Headlights
Excursion Fleet Manager
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,791
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From: Green Oak, MI
I know it was a huge difference between the '00-'01 style and the '02-'04. The headlights were A LOT brighter. Can't really comment on how the '05 is though, they aren't as bad as the '00-'01 though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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So the 02-04 headlights are a bit better than the 05s in your opinion?
Excursion Fleet Manager
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 5
From: Green Oak, MI
They seem very similar in design for the headlight area, so I think they would have similar output.
The big difference I saw was between the old style headlights that had like the pattern on the lens that prevented you from seeing any of the bulb. Well, it also prevented a lot of light from getting out. I kept the same bulbs and just put the new light fixtures in.
While the '05 headlights do look nice and go well with the '05 grill/bumper, I think for the work required to make them work in the older setup, and then have the big gap on the bottom, the best way to go is with the '02-'04 on an '00-'01. I just don't think it's worth it for a little bit of extra looks at the cost of a lot of work.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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Here's the thread I was talking about: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ht-advice.html
Pay particular attention to this post:
Pay particular attention to this post:
rallylights.com sell the pigtails for about $9 ea.
I have the '05-'07 headlights and would NOT do it again. I had the '03 'clear lens' housings and a relay harness w/80/100 Hella bulbs ($100 relay harness & bulbs from rally...) and they put out WAAAAY more light than these '05's and silly silverstars... Don't worry about annoying oncoming drivers with these high-wattage bulbs like the stupid HID a-holes - the optics are intact and the cut-off line prevents other drivers from being 'blinded'. The extra light from this combo is amazing!
The H13 bulb ('05-'07) is a POS design and nobody makes 'heavy duty' pigtails because the bulb itself is the weak link.
Get some used OE clear lens style lights off of some sucker who went with the late-model junk! Mine were $100 shipped and included the turn signals. They will go on wifey's Excursion as soon as I get a chance. Guess I'll add driving lights and fog lites to the '05-'07 junk to get my light back...
I have the '05-'07 headlights and would NOT do it again. I had the '03 'clear lens' housings and a relay harness w/80/100 Hella bulbs ($100 relay harness & bulbs from rally...) and they put out WAAAAY more light than these '05's and silly silverstars... Don't worry about annoying oncoming drivers with these high-wattage bulbs like the stupid HID a-holes - the optics are intact and the cut-off line prevents other drivers from being 'blinded'. The extra light from this combo is amazing!
The H13 bulb ('05-'07) is a POS design and nobody makes 'heavy duty' pigtails because the bulb itself is the weak link.
Get some used OE clear lens style lights off of some sucker who went with the late-model junk! Mine were $100 shipped and included the turn signals. They will go on wifey's Excursion as soon as I get a chance. Guess I'll add driving lights and fog lites to the '05-'07 junk to get my light back...
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 2
From: Summit, MS
I don't know about that. I do like the looks of the '05 lights better. I just haven't driven the '05 lately, and I haven't driven it in the dark for so long that i can't remember. If I hadn't been driving the '02 since, maybe I'd remember better.
They seem very similar in design for the headlight area, so I think they would have similar output.
The big difference I saw was between the old style headlights that had like the pattern on the lens that prevented you from seeing any of the bulb. Well, it also prevented a lot of light from getting out. I kept the same bulbs and just put the new light fixtures in.
While the '05 headlights do look nice and go well with the '05 grill/bumper, I think for the work required to make them work in the older setup, and then have the big gap on the bottom, the best way to go is with the '02-'04 on an '00-'01. I just don't think it's worth it for a little bit of extra looks at the cost of a lot of work.
They seem very similar in design for the headlight area, so I think they would have similar output.
The big difference I saw was between the old style headlights that had like the pattern on the lens that prevented you from seeing any of the bulb. Well, it also prevented a lot of light from getting out. I kept the same bulbs and just put the new light fixtures in.
While the '05 headlights do look nice and go well with the '05 grill/bumper, I think for the work required to make them work in the older setup, and then have the big gap on the bottom, the best way to go is with the '02-'04 on an '00-'01. I just don't think it's worth it for a little bit of extra looks at the cost of a lot of work.
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