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Manually Adjusting your headlights - aiming point

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Old 10-25-2004, 09:58 PM
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Manually Adjusting your headlights - aiming point

I know HOW to adjust them, stupid body shop screwed up the repairs on my truck, have to correct all their mistakes. Headlights are pointed at the bumper it seems like, does anyone know the proper aiming point for headlights on a Ford truck? Thanks!

Matt
 
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Old 10-25-2004, 10:19 PM
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Old timers (like me) used to use a garage door to adjust lights. Park about 10 feet away (on level if possible) from garage door. Turn on high beams and adjust spot on door for straight ahead, making both lights identical. Test at night and tweak as necessary ...... worked for me.
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Last edited by dono; 10-25-2004 at 10:22 PM.
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Old 10-25-2004, 10:23 PM
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I used to "eyeball" them.

Driverside: just below level, aim just to the right.

Pass Side: again just below level but straight ahead.

I'd take it out for a spin and see if it passed the "flash test". No one flashes you, you're ok.

If you get flashed, move them down and to the right half a turn at a time.

Or, you could go back to the bodyshop, who if they are worth a poop, has the little suction cup and level bubbles tool for doing this. (assuming the whole bulb moves....not sure what the tool looks like for them there new types where the lense is stationary.
 
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Old 10-25-2004, 10:40 PM
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I cannot remember where I saw this. But.

Measure the height from the ground to the center of the headlight. Then park 20ft. from a wall and adjust the beams to the same height on the wall. A level grond really helps
 
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Old 10-25-2004, 10:49 PM
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I do the same as dono. I once had headlights adjusted at "an official adjusting station". They were so low, it was almost funny. I re-adjusted them myself.
 
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Old 10-26-2004, 02:13 AM
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The "official" method is 25' from flat wall, on level surface, the center of the beam pattern for each light needs to be straight ahead, but no more than 3" to the right, or 3" down. Up and to the left are not allowed at all.
I knew I took that vehicle inspection test for a reason..........
 
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Old 10-26-2004, 07:32 PM
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I usually go on an old gravel road and adjust them by at night till they are the way I want them.
 
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