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86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

silverstar headlight bulbs

Old 12-18-2005, 08:32 AM
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silverstar headlight bulbs

Hey guys, has anybody had bad luck like I have with silverstar bulbs? I had a set in my truck for less than a year and they both burned out. I switched them back to stock bulbs that have been going strong since '96. My brother has gone through 2 sets in a year already too. Neither of us touched the bulbs or anything. I like the light output from silverstars, but they should last longer for that price.
Old 12-18-2005, 08:40 AM
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I don't have them, although, I have thought about upgrading to them since the light output on my stock lights are so poor. I just read not too long ago in another thread about the silverstars not lasting very long. There are several posts on that light, so you might want to do a quick search for more info.

As expensive as they are, I think I might hold on off purchasing some.
Old 12-18-2005, 08:44 AM
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Here's their rated life.
Silverstars have a rated life of only 150
Regular lamps 320
Long Life 850
Always go with LL bulbs
Old 12-18-2005, 12:39 PM
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https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f131/nice-headlights-74185/
Old 12-18-2005, 12:41 PM
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Anyone know anything about the sealed beam version of SilverStars? Do they have a longer life than the small bulb version? I have sealed beams now, and I like the fact that they are virtually waterproof. Sorry for the slight hijack.
Old 12-18-2005, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Jovis
Anyone know anything about the sealed beam version of SilverStars? Do they have a longer life than the small bulb version? I have sealed beams now, and I like the fact that they are virtually waterproof. Sorry for the slight hijack.
I blew throught 3 sets of them before I gave up.

One set had condensation buildup inside the lens, so they aren't air tight.



SHORT bloody lifespan to boot.

Decent light output though...


Last edited by Scofco; 12-18-2005 at 01:50 PM.
Old 12-18-2005, 01:54 PM
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For the guy with sealed beams, could you silicone the edges to keep out water?
Old 12-19-2005, 08:05 AM
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It's all hit and miss on the Silverstars and if you have DRLs they might not be worth the extra money but I've had two sets (in my '97 they lasted well over a year) and my current ones have been going for 14 months right now.
Old 12-19-2005, 09:34 AM
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Sealed beam have the same expected life span. About 1 year. This was confirmed with a phone call to Sylvania themselves. I have gone thru 3 sets now. Since then I have switched back to the Wagner "Bright Lights". They lasted me about 3.5 yrs, though not as bright as the silver stars, they are brighter than the standard.
Old 12-19-2005, 12:52 PM
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i have silverstars....and yes the life is short..one of mine recently burned out


my dad just picked me up a set and there was a mail in rebate but im not sure how much he paid..

all the stuff we buy at that auto store is written off becuase our 4runners are used inthe buisness
Old 12-20-2005, 01:47 AM
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tried them on the wrx. they were whiter, but NOT brighter...

swapped out to HIDs instead...

(okay, they came on the STi...)
Old 12-20-2005, 08:06 AM
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I've had excellent luck with PIAAs (don't remember which model.) I've had a set in the F150 for almost 3 years.
Old 12-25-2005, 03:06 PM
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ive had my silverstars for a year and im on my 2nd set now..man are they rright though. My lights with my 525s are brighter than the HID's on my dads GS400 and on my moms touraeg

I wonder if they would last longer with an upgraded harness

and i have the sealed beam version obviously
Old 12-25-2005, 03:12 PM
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Neither of my Silverstars have lasted more than 6 months.
My dumba## bought the exact replacements when the previous ones burned out......I'm curious to see if these go out in a few months too.
Old 12-25-2005, 03:45 PM
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Not to be an asshole but they are garbage.. I work at a Parts store the sells them.. They suck big time. Any vechiel that has day time running lights are a big waste of money. Since they are not a true H.I.D blub the burn MUCH hotter then standard bulbs. The is an option of doing an H3 conversion which allows you to use a H3 or 9003 bulb. This allows you to change from a sealed beam to halogen bulb and also keep the same look as the normal H6054 sealed beam. Then you will have a lot larger choice of bulbs you plan on using. As for the sliver stars.. Garbage.

Last edited by Giraffe; 12-25-2005 at 03:48 PM.
Old 12-25-2005, 05:42 PM
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I wouldn't blame their short life based on DRLs;I guess they aren't for those applications unless you got the money to burn but with over 15 months (my current ones are still going) on both sets and the improved light output from the stock fog lenses they are worth it. I guess if I go through a rash of bad luck with them I might try an alternative but for now I wouldn't call them garbage.
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