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Hey All, I've done a ton of research at FTE and on the Innerweb about replacement options for my yellowed, dim 2001 composite headlights starting with posts from over 15 years ago. Compounding things is the ever evolving technology and product offerings. My initial research has narrowed things down ... now I'm suffering from being overwhelmed and maybe analysis paralysis. I do mostly city (50%) and highway (40%) with some back roads (10%) driving when carrying our slide-in truck camper and pulling our enclosed cargo trailer to and from developed campsites. I have fog lights when needed and don't need additional lighting capability beyond that.
I think I know what I want ... I just don't know if it exists and that's where I need help. For me, this is mostly a functional/performance upgrade so cosmetic looks are secondary to better nighttime visibility. I know my choices span everything from polishing up my existing lenses (done that) and putting in brighter bulbs (done that too) ... all the way through to ... installing a very expensive HID projector beam lighting system (not going to happen). Neither solution on the ends of this spectrum is the one I want.
I'm about balancing cost with value which means not being a cheapo but not going crazy budget-wise either. Let's start with what I don't want including:
Having to spend a fortune (i.e. Recon products are nice but too pricey for me);
HID lights with ballasts etc.
Having to cut my grill or plastic header to make '05-07 units fit (I admit they do like nice);
Again function over form is the guideline here.
I like vintage looking things and am OK with keeping the bottom amber turn and marker unit. That wouldn't bother me at all. That would mean only replacing the upper headlight unit. Having said that, I'm also OK replacing everything if the right solution presents itself. Ideally what I want is:
Must be safe (not blinding or tiring) for oncoming drivers or me;
Clear lens (not smoked or blackened);
Prefer a warmish yellow over a cool blue light (I do a lot of nighttime driving);
Nothing too "trendy" or StarTrek looking;
A plug and play direct fit unit;
No messing with additional wiring (like ballasts etc.);
If possible - either a LED unit or one that you can use a good aftermarket LED bulb with it with no issues (i.e. diffusion, glare or focusing issues etc.).
I like the functionality and brightness of the Truck-Lites #27450C that Colorado350 installed (see link below) but I'm not crazy about the dark bezel, sealed beam/XL look. (I do have the Lariat trim and somehow these Truck-Lites just don't do much for me look wise). However, I do like the way they really light things up as demonstrated by Silverhks later in that same thread.
In YouTube video below by Primal Outdoors, I really like the simplicity of his Headlight Depot brand solution. He replaced both pieces of his composite headlights. As previously mentioned, I only really need to replace the upper headlight unit but am willing to upgrade both top and bottom if they only come as a set. His solution is not LEDs out of the box from Headlight Depot but I am assuming I could install a good LED bulb in this headlight unit and achieve the same thing.
Here's what I did to my truck for some clear lenses and brighter bulbs. I'm happy with them and they are a direct replacement. I replaced the turn signal bulb with a amber one since the lens was clear. I also painted the grill and lower plastic black to go with the white/black theme of the truck.
Here's what I did to my truck for some clear lenses and brighter bulbs. I'm happy with them and they are a direct replacement. I replaced the turn signal bulb with a amber one since the lens was clear. I also painted the grill and lower plastic black to go with the white/black theme of the truck.
Crusty, thanks for posting up your thoughts and pic of your rig (looks nice). Are you happy with the increase in night time visibility? I guess this is my #1 concern. Also, have you upgraded the bulbs in your fog lamps at all?
IMO upgrade the HL assembly with new clear ones like in the video and put LED's in it. I have the same light assembly as being installed in the video. I used
LED's and they are plug and play, have a good cutoff in those lenses because they are designed for them, don't blind anyone when setup correctly and greatly increased my night time visibility. The one thing I did need to do was change the bulb retention ring to a smaller one. The factory ones were too thick for the LED's and would have needed to be cut to work properly with them.
are the retainers I used.
The only downside to this is that the light is not going to be a soft white (yellow) like you say you are after. I may be mistaken but I don't think you will find that with LED's because the color of the light IMO is one of the reasons for their performance increase over stock bulbs. I'm really happy with them and the light isn't harsh or too blue spectrum at all. Just do it and don't over think it. You will be glad you did. For the minimal money and effort it is one of the better upgrades I think someone can make.
... snipped ... IMO upgrade the HL assembly (from HeadlightsDepot.com) with new clear ones like in the video and put LED's in it. I have the same light assembly as being installed in the video. I used these LED's and they are plug and play, have a good cutoff in those lenses because they are designed for them, don't blind anyone when setup correctly and greatly increased my night time visibility. The one thing I did need to do was change the bulb retention ring to a smaller one. The factory ones were too thick for the LED's and would have needed to be cut to work properly with them. These are the retainers I used.
Bosifus, thanks for posting your experience, solution and product links. On the LED bulb, is there an Allen nut that can be used to rotate and change the orientation of the LED filaments? From what I've read and understood, this is the key to proper aiming of these bulbs/headlights. Did you have to do that or were they true "plug 'n play"? On one of the other sites I researched, I read you can trim down the OEM mounting ring to make it work. I guess I'd have to look at that more closely when dismantled but I like your simple, no fuss "buy a new retaining collar" solution too.
sunuvabug,
I have not done anything with the fog lights as of yet. But it's on my list.
I have driven both in dark streets with no street lights and on some back roads at night. I'm very happy with the lights over what the old ones were. The xtreme bulbs are a lot brighter, but do not cause issues with on coming traffic.
On a couple of different websites including the XenonPro site, they talk about "Warning Canceler / Anti-Flicker devices. (See below)
Warning Canceller / Anti-Flicker [Important Note]
This accessory removes the dash warning lights as well as headlight flickering warning.
Warning canceller is required on the following vehicle manufacturers:
Acura , Audi , BMW , Cadillac , Chevrolet , Chrysler , Dodge , Ford , GMC , Honda , Infiniti , Jeep , Lexus , Mercedes , Mini , Mitsubishi , RAM , Volkswagen , Volvo
If your vehicle make is listed above, a warning canceler MUST BE ADDED to your order. If you fail to include this accessory to your order, the LED headlight bulbs will not install properly.
Since I don't think I have this warning signal light in my truck, I'm guessing I can safely ignore this message and not order the device for an extra $X.
Bosifus, thanks for posting your experience, solution and product links. On the LED bulb, is there an Allen nut that can be used to rotate and change the orientation of the LED filaments? From what I've read and understood, this is the key to proper aiming of these bulbs/headlights. Did you have to do that or were they true "plug 'n play"? On one of the other sites I researched, I read you can trim down the OEM mounting ring to make it work. I guess I'd have to look at that more closely when dismantled but I like your simple, no fuss "buy a new retaining collar" solution too.
Yes the set screw is in these and in my case they were correct out of the box but I can imagine given how these are assembled that they could be reversed from the factory. One look at them in proper orientation to the HL socket will tell you when you get them though. I have trimmed the collars for another set of LED's I put into my F150 years back and for how inexpensive the new ones were I figured I would go that route versus in my case dealing with 15 year old brittle plastic with the potential to put my project on hold if it broke mid process.
Whatever route you go I know you will be pleased, it's an upgrade that is well worth the time and trouble to see well at night.
Here's what I did to my truck for some clear lenses and brighter bulbs. I'm happy with them and they are a direct replacement. I replaced the turn signal bulb with a amber one since the lens was clear. I also painted the grill and lower plastic black to go with the white/black theme of the truck.
Let us know how long those 80W Hella bulbs last. Those will emit considerably more heat than a standard 9007 bulb so I am curious if they last more than six months.
I am not knocking your decision but honestly curious about their lifespan in a street vehicle.
Let us know how long those 80W Hella bulbs last. Those will emit considerably more heat than a standard 9007 bulb so I am curious if they last more than six months.
I am not knocking your decision but honestly curious about their lifespan in a street vehicle.
-- Dave
Yes, time will tell. At 1/3 the price, I'd be happy if they only last 1/3 the life expectancy for the improved light output. I can try to remember to report back when they do go.
I have a chance to pick up a 2 complete sets of 2002 OEM composite aero F250 headlight assemblies. In the blurry on-line pic , they look smooth (not fluted like my 2001's) and they look clear. Assuming they aren't damaged, would these be worth buying, cleaning/buffing up and would they be better than an after market clear pair like the ones cited above from Rock Auto??
Good thread, I own a 2002 F350 and a 2007 F350. The 2002 does not shine the light so much at night, when compared to my 2007.
After reading this thread- I am leaning towards simply buying brand new 05-07 OEM lights (about $260 for the pair), and installing a new header, and of course the adapter plugs. Read many of the reviews on Amazon on the aftermarkets and all of them have more than their fair share of poor reviews.
I don't want to take an unnecessary risk with aftermarket headlights.
I have a chance to pick up a 2 complete sets of 2002 OEM composite aero F250 headlight assemblies. In the blurry on-line pic , they look smooth (not fluted like my 2001's) and they look clear. Assuming they aren't damaged, would these be worth buying, cleaning/buffing up and would they be better than an after market clear pair like the ones cited above from Rock Auto??
I had an 04 F250 with OEM aero lenses that ended up fading on me over the years. I tried a buffing kit and though it improved a little, I was not completely satisfied with the end result. I had heard here (theres some threads if you care to search to confirm) Eagle Eyes were the favored aftermarket brand that resembled OEM quality and those threads said Rock Auto carried them. I took the plunge on the "various manufacture" pieces and Eagle Eyes are what Rock Auto sent me. I consider myself lucky if RA is distributing other brands under the same purchase selection. I cannot tell my Eagle Eyes apart from the 04 OEM housings I had when they were brand new. I put a bead of silicone around the seams just for added protection from leaks. I've had them 3 years now in Texas heat (not garaged-kept) and they look just as the day I installed them. When they do eventually fade, I'll purchase another pair rather than mess with buffing again for as cheap as they are. I've also replaced my fog housings and received TYC brand from RA. These have also held up well over 2 years so far and look OEM still.
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