Most excellent work. I appreciate you sharing this and putting all the effort into making it easy to navigate and enjoy! My 94 Sidekick needs new lighting bad!
I came across this video about a year ago and installed the auxbeam bulbs you recommended, they are still working great, Thanks!! I am now coming back to this same video to do the same pod light bracket install after failing trying to rig something up to my hood hinge bolts lol
Really enjoyed seeing the side-by-side light comparison. + You must be an engineer by trade as demonstrated by your attention to detail and a clean/professional install.
Great video content! Looking to buy my first tracker, just got back from Mexico and loved driving one. Found a clean automatic, but would love a manual more
Excellent videos, I have a gen2 Vitara in NZ 🇳🇿 great vehicles and have done a lot of home made mods also. I just fitted a gen 1 diff head in the rear and put an ARB diff lock into it. Suzuki 4x4’s are so under rated. Thanks for your videos, I enjoy seeing other peoples ideas. Keep up the good work. Cheers
Thanks for the feedback! The DIY mods are one of my favorite things about the truck - you can't just go buy the parts you need - you get to make them. Enjoy your truck!
Love your videos. Very informative, nice production and cool upgrades. Sorry if you posted it and I'm not finding it but you mentioned sharing the type of switches you got from Amazon. Could I get you to post another link to the ones you used so I can get the same for my Tracker. Thanks in advance
Thanks for the feedback! The switches are sold under a couple of brand names: Nilight and MICTUNING are the most common. They are listed as 20A 12V, laser etched, rocker switches. Look carefully at the pictures on Amazon and you'll see many listings are the same switch. I paid about $9 per switch. I found the green backlighting fits well with the original Suzuki lighting.
You sound like the guy that I need to talk to! I put those same headlights in my 1995 Sidekick JLX and I could not get them to dim! When I flipped the dimmer nothing changed, so I just replaced the headlight housings because all of the reflective material in the old headlight housings was gone and that seems to have created another issue. My right front turn signal doesn't blink if I turn the headlights on and gives a rapid blink with the headlights off. Both front and rear bulbs work great, so it's not a burned out bulb. I have tried three different (new) pigtails in that turn signal and none of them work, BUT if I put the old one back in it works perfectly, but the old pigtail won't fit into the new housing Everything on the left works great! Also that right front bulb burns brighter than the left. I have cleaned every ground that I could find. I'm starting to think that it may be something in the multifunction switch, but don't want to start throwing money at a lot of guess'. Got any ideas for me?
You're on the right track checking the grounds. The issue with blinker operation depending on the headlights being on or off is a strong indication that voltage to the blinkers is not steady. Did your old headlights and blinkers work normally before you upgraded the headlight bulbs? If so, I think you can rule out your headlight switch. Are you using housings from the same year of truck? I have a '98 and successfully swapped housings for the same reason as you with a new part. Did you check if the wiring locations are identical in the new and old pigtails? They may have moved the wires around. Hope this helps.
@@thisisnotatest2 Sooo, as I was sitting on my sofa studying both the old and the new pigtails, I noticed that the green and red wires on the new one was opposite of the old one! Took it back out plugged it in and it was burning bright like always, flipped the bulb (even though it couldn't lock in like that) the light flashed perfectly! Cut the wires and put them on the correct side and now my turn signal works like it should! Whew! I am already back on the road! Thanks for the response brother!
Late to the game watching your video and really dig the upgrades. I'm looking to do the same on my 98' Tracker. How can I score a set of those brackets?
Thanks for this, really helpful. I saw now there are are quite a few new halogen modern light and housings on eBay for the sidekick. Pricey but very modern and cool. Wish there was a grill swap for round headlights a la the samurai.
Glad it helped. I intentionally stuck with the factory light housings to keep things as close to stock as possible. I'm still very happy with the LED bulbs.
Excellent video production! I haven't had any luck putting LED bulbs in my 04 Ram, the light pattern ends up unacceptable. Headlight Revolution has one that works well but it's just stupid expensive. I might give Auxbeam bulbs a go based on your results.
Thanks for the feedback! I searched for reviews on LED bulbs for my exact headlight bulb type (9004 HB1) and went with the recommendations here on YT. I'd recommend doing the same. I've had the Auxbeam bulbs for 2.5 years now and no issues.
Might I ask what year is your Sidekick/Tracker is? It’s not super important but a lot of the bodywork, interior dashboard paneling, and placement of engine components is quite different from my base model ‘95 Geo Tracker, and it’s got me curious. (My Tracker is a late production model which means its engine is the ‘96 engine and has the layout of a ‘96)
Hey PDX Jay! I would totally be interested in the brackets if available. I'm at the halfway point with my upgrades for my 92 Sidekick and those brackets is something that I have been looking for.
I haven't had enough interest to create a batch of the brackets. Hopefully the video shows enough info for you to create your own. Try to do the tight bend with a torch, rather than welding. I've seen videos of people having success with simple Berzomatic torches and MAP gas for this.
I am intrested in a set of those brackets. I wonder if they would get beat up on the trail. I'd have to see in person exactly how far the stick out from the body.
I built the brackets to have the mounting hole as close to the fender as possible. They are tucked in, but a set of smaller lights would definitely reduce the chance of catching the bush. Send me an email through my channel page if you'd like to see them in person. I'd also like to learn more about PNW Suzuki events and something tells me you would be in the know.
I doubt it. I made these brackets to fit as close to the body of the first gen Sidekick/Tracker as possible. You could probably use the same approach to shape brackets for your truck.
Sorry for the delayed response! Both the Auxbeam headlights and the driving lights are working great. No condensation in any of the lights, despite being stored outside. I'll do a follow-up video this summer to show how all the mods are holding up.
All the LEDs are Auxbeam. I've listed the model numbers in the description. I bought them off Amazon. The headlights are in the OEM housings. One was in great shape, the other I replaced as the mirroring was corroded.
I've added links in the description. Note the exact LED bulbs I have are no longer available, but there are similar 9004 HB1 size bulbs from Auxbeam that I would try.
If interested in selling some brackets I’d be very interested. Can even put down a deposit before making them. I saw in another post there wasn’t enough people interested, I’m part of a huge sidekick group. If you give me a minimum number I can get a list of people interested 🙂 People running lights use those crappy Allen key bolt clip on ones and I’m sure they would prefer these.
Sorry for the late reply. I'm not sure when I'll have time to build brackets. It won't likely be until spring. If you're still interested, making 10 or more at time would be my goal.
Most excellent work. I appreciate you sharing this and putting all the effort into making it easy to navigate and enjoy! My 94 Sidekick needs new lighting bad!
I'm glad you liked it. Don't hesitate to put new bulbs in your headlights! It will make a huge difference in brightness!
I came across this video about a year ago and installed the auxbeam bulbs you recommended, they are still working great, Thanks!! I am now coming back to this same video to do the same pod light bracket install after failing trying to rig something up to my hood hinge bolts lol
Glad your bulbs are working well! Mine are too!
Really enjoyed seeing the side-by-side light comparison. + You must be an engineer by trade as demonstrated by your attention to detail and a clean/professional install.
Thanks for the feedback! I enjoy taking my time with these projects and doing things as well as I can. And yes, I'm an engineer.
Great video content! Looking to buy my first tracker, just got back from Mexico and loved driving one.
Found a clean automatic, but would love a manual more
Thanks for the feedback! I'm a big fan of manuals, so I'm biased, but that's the only one I would get.
Excellent videos, I have a gen2 Vitara in NZ 🇳🇿 great vehicles and have done a lot of home made mods also. I just fitted a gen 1 diff head in the rear and put an ARB diff lock into it. Suzuki 4x4’s are so under rated. Thanks for your videos, I enjoy seeing other peoples ideas. Keep up the good work. Cheers
Thanks for the feedback! The DIY mods are one of my favorite things about the truck - you can't just go buy the parts you need - you get to make them. Enjoy your truck!
Nice video, I just picked up a 91 two door and am looking at upgrades…guess I should get it running first..lol thanks for the upload
Thanks for the feedback! Check out my other Sidekick videos if you haven't already.
Love your videos. Very informative, nice production and cool upgrades. Sorry if you posted it and I'm not finding it but you mentioned sharing the type of switches you got from Amazon. Could I get you to post another link to the ones you used so I can get the same for my Tracker. Thanks in advance
Thanks for the feedback!
The switches are sold under a couple of brand names: Nilight and MICTUNING are the most common. They are listed as 20A 12V, laser etched, rocker switches. Look carefully at the pictures on Amazon and you'll see many listings are the same switch. I paid about $9 per switch. I found the green backlighting fits well with the original Suzuki lighting.
You sound like the guy that I need to talk to! I put those same headlights in my 1995 Sidekick JLX and I could not get them to dim! When I flipped the dimmer nothing changed, so I just replaced the headlight housings because all of the reflective material in the old headlight housings was gone and that seems to have created another issue. My right front turn signal doesn't blink if I turn the headlights on and gives a rapid blink with the headlights off. Both front and rear bulbs work great, so it's not a burned out bulb. I have tried three different (new) pigtails in that turn signal and none of them work, BUT if I put the old one back in it works perfectly, but the old pigtail won't fit into the new housing Everything on the left works great! Also that right front bulb burns brighter than the left. I have cleaned every ground that I could find. I'm starting to think that it may be something in the multifunction switch, but don't want to start throwing money at a lot of guess'. Got any ideas for me?
You're on the right track checking the grounds. The issue with blinker operation depending on the headlights being on or off is a strong indication that voltage to the blinkers is not steady.
Did your old headlights and blinkers work normally before you upgraded the headlight bulbs? If so, I think you can rule out your headlight switch.
Are you using housings from the same year of truck? I have a '98 and successfully swapped housings for the same reason as you with a new part. Did you check if the wiring locations are identical in the new and old pigtails? They may have moved the wires around.
Hope this helps.
@@thisisnotatest2 Sooo, as I was sitting on my sofa studying both the old and the new pigtails, I noticed that the green and red wires on the new one was opposite of the old one! Took it back out plugged it in and it was burning bright like always, flipped the bulb (even though it couldn't lock in like that) the light flashed perfectly! Cut the wires and put them on the correct side and now my turn signal works like it should! Whew! I am already back on the road! Thanks for the response brother!
Nice job! Glad I could help!
Thank you! Amazing video and implementation of your light's idea!
I would love to buy a set of these Brackets. That being said though, I'm about to install a snorkel so I may have to make my own.
Late to the game watching your video and really dig the upgrades. I'm looking to do the same on my 98' Tracker. How can I score a set of those brackets?
Thanks for this, really helpful. I saw now there are are quite a few new halogen modern light and housings on eBay for the sidekick. Pricey but very modern and cool. Wish there was a grill swap for round headlights a la the samurai.
Glad it helped. I intentionally stuck with the factory light housings to keep things as close to stock as possible. I'm still very happy with the LED bulbs.
Great information! Good editing!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!
Excellent video production! I haven't had any luck putting LED bulbs in my 04 Ram, the light pattern ends up unacceptable. Headlight Revolution has one that works well but it's just stupid expensive. I might give Auxbeam bulbs a go based on your results.
Thanks for the feedback! I searched for reviews on LED bulbs for my exact headlight bulb type (9004 HB1) and went with the recommendations here on YT. I'd recommend doing the same. I've had the Auxbeam bulbs for 2.5 years now and no issues.
Great video. Unfortunately I cannot find the lights anywhere. Link is no good anymore
I like the brackets that used. Can they be used on a 1998 Suzuki sidekick sport?
I expect the same style would work.
Might I ask what year is your Sidekick/Tracker is? It’s not super important but a lot of the bodywork, interior dashboard paneling, and placement of engine components is quite different from my base model ‘95 Geo Tracker, and it’s got me curious.
(My Tracker is a late production model which means its engine is the ‘96 engine and has the layout of a ‘96)
Mine is a '98, last year of production of the original body style. 96 through 98 models have the 16v engine and the updated dash as far as I've seen.
Hey PDX Jay! I would totally be interested in the brackets if available. I'm at the halfway point with my upgrades for my 92 Sidekick and those brackets is something that I have been looking for.
I haven't had enough interest to create a batch of the brackets. Hopefully the video shows enough info for you to create your own. Try to do the tight bend with a torch, rather than welding. I've seen videos of people having success with simple Berzomatic torches and MAP gas for this.
I am intrested in a set of those brackets. I wonder if they would get beat up on the trail. I'd have to see in person exactly how far the stick out from the body.
I built the brackets to have the mounting hole as close to the fender as possible. They are tucked in, but a set of smaller lights would definitely reduce the chance of catching the bush.
Send me an email through my channel page if you'd like to see them in person. I'd also like to learn more about PNW Suzuki events and something tells me you would be in the know.
@@thisisnotatest2 I am heading out of town for a couple of weeks but I will get in touch when I return. Keep up the videos my friend.
Would the bracket work for 2001 grand Vitara?
I doubt it. I made these brackets to fit as close to the body of the first gen Sidekick/Tracker as possible. You could probably use the same approach to shape brackets for your truck.
What an awesome video!! I am also interested in set of those brackets.
Nice, inspiring video!!
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it!
So it's been around a year... how do you like the Auxbeams now?
Sorry for the delayed response! Both the Auxbeam headlights and the driving lights are working great.
No condensation in any of the lights, despite being stored outside. I'll do a follow-up video this summer to show how all the mods are holding up.
Where did you get the soft top with removeable windows?
It was brand new and came with the truck. It's a Rampage 98835R. I just ordered a spare from Summit Racing. I'll post a video when it arrives.
What brand are the leds? Also is this in the oem housing?
All the LEDs are Auxbeam. I've listed the model numbers in the description. I bought them off Amazon.
The headlights are in the OEM housings. One was in great shape, the other I replaced as the mirroring was corroded.
Do you have the link for those leds???
I've added links in the description. Note the exact LED bulbs I have are no longer available, but there are similar 9004 HB1 size bulbs from Auxbeam that I would try.
What year is your Sidekick?
1998. Officially, its a Tracker, but all the Trackers and Sidekicks share the same components with differences in trim and badging.
If interested in selling some brackets I’d be very interested. Can even put down a deposit before making them.
I saw in another post there wasn’t enough people interested, I’m part of a huge sidekick group. If you give me a minimum number I can get a list of people interested 🙂 People running lights use those crappy Allen key bolt clip on ones and I’m sure they would prefer these.
Sorry for the late reply. I'm not sure when I'll have time to build brackets. It won't likely be until spring. If you're still interested, making 10 or more at time would be my goal.
geo never had headlight problums there one of the best out there over the new junk as long as you run savanna high end 9004 in them
Thanks for the feedback. To be honest I never tried new high quality halogen bulbs before I did the swap. Will try that first in my other vehicles.