Lighting the Trail: Jeep CJ an TJ Headlight Options

The factory headlights on a Jeep CJ and TJ do one thing reasonably well—they turn on. Beyond that, performance is often lackluster, especially if you’re driving at night on country roads or heading off-road after sundown. Whether you’re keeping things classic or upgrading for performance and safety, there are three main Jeep headlight options when it comes to headlights: standard sealed beam units, H4 halogen conversions, and LED headlights.

Each type has its own pros and cons, and the right setup depends on your budget, goals, and how much wiring work you’re willing to do.

If you want to make the lights on your classic CJ brighter while keeping the standard sealed beam consider installing some relays. We did this mod years ago with great success – Brighten Your CJ Lights

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1. Standard Sealed Beam Headlights

The OEM baseline

If you’re restoring a CJ or TJ to stock or just keeping it simple, sealed beam headlights are the plug-and-play option. They’re DOT-legal, durable, and inexpensive. But they also suffer from weak output and a narrow light pattern. These are best suited for Jeeps that spend most of their time on-road or those staying period-correct.

Pros:

• Simple installation
• Budget-friendly
• Readily available

Cons:

• Dim, especially by modern standards
• Poor beam focus
• Yellowish light output

Recommended Product:

• Sylvania H6024 XtraVision Sealed Beam – A small step up from generic sealed beams, these offer a bit more brightness and longer life. Perfect for TJ and CJ owners sticking with stock-style lighting.

The above pics show the jeepfan.com 2004 TJ with a set of newly installed Sylvania H6024 XtraVision Sealed Beam headlights compared to the Quadratec Premium Heated LED lights we used to have in the Jeep. The Quadratec Premium Heated LED lights are amazing lights but we are hung up on certain appearance features of a classic Jeep and the modern light look just didn’t work for us in the TJ. Choose your own path here. More on future plans with this Jeep’s lights below.

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2. H4 Halogen Conversion Headlights

The middle ground

H4 conversion kits replace the sealed beam housing with a replaceable bulb and a reflector-style lens. You get better lighting and the option to use higher-output halogen bulbs or even upgrade to HID or LED inserts down the road.

Make sure to choose a high-quality lens housing—cheap ones scatter light poorly and can blind oncoming drivers. For best results, pair your H4 housings with a relay harness to ensure full power delivery and protect the factory wiring.

Pros:

• Better lighting than sealed beams
• Replaceable bulbs (more flexibility)
• Retrofit potential for future upgrades

Cons:

• More wiring involved
• Can be hit-or-miss depending on housing quality
• Still not as bright or efficient as LEDs

Recommended Products:

• Hella Vision Plus H4 Conversion Headlights – A favorite among Jeep and classic car owners, these offer a clean beam pattern and improved brightness without blinding other drivers.
• Philips X-tremeVision H4 Bulbs – A solid bulb choice with a whiter, more focused beam.

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3. LED Headlights

The modern upgrade

LED headlights bring the most noticeable improvement in lighting—bright, crisp white beams, long lifespan, and low power draw. For trail use and nighttime driving, the extra visibility makes a huge difference.

Quality matters here. Stick with DOT-approved brands. Cheap lights can scatter light poorly, creating a mess for you and everyone else on the road. Cheap lights are also famous for odd colors that just look weird and annoying. Many modern LED lights feature integrated heat sinks and plug-and-play connections for easy installs.

Pros:

• Exceptionally bright and clear light
• Long lifespan, low power consumption
• Modern styling and visibility

Cons:

• Higher initial cost
• Some styles can look out of place on classic CJs
• May require anti-flicker harnesses or adapters

Recommended Products:

• JW Speaker 8700 Evolution J2 Series – A top-tier choice with a well-designed beam, rugged housing, and true plug-and-play install for TJ and CJ applications.
• Truck-Lite 27270C LED Headlights – DOT-compliant and rugged, with a clean beam and blacked-out style that suits a Jeep’s utilitarian vibe.
• Quadratec Gen II LED Headlights – DOT approved, bright and rugged construction. These lights are close to original looking and look real good on a CJ or TJ.
• Holley RetroBright LED – Modern-Tech Upgrade For Old-School Sealed Beam Headlight Systems. These lights look exactly light the original lights and are a favorite with classic vehicle owners. A set of these are destined for both the jeepfan.com 2004 TJ and the jeepfan.com 1978 CJ-5.

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Final Thoughts on Jeep Headlight Options

For a CJ or TJ that sees occasional night driving, sealed beams still work, but they lag far behind in performance. The H4 conversion hits the sweet spot—affordable, customizable, and a noticeable step up in visibility. For the ultimate in performance, longevity, and safety, quality LED headlights are hard to beat.

Whichever route you go, upgrading your headlight relay harness especially in a CJ is always a smart move. It protects the switchgear and ensures full voltage gets to the lights—especially important for halogen or LED upgrades.

Whether you’re running trails or just heading to camp after dark, being able to see (and be seen) makes the difference. Choose your setup based on how you drive—and how you want your Jeep to look while doing it.