomas based on performance testing. But no one there mentioned Form. Maybe they didn't offer them for Tacoma's, but it does seem that people like them in most online reviews, and the price is better than others. I need to look into them more since they are priced competitively.

 

[Ratchet]

Aftermarket LED's simply glare too much in large halogen housings regardless how well you think that they are aimed. Sure, you'll see more, but others meeting you will see much less. See too many wrecks in the early hours of the morning because of it.

Had the Mori's in my 2019. Decent light output, but the low beam cutoff on them was too sharp honestly. If your roads suck like they do here, you'll give yourself a seizure unless the cutoff is less focused.

OEM honestly is your most reliable and satisfactory (and legal) option. A good aftermarket led projector setup is your next best option, with some getting better reviews vs oem. Love the OEM LED's in the current vehicle. Rarely ever get flashed too.