Notices
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

better headlights ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 5, 2016 | 11:12 PM
  #16  
thi's Avatar
thi
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
My truck lite led are coming in tomorrow. From my research from candlepowerforum: hella ecode & cibie are the best options when using halogen h4. Using new tech HIR bulbs. These bulbs produce more light @ same wattage. Aftermarket China lens is crap. Worst are hid and led that blind oncoming traffic. Non of the eBay China junk are dot approved. They all lie. Led bulbs as in standard universal base bulbs are crap. Technology is not available yet. Btw the guys at candlepowerforum are very knowledgeable some are industry insiders. Truck lites were bought by ge recently. They are one of the few large co. That offer led and are dot approved. Plus 3 year warranty.

Here's my thoughts on costs and why I chose truck lites:
1. Hella ecode & HIR bulbs $100-150
2. Aftermarket projector & hid kit + hrs of custom work $250-300
3. Truck lites (ge nighthawk) plug n play lower wattage than stock 3 yr warranty. Close to hid output. $360 shipped.

This is on my daily work truck so reliability is first.
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2016 | 05:34 PM
  #17  
Mark T-TB's Avatar
Mark T-TB
Tuned
15 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 6
From: South NJ
Wow ^^^ sounds great
What if I have the "composite" lights in our conversion van?

... and where did you get them for that price?
Thanks,
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2016 | 08:11 PM
  #18  
Funke1's Avatar
Funke1
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
These Hellas don't require any added wiring, correct?

My main reason for wanting to upgrade is for critter avoidance. I live in a deer heavy area and any upgrade in the lighting department helps.
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2016 | 10:03 PM
  #19  
thi's Avatar
thi
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Mark T-TB
Wow ^^^ sounds great
What if I have the "composite" lights in our conversion van?

... and where did you get them for that price?
Thanks,
I got them from drivetrainamerica best price I've found. I just installed them tonight. It took about 10 mins. Quality is great aluminum housing and thick plastic lens. It made my old lights look like a candle and magnifier.

I'm not certain but I don't think they will work unless you swap to sealed beam housing and shroud.
 
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 06:09 AM
  #20  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by thi
My truck lite led are coming in tomorrow.

This is on my daily work truck so reliability is first.
Which version do you have on the way? Sorry but that jumble of words leaves me ??????

Originally Posted by thi

I'm not certain but I don't think they will work unless you swap to sealed beam housing and shroud.
Header panels are the same for both so swapping from one style to the other isn't difficult. Going from composite/aero style does require using the sealed beam closures or bezels--can be found on eBay cheap for aftermaket or DIY at the local salvage yards. (I prefer new from eBay because wandering around scrap yards for $60 in parts shipped to my door seems a waste of my time.)

Going to the sealed beam type bulbs or housings might require a new connector and a few springs and adjusting parts available from Ford etc.
 
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 07:35 AM
  #21  
jbwheels's Avatar
jbwheels
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 329
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Funke1
These Hellas don't require any added wiring, correct?

My main reason for wanting to upgrade is for critter avoidance. I live in a deer heavy area and any upgrade in the lighting department helps.
Correct - they plug right in and bolt right in.

However, a relayed headlight harness will make a visible difference because it reduces the voltage drop to the headlights.
I bought this headlight harness off Amazon:
"><img src=" /> ">
H4 100w Ceramic Fused PnP Heavy Duty Automotive Wiring Harness Headlight Foglight Booster Relay 12v H4 100w Ceramic Fused PnP Heavy Duty Automotive Wiring Harness Headlight Foglight Booster Relay 12v
 
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 12:35 PM
  #22  
Funke1's Avatar
Funke1
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
100w harness eh? I found an eBay seller selling the euro lights with 100w bulbs. Those three sound like a winning combination.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/7-H6024-6014-H4-EURO-CONVERSION-HEADLIGHTS-KIT-/261356123177?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE
How would those compare to an hid setup with ballasts? I've already done the 3g alternator upgrade, so amperage is not an issue.
 
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 04:32 PM
  #23  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by jbwheels
Correct - they plug right in and bolt right in.

However, a relayed headlight harness will make a visible difference because it reduces the voltage drop to the headlights.
I bought this headlight harness off Amazon:
That's a nice looking harness, two snaps up for the ceramic lamp sockets!

I wish they would have stated the wire gauge of the leads though. FWIW I'd search for something similar on eBay with free shipping and perhaps a bit lower price. Even so that's not a horrible price for the set up through Amazon.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 06:22 PM
  #24  
Funke1's Avatar
Funke1
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by JWA
That's a nice looking harness, two snaps up for the ceramic lamp sockets!

I wish they would have stated the wire gauge of the leads though. FWIW I'd search for something similar on eBay with free shipping and perhaps a bit lower price. Even so that's not a horrible price for the set up through Amazon.
Some of the comments mention that the insulation is quite beefy for the gauge of wire they give you. Some said it's about 16-18 gauge. Also, the relays are are said to be questionable. Otherwise, most people seem pretty happy with it, though I wouldn't mind paying a little more for a beefier harness.
 
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 08:25 PM
  #25  
Funke1's Avatar
Funke1
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
After looking up the wire gauge thicknesses on ceramic plugs, the ones that did list it were all 16 gauge. I would have to assume that is the standard and should be up to the task for 100+ watts.

I think I'm going to go with that harness and get the 100/55 watt bulbs. That way I won't blind oncoming traffic with the dims (and look stock) and have a huge upgrade with the brights.
 
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 09:09 PM
  #26  
thi's Avatar
thi
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=JWA;15926422]Which version do you have on the way? Sorry but that jumble of words leaves me ??????

I bought the truck lite 5x7. Not sure if this is what you were asking. I assume it's the latest version.
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2016 | 06:21 AM
  #27  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by Funke1
Some of the comments mention that the insulation is quite beefy for the gauge of wire they give you. Some said it's about 16-18 gauge. Also, the relays are are said to be questionable. Otherwise, most people seem pretty happy with it, though I wouldn't mind paying a little more for a beefier harness.
I kinda thought that might be the case---a bit sad if so.

The porcelain or ceramic sockets could be purchased separately, a better grade of heavier gauge wire and heat resistant terminals used. Relays could be Bosch or Cole-Hersey, Hella if the others are too spendy.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:15 PM
  #28  
tx2sturgis's Avatar
tx2sturgis
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 504
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
Thumbs up point your browser here:

When it comes to headlamp upgrades and the wiring harnesses that work well, you should at least look over this website:

Headlight Services - Home

This is a small operation in Colorado, and he sells the good stuff. (we're talking headlights, not wacky tobacky!)

I'm quite happy with what I've purchased over the years.

Is it the cheapest? No....but quality never is. And his phone number is listed on the website.....

His wiring harnesses are made to order in Denver Co...not China!

Once you look thru the various sections, (esp. headlamps, wiring harnesses, and FAQs) if you think you can do better on amazon or ebay, then at least you will know a little more about this stuff.

 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2016 | 06:28 AM
  #29  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by tx2sturgis
When it comes to headlamp upgrades and the wiring harnesses that work well, you should at least look over this website:

Headlight Services - Home
That's a great site to at least visit----thanks for sharing!

its refreshing to see someone specializing in an often overlooked part of driving.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rdlouks
Electrical Systems/Wiring
13
Dec 15, 2018 04:04 PM
Sf jakey
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
61
Nov 15, 2017 07:02 PM
fridgeddiesel
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
21
Mar 31, 2011 10:29 PM
gingerbreadmaniac
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Dec 13, 2005 01:55 PM
eigenvector
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
2
Mar 6, 2004 02:26 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:53 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE