My headlights suck!
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From: Media PA
For '05 the headlights were completely new with a different design, most folks who have used prior model light housings and the '05-'07 versions seem to like the newer ones better. My experiences with Super Duties (and EXs) are divided between the earlier base model fronts with the sealed beams (Fire Dept didn't buy fancy SD trucks
) and the '05 style headlights, I like the '05s better.
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From: Central Tx.
For '05 the headlights were completely new with a different design, most folks who have used prior model light housings and the '05-'07 versions seem to like the newer ones better. My experiences with Super Duties (and EXs) are divided between the earlier base model fronts with the sealed beams (Fire Dept didn't buy fancy SD trucks ) and the '05 style headlights, I like the '05s better.
) and the '05 style headlights, I like the '05s better.
ARE your 05 lens different than a 03's
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^^^^see what I did there^^^^
They are better in my opinion. I did wire a relationship in our old 04 Denali to keep both lows and highs on. That is a great reminder if how much better the light output was.
Joe
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The 05 grill, bumper, and header are different too.
AND, that little light that tells you your in tow haul mode is not on the end of the transmission selector on the '05, the light is in the instrument cluster.
That is all I can think of off hand.
AND, that little light that tells you your in tow haul mode is not on the end of the transmission selector on the '05, the light is in the instrument cluster.
That is all I can think of off hand.
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From: Media PA
Yep, yep and yep.
Hey Joe, not all of us are so fortunate to have that fancy "Tow Haul" option, some us are stuck with the humble "OD Off" button and light on the shifter stalk.
The poor gassers never got that sweet 5R110 trans.
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WELL, news to me 
THANKS
Did not know of the front make over in 05...I'm looking for a set of lens for my 00 is why I was so curious, EVEN THOUGH a 03-04 would be a vast improvement I now know to hunt for 05s
THANKS Did not know of the front make over in 05...I'm looking for a set of lens for my 00 is why I was so curious, EVEN THOUGH a 03-04 would be a vast improvement I now know to hunt for 05s
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From: Media PA
To install '05 headlights in the earlier trucks you need to do some trimming on the fiberglass header panel to get them to fit. Or replace the header panel with an '05 one ($100-ish).
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I didn't read through this whole thread, but I have an 03 with aftermarket (ebay) 2-piece headlights, and "upgraded" Silverstar halogen bulbs.
IT SUCKS BEYOND BELIEF. Using halogens, the reflector design and quality plays a big part in light output I think. I had Silverstars in my old 08 Caravan, and they helped LOTS, but those headlights had a very well designed reflector IMO.
I am keeping my eye open for some 05+ stock headlights, then down the road probably going to get some quality retrofit projectors, from FXR or Morimoto or someone like that. Have seen some aftermarket projector headlights, and wasn't too impressed with them.
Just my 2c, good luck
IT SUCKS BEYOND BELIEF. Using halogens, the reflector design and quality plays a big part in light output I think. I had Silverstars in my old 08 Caravan, and they helped LOTS, but those headlights had a very well designed reflector IMO.
I am keeping my eye open for some 05+ stock headlights, then down the road probably going to get some quality retrofit projectors, from FXR or Morimoto or someone like that. Have seen some aftermarket projector headlights, and wasn't too impressed with them.
Just my 2c, good luck
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Not to go too far off the path of the original post, but from reading experiences here, there tends to be pretty good quality differences in the replacement headers.
I read the one RiffRaff sells is pretty cherry for fitting properly.
I read the one RiffRaff sells is pretty cherry for fitting properly.
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From: Central Tx.
I have procured (1) 02 some time ago. I think I'll pop it in someday & see how I like it.
OK just looked up pics to see the 05 Front end, Obviously VERY DIFFERENT
I have not been paying much attention apparently
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From: Northern California
like headlamps, header panels ( and other body parts ) come in varying grades of fit and finish quality. look for CAPA certified parts of you want your replacement body parts to fit like the OEM stuff does. ( CAPA certified parts are what body shops doing insurance work will use if OEM is not available )
example on the header panel from rockauto.com
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Salem, VA
Thanks Pirate! I never knew what the CAPA parts were and always kind of wondered about it You learn something new every day!!! Stupid rep system says it's not time for you yet.... grumble grumble...
You learn something new every day!!! Stupid rep system says it's not time for you yet.... grumble grumble...
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Stewart
