I've got a 2003 F250 with the 6.0 and am interested in increasing illumination from my headlights. I've heard a simple fix is to replace the wiring harness...but that seems complicated.

Has anybody looked into LED headlights? At a maintenance conference recently I talked to a vender who says that the LED draw much less power and will last much longer than ordinary bulbs.

Anybody tried LEDs yet?

Joe

 

I know they work great in everyday world but I ordered reverse led bulbs. After I shut the car they would still glow while my car was off .. I never used headlights though

 

HeI have DDM HIDs in my explorer and they are awesome. If my Super Duty didn't have sealed headlights it'd have them too. They are an sale right now for 25 & 40 $.

Ddmtuning.com

 

I guess I'm surprised nobody has switched to LEDs yet...maybe there's a good reason that I'm not aware of yet. I'm still waiting to hear from somebody who has.

Joe

 

My wife purchased a set of aftermarket headlights for my anniversary gift this year and they are nice. Pretty much plug and play except for on set of wires per side that you will have to wire in but they send you directions and even solderless connectors for the re-wire!! I had to do a little trimming of the stock fiberglass cradle the OEM lights sat in but nothing too major... I used my Dremel tool to open it up.

Sonar 1999-2004 Ford F-250 Halo Projector Black / Chrome Euro Headlights

I got the black ones and love both the way they look and the way they light up in front of me.

 

They look nice...and that black seems to add a touch!

Joe

 

I can think of 2 reasons.
1) They just aren't bright enough yet.
2) LED's by nature are monochromatic, they give off a very narrow wavelength of light. White LED's, i believe, are made white by mixing yellow and blue wavelengths of light which makes them look white eventhough they are not a true white light.

The problem is that they illuminate poorly, if the object you are trying to illuminate does not reflect the specific wavelength your LED is immiting you won't be able to see it. This is obviously a bad thing for headlights. If you have ever used an LED flashlight you have probably noticed that it is harder to see with than even a "less bright" incondescent flashlight.

 

makes perfect sense now that you say it.

actually lexus is experimenting with LED headlights, and Audi has been adding LED driving lights for a while i believe, although they arent meant for illumination, more for visibility/style

 

They are great for visibility, i am a big fan of the audi "eye liner"

 

when i say visibility, i mean increasing the chance of other people seeing you

 

Platinum Cadillac Escalade

 

The new Audi R8 spyder and also a option on the A8 is full LED. there is no other headlights.

 

VERY trick looking headlights for sure. And I guarantee within the next few years LED's will become very popular among high end vehicles. Right now, the technology is just too expensive still. Every year it is getting cheaper, and more functional. They are so efficient, durable, and will literally last longer than the car itself. However, sticking an LED style bulb into a headlight isn't the way to go at all... not that anyone intended to do that. One of the greatest advantages is their size. No longer will car/truck manufacturers be forced to design headlights in the way we see them now, as big bulky flashy boxes haha. New headlight designs can be real trick looking! However, until more manufacturers get involved in using LED's the technology will be extremely expensive. The Spyder's LED option will cost you $5,000.