I'm looking to replace my OLD stock headlights and bulbs in my 2001 F350. Do you guys have any recommendations that will work better and also look better?

Kevin

 

There are lots of options: Halogen, HID, LED, etc. A lot will depend on what your personal taste is. There are lots of companies out there that sell these also (Recon, Anzo, Spyder, Spec-D, etc.) covering a wide variety of price points.

I will say that I've read about HID lights causing radio frequency (RF) interference with the electronics of our trucks (99-04), especially chips. Some guys have used RF chokes (magnets) successfully (sometimes several) and some have not been able to solve the problem. I went with 2005 lights since my state's vehicle code requires that I keep the same lighting system (halogen in my case) that was installed at the factory. I haven't installed them yet but they definitely can't be any worse than what I have now.

 

05-08 Factory for sure. I've read lots of complaints about the beam spread pattern on several aftermarket units. I do not remember which brand/s as I pretty much dismissed them all.


You still have several options on the lamps themselves. I'm leaning toward LED's but not particularly sold yet.

 

I personally went with some 1Aauto 02-04 headlamps and Silverstar Silvania bulbs. Made a huge difference and kept the OEM styling. The bulbs that come with are only a test lamp and should be replaced.

If you are to go with the 05+ headlamps it will require trimming of the header panel and splicing or an adapter for the bulbs.

Before



After



OEM lamps with new blub packaging.



How they look installed.

 

I did Ford factory 05-07 headlights on mine. They are my favorite style. But with the regular halogen bulbs, they do not throw a whole lot of light. I would think Silver Star bulbs, HIDs, or LEDs would be a huge improvement. I am eventually going to switch to LEDs.



I have seen a few guys that have HID projectors installed in a 05-07 lens and the light output and pattern is supposed to be outstanding compared to factory. Here is an example: https://shop.retroshop.us/ProductDet...-07.FDSD.RETRO

These seem to get pricey pretty quick though.

One other option is to upgrade or replace the factory fog lights. KD Fabworks makes a few different brackets to either install light bars or LED cubes in the fog light section of the bumper. Take a look: 99.5-04 Super Duty

You can wire these separate or to the factory fog light circuit. There is also a trick to get the fogs to stay on with the high beams. Take a look here: S&S Diversified

 

i definitley suggest the 05-07 style headlamp. i dont recommend anything from spyder as I currently have halo projectors for them and they are awful. I bought them brand new and ive had lots of things wrong with them. the drivers side low beam bulb has already gone out and ive only had these since november, the halos are very dim(doesnt matter to me i hate the halo look) and the light dispertion is terrible. im upgrading to harley 05-07 style headlights once i get the extra cash.

 

Bentley, the picture of the one replaced light in the box, does not look to be the same as those installed in your next picture.

My 99 has those fluted lights, as are in the box, and I ordered the Depo brand oem replacement , for the 02-04 .
Those appear to be what you have installed .
So how is the light output in comparisons?
Or is that the results in your "installed" photo ?

 

This is the photo I was thinking of..... Its from All Out Industries. He is Whiteout FX4 on this website. Here is his build thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...iat-build.html

Any way, here is the comparison and the product link:



05-07 F250/F350 Prebuilt w/Mini H1 Projectors | All Out Industries

 

If you have any questions about the headlights that we carry I can help you out. We offer a lifetime warranty on our headlights, and also free shipping on all orders in the lower 48 states.

Tony

 

A tip for everyone that is changing their headlights.
Remove the header panel.
Takes less than an hour from start to finish, may take some longer.
I did not take pictures, but will break down the steps here.
This will be for the 99-07

(1) remove turn signal/corner lamps, 2 Phillips screws between bumper and lenses.
There are locating pins that hold it the rest of the way in, you will need to pull out firmly , and they will release.
Disconnect the lamps by turning them , and releasing from housing.

(2) open the hood, remove the screws at the top of the grill.
Again these are Phillips, and there are 4 .Release the Christmas trees holding the radiator to grill cover. Remove them at the radiator, where the Jack handle stuff stores, rather than header, it is a lot easier
Look between the top of the bumper, and bottom of grill, you will see the 4 tabs that hold the grill in at the bottom, I used a trim tool, a flat blade screw driver may work also.
Push up on the bottom part of the tab , while gently pulling out , times 4.

(3) unplug your headlight , just pull on the harness, they will come off.

(4) there are a total of 10 , 8MM bolts to remove.
8 for the header, and the other 2 are the condenser mounts .
All it the 2 , one each side , behind the lamp can be reached with an extension and ratchet or impact gun.
The other 2 need a ratcheting wrench .

(5) with a trim tool you will need to release 7 Christmas trees holding the shrouding that directs air thru the radiator.

(6) fish the turn signal marker lights under the header panel, there is a trim plastic piece their, slide it out and drop the harness down.

(7) lift the header out, and lay it on a set of saw horses or similar set up.

(8) on the back of the header, the lights are held in with 2 u shaped clips on 2 , and the 3rd is a 2 pronged tab.
The clips are a little tricky, they have fingers that click I to slots and you have to pry them out while you pull or pry up on the clip.
Sounds hard , it is not .
The tap just compress the 2 sides and drop the light out .


Reverse to reinstall.
Some might need to loosen the bumper and drop it down a bit to get the grill out, I have mine spaced out a bit to clear the tires.

Good luck .