Winter may still be hanging on, but spring is right around the corner. That makes now the perfect time to start planning lighting upgrades for your vehicle. One product that’s been at the top of our list is the Morimoto 4Banger LED pod lights.
With their first entry into the off-road lighting market, Morimoto didn’t just show up—they raised the bar. The 4Banger lineup combines compact size, serious output, and unmatched mounting versatility.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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The Morimoto 4Banger lineup
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Beam patterns and color options
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How to choose the right 4Banger for your needs
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A step-by-step install on the Jeep JT Gladiator (also applies to Jeep JL models)
What Is the Morimoto 4Banger?
Morimoto offers the 4Banger LED pod lights in two performance tiers:
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4Banger NCS (entry-level)
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4Banger HXB (premium)
The NCS model uses a Nichia LED chip, while the HXB steps up to an Osram HX Boost LED chip. Both versions use Morimoto’s TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optics, which shape the beam pattern through the lens rather than relying solely on the LED emitter.
This approach delivers more controlled, usable light where it matters most.
4Banger Beam Pattern Options
Both the NCS and HXB models come in three beam patterns:
Wide Beam
The most popular option in the lineup. It works exceptionally well in fog-light applications and is legal for road use when aimed at -3°.
Combo (Driving) Beam
A balanced pattern that blends width and distance. This option shines in off-road environments and remains a favorite for trail and overland setups.
Spot Beam
Designed almost exclusively for off-road use. This pattern delivers maximum distance and works best for high-speed or wide-open terrain.
Color Options and Optics Explained
Each beam pattern is available in white or yellow output.
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Yellow NCS: Uses a Nichia true-yellow LED chip with a yellow-filtered lens
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Yellow HXB: Uses a white Osram LED paired with a yellow-filtered lens
When switching from white HXB to yellow HXB, expect roughly a 30% reduction in brightness. The tradeoff is improved contrast in poor weather and a slightly different shade of yellow between NCS and HXB variants.
Which 4Banger Is Right for You?
If you want the best output Morimoto offers, the HXB 4Banger is the clear choice. The combo beam stands out for drivers who want strong width without sacrificing distance.
Many owners choose a wide beam for fog lights paired with combo or spot beams elsewhere on the vehicle. Thanks to Morimoto’s vehicle-specific mounts, that flexibility comes standard.
For high-speed off-road driving or long-range visibility, the spot beam remains the top choice.
Jeep JT Gladiator Installation Overview
To demonstrate just how straightforward the install is, Morimoto created an install guide using A-Pillar mounts and internal fog mounts for the 2019+ Jeep JT Gladiator. This process also applies to Jeep JL models.
If you’re ready to order a kit for your Gladiator, click here. For other vehicles, check out Morimoto’s complete 4Banger lineup here.
Tools Needed
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T30 Torx bit
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T40 Torx bit
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10mm socket
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Impact or ratchet wrench
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17mm wrench
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Electrical tape (optional)
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Zip ties (optional)
Removing the Cowl Panels
Start by removing the four bolts on the side cowl. This allows you to remove the panel between the hood and A-pillar. Repeat the process on both sides.
Pop the hood to begin routing the wiring harness.
Routing and Connecting the Harness
Mount the relay harness with the wires facing downward. This prevents moisture buildup. In our install, we mounted the relay near the battery’s ground location.
Next, locate the auxiliary wiring. Unwrap the loom to reveal the four aux wires. For this install, tap into Aux 4 (blue wire). Refer to your owner’s manual if needed.
Strip the blue wire and insert it into the factory butt connector. Then insert the Morimoto harness into the opposite side and crimp both ends.
Rewrap the harness, leaving the butt connector exposed.
If you’re using auxiliary switches, disconnect the Morimoto switch and plug the harness directly into the aux connector.
Routing to the A-Pillars
Route the “Light Number 2” lead under the passenger-side weather sealing near the windshield.
Connect the extension harness to “Light Number 1” and route it across to the driver side. Use zip ties or tuck the wiring under the cowl for a clean engine bay.
Mounting the 4Bangers
Attach the 4Banger pods to the U-brackets before installing the brackets on the vehicle.
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Insert the bolt through the tall side of the A-pillar mount
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Ensure the U-bracket forms a “C” shape
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Install the washer and 17mm nut hand-tight
Place the pod into the bracket and secure it using the supplied T30 Torx screws. These allow vertical aiming later.
Plug the pods into the harness.
Installing the A-Pillar Brackets
Reinstall the cowl panels without tightening the bolts.
Place the supplied spacers under the upward-facing mounting points. Use the provided long screws and tighten them with a T40 Torx bit. Secure the side cowl using the factory bolts.
Repeat on both sides.
Battery and Ground Connections
Loosen the 10mm battery and ground bolts. Place the 4Banger terminals onto their respective posts and tighten everything down.
Aiming and Activating the Lights
If using auxiliary switches, navigate to: Settings → Aux Switches → Aux (selected number)
Set the type and power source. We left ours on battery power.
Once powered on, aim the lights using the adjustment screws. Tighten everything down once satisfied.
Conclusion
With the Morimoto 4Banger LED pod lights installed, you’ll experience just how refined Morimoto’s first off-road lighting system truly is. From build quality to output and mounting flexibility, the 4Bangers deliver across the board.
We’re excited to see what Morimoto brings next to the off-road lighting space.
To see more of our coverage of Morimoto and the world of automotive lighting, be sure to visit our Facebook page and say hello. You can also stay tuned to the Better Automotive Lighting Blog for all the latest on the automotive lighting world! You should check this out as well: The Importance of The Unboxing Experience: Morimoto 4Bangers
Meet the people behind Better Automotive Lighting
John Tobias, Headlight Junkie and Industry Veteran
Before managing pricing and product categories for the DLG brands, John worked directly with customers in customer service and tech support, then spent several years in marketing creating content like this and the videos published online. Today he takes more than ten years of aftermarket automotive lighting experience to events all over the USA, meeting customers and talking to real people about what they care about. He is focused on understanding the market, the trends, the big players, and what matters to lighting enthusiasts. John has tested thousands of lights, works directly with lighting engineers to evaluate the technical performance behind every recommendation, and is one of the foremost experts on everything happening in the world of aftermarket automotive lighting. LinkedIn
