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Matt's HID Installation Thread

17K views 73 replies 23 participants last post by  Scottina06 
#1 · (Edited)
Here are my install pics. I didn't get nearly detailed enough to do a How-To :mad: I had an appointment later that day, so I just didn't have the time to leisurely install them and get a lot of good "how-to" type of pictures. Hopefully though, the ballast and relay locations will be helpful to some down the road.

*ATTENTION: The passenger-side low-beam ballast (mounted on the air box) is a temporary mounting location. As my appointment time neared I just quickly picked a spot and mounted it quickly. It will be relocated soon.

3 of the 4 ballasts are bolted down and the 4th (which is temporarily mounted) is screwed down -- no double-sided tape for me; I just don't trust it with all the elements that can encounter it.

All wiring is mounted with zip-ties and relay ground properly grounded (LOL).


Bumper Removal -- this I did take enough pics to do a step-by-step How-To. The picture progression follows Kyle's written How-To. This was my first time removing the bumper and it was cake! Took 10 minutes to remove it and about6-7 to replace it. Super easy!

Forgot to take pics of the grille removal, but it's easy -- remove the 6 plugs that hold it in and then pull up and away at the same time.




















Xentec HID Slim Ballast Fog Installation -- each ballast is bolted the metal frame that the front bumper attaches to. The fogs are a very easy installation and do not require the removal of the front bumper, but it did make it a helluva lot easier; definitely recommend it!

Pictures begin with the driver-side fog and then move to the passenger-side fog.
























...continued...
 
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#53 ·
Thanks Brad! Yeah the slim ballasts were really nice to work with.

Still raining here...going to get after it tomorrow. One question...can I hook all four of the relays in the same location on my + terminal? I have my 2 gauge amp wire coming off the same location, so will that be too much on the same bolt? Might be a stupid question, I just want the best location utilized...
Yeah, you should be fine Brad. For ~15 bucks you can get the pos and neg battery terminals I have. Check for pics in my stereo install thread (II). They use set screws and cavities rather than a bolt and washer. Muuuuch easier to work with. And cleaner looking too.
 
#50 ·
Still raining here...going to get after it tomorrow. One question...can I hook all four of the relays in the same location on my + terminal? I have my 2 gauge amp wire coming off the same location, so will that be too much on the same bolt? Might be a stupid question, I just want the best location utilized...
 
#54 ·


I like those! So you just remove the O-terminals from your wires and put the stripped wires directly in there...sweet! I may not go that route so I do not see why it would be an issue, but I had to ask the guru!!

Another question...I know that some people are not using relays for the fogs. I am thinking that since I have the relays for them, I will use them. Will the lights run more efficently one way or another? Seems the relay would provide a more direct source of power...but if it is unnecessary than so be it.
 
#55 ·
I like those! So you just remove the O-terminals from your wires and put the stripped wires directly in there...sweet!
Yup! Just like the terminals on your amp. Cavity and set screw.

They're like 7 bucks each from partsexpress.com.

Will the lights run more efficently one way or another? Seems the relay would provide a more direct source of power...but if it is unnecessary than so be it.
This would be a better question for Steve at XD.
 
#59 ·
Tony hooked me up! I believe I paid $120 for both 5000k kits, slim ballast, and a relay, shipped!

I think his prices have gone up a little though, so I wouldn't expect the same deal. I know at the time he was looking to move some excess inventory too.
 
#64 · (Edited)
I noticed on mine that the fogs look brighter for some reason, might be because the housing is smaller than the lows? It kinda looks the same on yours, i kinda like it because i might just get away with the light output here in Chicago.
I used the same grounds you did and i get that flicker, so it has to be something else..

Nice write up by the way, i wish i had the slim ballast instead of these bricks.
 
#65 ·
I noticed on mine that the fogs look brighter for some reason, might be because the housing is smaller than the lows? It kinda looks the same on yours, i kinda like it because i might just get away with the light output here in Chicago.
Hmm, I've never noticed the fogs looking any brighter. I'll check 'em out today. Maybe the housings make them look slightly different...?

I used the same grounds you did and i get that flicker, so it has to be something else..
Hmm. My guess is that you need to sand them down more. I sanded mine down to 100% bare metal and haven't ever had a single flicker or bulb go out. Mine have felt like OEM since the day I installed them... I credit that to taking my time on the install and trying to perfect my wiring/grounds.

Nice write up by the way, i wish i had the slim ballast instead of these bricks.
Thanks! I haven't seen the 'regular' ballasts in person, but I enjoyed working with such small ballasts. Made it nice and easy to find mounting locations for them.
 
#66 ·
calling them "these bricks" is making me nervous... I wonder how big they'll actually be.
 
#70 ·
First post on this forum :) I own two WKs.. 1 07 laredo and 1 06 laredo. Anyways. I read both of your threads, Matt. I had a few questions for you.(or for anyone that has these lights (or any HIDS that fit the specifications listed -->) )Are these lights more on the blue side or the white side when you're looking at the lights from outside of the Jeep. Also, I have a friend who installed an HID kit (in an 05 WK) and his lights take a while to turn on. Sometimes up to a minute. If I were to buy an HID kit that would be a definite turn-off.

Sorry about all the questions.. when it comes to HIDs.. I'm clueless :)
 
#72 ·
4300k has a.slight yellowish/white.....5000k is white and they get blue to purple as you move towards 10000k.
Your friends needs a simple.relay harness for each lamp. Get xenondepot....best in the business if you decide on a kit.
 
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