Upgraded headlight question
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 227
Likes: 2
Upgraded headlight question
I've searched a bit and found on summit racings sight there are retrofit headlights that look oem but uses an h4 bulb (I believe it was) and also there are led lights. There are many that look oem but with upgraded light output (which is what I'm after) and there are also halo style and some other funky looking lights that to me just don't go with these older trucks. Anyone use any of these and care to share how you like em?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 4
I've searched a bit and found on summit racings sight there are retrofit headlights that look oem but uses an h4 bulb (I believe it was) and also there are led lights. There are many that look oem but with upgraded light output (which is what I'm after) and there are also halo style and some other funky looking lights that to me just don't go with these older trucks. Anyone use any of these and care to share how you like em?
I think they are about 30 percent brighter and agree with factory assessment. The light is also whiter... BUT.. they are hot and require the upgraded harness. They are very nice looking and its obvious an upgrade has been made.. the lens is all crystal glass. You have to be careful handling them ...they are fragile
They were a tight fit with the supplied rubber waterproofing ring that covers the back of the plug. I opened up my headlight bucket with a die grinder and they fit perfectly now
Vision X VX-7RD - 7" Sealed Beam Replacement - Headlights
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
THe heat generated by H4 lamps can be a good thing if you live in an area where snow accumulates because they will melt off the snow.
LEDs are typically too cool to do that. However, there are LED headlamps that now have a heating circuit...... and of course they cost more.
LEDs are typically too cool to do that. However, there are LED headlamps that now have a heating circuit...... and of course they cost more.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 920
Likes: 20
From: Malheur Co. OR
If the LED headlights are anything like my Streamlight Strion, the electronics for the COB LED put off a fair amount of heat which may transfer help keep some snow off the lens. Trucklite 7 inch round lights are available with an automatic heat grid but not the 5x7s yet. I want a set for my '78 and my Tacoma. GE, Sylvania, JW Speaker, and Trucklite make solid state lights. Another lower cost option might be to use the H4 housings with LED retrofit bulbs. Mixed reviews on those though.
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,457
Likes: 2,938
From: Reed Point, MT
I have the Trucklite round LED assemblies in my '73. I initially purchased the rectangular ones for my '00 SuperDuty and was so impressed that I sprung for the second set. The light output is simply amazing: A nice crisp white beam pattern that spreads across the road really well and throws an even amount of light way down the road.....all with an amazing cut-off on the low beams as to not blind oncoming traffic. Also, the current draw is barely seven amps with all four elements on (the low beams stay on in high).
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
I used the LMC H4 kit. Huge improvement. Lights are better than my DD's.
The relay setup is just as important as the lamps. It gets more voltage to the lights plus greatly reduces load on the dash switch.
On mine ('78 with single round lights) I had to make the hole bigger in the headlight bucket to fit the H4's. I used an air nibbler though a steady hand with a jig saw would do it as well. The LMC harness plugs into the OE. You do need to fit a power feed. I used 10 gauge wire from the starter solenoid plus a 30A breaker from the AP store.
The relay setup is just as important as the lamps. It gets more voltage to the lights plus greatly reduces load on the dash switch.
On mine ('78 with single round lights) I had to make the hole bigger in the headlight bucket to fit the H4's. I used an air nibbler though a steady hand with a jig saw would do it as well. The LMC harness plugs into the OE. You do need to fit a power feed. I used 10 gauge wire from the starter solenoid plus a 30A breaker from the AP store.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blk450er
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Aug 23, 2016 03:07 PM
WA_PSD
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
33
Feb 12, 2012 12:22 AM
heathdaily
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jan 17, 2003 09:50 AM