1980 f150. Need some more light. Was thinking a light bar mounted on the front bumper. Any suggestions? I was thinking maybe 2 rectangle lights. 4 seems overkill. I want some more light, but don't want to totally blind everyone else while driving. Have never done any add on electrical work so what all goes into wiring up a light bar? Will i need a larger alternator (61 amp duralast dual pulley right now. Exide 650CCA battery.

 

It depends how much light you need. However, 99% of offroad lights are not rated for use on the road. In my state if you are running one and the cops are bored you will get pulled over and potentially sited. I'd run a good sylvania ultra star, polish your head light glass and housing and I think you will be impressed. That being said, I am doing what I said for my headlights. I am also running 2 kcs in my winch bumper, 4 forward kcs on my flatbed rack (forward) and then 2 reverse/working lights in the form of kcs. I am powering them via either a single 200 amp 3g alternator, maybe 2 just depends. I also am running a winch, sound system, on board air and welder though.

 

You would be surprised what good headlights and the relay upgrade can do. Also make sure your headlights are aimed properly.

 

Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights .: Articles
That explains the relays, you can also buy a kit from LMC, I believe. I did relays and silverstar headlights, made a big difference.

 

Exactly.

Using lights that aren't DOT approved can lead you into a courtroom.

 

I literally JUST put a set of the Sylvania Silver-Star headlights in both my F-150 and my Wrangler. Both of them are a *massive* upgrade from stock. I can actually see driving around the back roads at night now! I highly recommend them.

In fact, in my Jeep, the Silver-Star lights shine so much whiter-brighter than the factory ones, I don't even need the driving lights at all anymore.

Highly recommended from personal use. (Actually, I just remembered, the ones in the F-150 are actually the Phillips version, but they're identical)

 

So upgrade headlights and shine up my lenses....dont need a trip to the courtroom. Haven't been in 26 years of my existence, don't need a set of lights ending me up there. Thanks guys. I really did not think extra lights were illegal. I live in Illinois so I know their laws are CRAZY its like living in a different country.

 

Yeah, Illinois cops in a lot of areas will nab you for just about anything they can. Not everywhere, but why take the chance?

 

A set of driving or fog lights are not illegal. But you better make sure this is what they are and are aimed properly, and are rated street legal by the DOT (Department of Transportation).

 

Double check with local laws and regulations. Some areas say if they did not come equipped from the factory you can't use them at all on public roadways. Some say you can use "fog lights" during increment weather. Other areas have no specific laws.

Best to check first.

 

I'll buy ya a roll of duct tape and 2 flashlights