USDM vs. JDM headlights
#1
Driver
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Hey, so I bought an SC400 a couple of weeks ago and have discovered this is one of many things the seller failed to describe when I bought it. But I did get a pretty good deal so no complaining. Anyways, on my driver headlight, the tab is broken. Subsequently I need a new headlight. So I figured I'd get a new set.
My question is: what is the difference between the USDM Lexus and JDM Soarer headlights? Or does anyone have a suggestion for which OEM SC400/300 headlights are the best...? Thanks guys/gals.
My question is: what is the difference between the USDM Lexus and JDM Soarer headlights? Or does anyone have a suggestion for which OEM SC400/300 headlights are the best...? Thanks guys/gals.
#7
Lead Lap
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All projector comes with "cut offs" which is a little step in the middle of the light spread. The purpose of this cut off is to avoid blinding oncoming traffic while shining roads ahead of you. Considering cars drive on the right side in the US, all USDM headlight's cut off will have cut off stepping up towards the right side.
![](http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g297/jvxdriver/LensTest/Set2/DSC_0532h.jpg)
(picture taken from hidplanet. credit to JVX)
JDM counter parts, however, will have cut offs stepping down towards right side as cars are driven on the left side in Japan. (Picture a mirror image.) Using JDM headlights in US will upset oncoming drivers unless cut off shield is modified.
![](http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g297/jvxdriver/LensTest/Set2/DSC_0532h.jpg)
(picture taken from hidplanet. credit to JVX)
JDM counter parts, however, will have cut offs stepping down towards right side as cars are driven on the left side in Japan. (Picture a mirror image.) Using JDM headlights in US will upset oncoming drivers unless cut off shield is modified.
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#9
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (15)
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All projector comes with "cut offs" which is a little step in the middle of the light spread. The purpose of this cut off is to avoid blinding oncoming traffic while shining roads ahead of you. Considering cars drive on the right side in the US, all USDM headlight's cut off will have cut off stepping up towards the right side.
![](http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g297/jvxdriver/LensTest/Set2/DSC_0532h.jpg)
(picture taken from hidplanet. credit to JVX)
JDM counter parts, however, will have cut offs stepping down towards right side as cars are driven on the left side in Japan. (Picture a mirror image.) Using JDM headlights in US will upset oncoming drivers unless cut off shield is modified.
![](http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g297/jvxdriver/LensTest/Set2/DSC_0532h.jpg)
(picture taken from hidplanet. credit to JVX)
JDM counter parts, however, will have cut offs stepping down towards right side as cars are driven on the left side in Japan. (Picture a mirror image.) Using JDM headlights in US will upset oncoming drivers unless cut off shield is modified.
Finaly a good explanation with visuals to prove the theory correct thanks for the info man
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#10
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The bulbs for the low beam normal headlights are the same, just the ones that fit the JDM headlight is 9005J.
When I replaced my bulbs in my soarer I had a hell of a time trying to modify the 9005's to fit, wish I could have found 9005J's but wasn't worth the effort of buying them from japan.
When I replaced my bulbs in my soarer I had a hell of a time trying to modify the 9005's to fit, wish I could have found 9005J's but wasn't worth the effort of buying them from japan.
#12
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Both the JDM and USDM have different part numbers only because as uras300 explained the point everso slightly in a different direction because of the right side drivers in Japan vs. The Left hand drivers in the US. You be blinding everyone here in the States with JDM lights....bad move.
#13
Lexus Champion
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In my 97 sc300, the car had JDM headlights when I bought it. I also had another set of JDM headlights.
The usdm headlights uses an orange bulb for the turn signal and the JDM light uses a clear bulb but has an orange lens inside.
I've used the 9005 bulbs from my usdm high beams and they worked in the JDM low
beams. I didn't need to get the 9005J. I also bought an hid kit and ordered 9005 bulbs and had no problems.
The whole left side and right side is not that much of a difference. It's hardly noticeable and people have never complained. It's much more noticeable if you have a car with non-projector headlights with an hid kit that shoots light all over the place. So it's not a big deal.
So the main difference is the different bulb size and the orange lens.
The usdm headlights uses an orange bulb for the turn signal and the JDM light uses a clear bulb but has an orange lens inside.
I've used the 9005 bulbs from my usdm high beams and they worked in the JDM low
beams. I didn't need to get the 9005J. I also bought an hid kit and ordered 9005 bulbs and had no problems.
The whole left side and right side is not that much of a difference. It's hardly noticeable and people have never complained. It's much more noticeable if you have a car with non-projector headlights with an hid kit that shoots light all over the place. So it's not a big deal.
So the main difference is the different bulb size and the orange lens.
Last edited by SH_JZZ30; 11-01-10 at 11:56 PM.
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