Headlight installation question
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From: DFW Metroplex
Headlight installation question
I have a question for the experts..
My 2002 F-250 has cloudy original OEM headlights which produce insufficient light and I want to get things back to normal or better.
I think I have read every thread in these forums covering lens refurbishing, replacing the headlight assembly with OEM, replacing the headlight assembly with aftermarket, silver-star lamps, HID, etc., and the wiring / relay modifications.
I intend to install the heavy wire / relay mod as that just seems to make a lot of sense.
When it comes to the headlights themselves, I may attempt to refurbish the lenses but really would like to replace the headlights with new OEM units. It seems that some folks have upgraded the trucks from my “era” with headlights from the 2005 – 07 era assemblies.
Will someone please tell me if the retrofit of the 2005 lights in my 2002 is a direct replacement, minor mod, major mod, or not worth it?
And finally if another assembly is a better solution, not just cheaper, what and why would that be?
Thanks again,
mic
My 2002 F-250 has cloudy original OEM headlights which produce insufficient light and I want to get things back to normal or better.
I think I have read every thread in these forums covering lens refurbishing, replacing the headlight assembly with OEM, replacing the headlight assembly with aftermarket, silver-star lamps, HID, etc., and the wiring / relay modifications.
I intend to install the heavy wire / relay mod as that just seems to make a lot of sense.
When it comes to the headlights themselves, I may attempt to refurbish the lenses but really would like to replace the headlights with new OEM units. It seems that some folks have upgraded the trucks from my “era” with headlights from the 2005 – 07 era assemblies.
Will someone please tell me if the retrofit of the 2005 lights in my 2002 is a direct replacement, minor mod, major mod, or not worth it?
And finally if another assembly is a better solution, not just cheaper, what and why would that be?
Thanks again,
mic
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 659
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From: Millstone, NJ
Here is an installation guide. Hope this helps.
http://www.riffraffdiesel.com/mm5/RE...structions.pdf
http://www.riffraffdiesel.com/mm5/RE...structions.pdf
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Glen Rose, Texas
You have the above, or you could also do the entire front end. Bumper, headlights, and core support. With the core support you won't have to cut anything, or that's what I have read.
On mine which is a 2000 and has the fluted headlights, all I did was went to the 02-04 headlights which are clear and that made a lot of difference. But after that I bought an 02 bumper that had the fog lights in it, so instead of just buying normal bulbs, I went HID in those. So basically I'm running silverstar headlights, and 6000k 9005 HID fog lights. It's dark where I live, and I have no problem seeing.
And I went to some aftermarket place for my 02 replacement headlights, and if I recall right I think I paid 40 bucks or so for the pair. They were cheap, and have been working great.
On mine which is a 2000 and has the fluted headlights, all I did was went to the 02-04 headlights which are clear and that made a lot of difference. But after that I bought an 02 bumper that had the fog lights in it, so instead of just buying normal bulbs, I went HID in those. So basically I'm running silverstar headlights, and 6000k 9005 HID fog lights. It's dark where I live, and I have no problem seeing.
And I went to some aftermarket place for my 02 replacement headlights, and if I recall right I think I paid 40 bucks or so for the pair. They were cheap, and have been working great.
Got Data?
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Lake Stevens, WA
I went with aftermarket 02 headlights for my 2000. I've had them for 2 years now and they work well. If you're happy with the illumination of your 02 before it faded - this is an inexpensive option. I think I paid around $100 for the pair. I see amazon has them for $82. I found that the bulb retainers on the new lights were not well formed - did not lock in place well, but I was able to reuse the retainers from the original lights.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,249
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if you do go the 05-07 headlight route, make sure to get the upgrade harness- not just the adapter pigtails.
9007 to 9008 Headlight Heavy Duty Wiring Harness Upgrade
9007 to 9008 Headlight Heavy Duty Wiring Harness Upgrade
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You have the above, or you could also do the entire front end. Bumper, headlights, and core support. With the core support you won't have to cut anything, or that's what I have read.
On mine which is a 2000 and has the fluted headlights, all I did was went to the 02-04 headlights which are clear and that made a lot of difference. But after that I bought an 02 bumper that had the fog lights in it, so instead of just buying normal bulbs, I went HID in those. So basically I'm running silverstar headlights, and 6000k 9005 HID fog lights. It's dark where I live, and I have no problem seeing.
And I went to some aftermarket place for my 02 replacement headlights, and if I recall right I think I paid 40 bucks or so for the pair. They were cheap, and have been working great.
On mine which is a 2000 and has the fluted headlights, all I did was went to the 02-04 headlights which are clear and that made a lot of difference. But after that I bought an 02 bumper that had the fog lights in it, so instead of just buying normal bulbs, I went HID in those. So basically I'm running silverstar headlights, and 6000k 9005 HID fog lights. It's dark where I live, and I have no problem seeing.
And I went to some aftermarket place for my 02 replacement headlights, and if I recall right I think I paid 40 bucks or so for the pair. They were cheap, and have been working great.
Pin2846 - does your 2000 have a factory installed wiring harness to accept the 02 fog lights? and did you have to modify/add anything to the dash control for the head lights and fog lights so you can use the fog lights with the factory switch?
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Glen Rose, Texas
I tried to find a way to run on the factory switch but couldnt. And I tried to wire the power to the fogs with the headlight power to both come on at the same time, and found the HID lights caused interference with the radio. Ended up adding a swith, very basic and black, so it blends in with the dash to power them. Anyone that gets in it that doesnt know the truck cant tell its not supposed to be there.
So ending, no wiring for fogs on the 00, dash switch did not work.
So ending, no wiring for fogs on the 00, dash switch did not work.
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From: DFW Metroplex
Gentlemen, Thank you for all the feedback.. So I talked with a gentleman down at dfusser and he suggested going with the 2003 – 2004 headlights as they are a direct replacement for my 2002 assembly. I will pursue that angle I guess.
As I mentioned earlier and he firmly suggested the heavy wire / relay harness mod is a no brainer and I will do it first.
As I mentioned earlier and he firmly suggested the heavy wire / relay harness mod is a no brainer and I will do it first.
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Lead Driver
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Gentlemen, Thank you for all the feedback.. So I talked with a gentleman down at dfusser and he suggested going with the 2003 – 2004 headlights as they are a direct replacement for my 2002 assembly. I will pursue that angle I guess.
As I mentioned earlier and he firmly suggested the heavy wire / relay harness mod is a no brainer and I will do it first.
As I mentioned earlier and he firmly suggested the heavy wire / relay harness mod is a no brainer and I will do it first.
Yes, the harnesses d-fuser sales are top quality. Bought mine 7 years ago, and had to send an email to tech support the other day- got a response within an hour!
You will notice a huge difference.
Got Data?
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From: Lake Stevens, WA
Are the harnesses/relay helpful even if you use the standard '02 bulbs? or is it just if you need more current to run the Xenon or other brighter bulbs?
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The harness will be helpful with standard bulbs. It will allow more current by lowering resistance, which will make the bulb brighter no matter which bulb you have. It will also prep for better bulbs in the future.
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