Is it possible/reasonable to change the Driver's side headlight bulb out without removing the assembly? If it does need to be removed I might as well replace the headlights with the 05-07 style....but I think I would rather buff out and 2k clearcoat the originals. Not sure why no one here has any interest in doing that but would rather chance aftermarket assemblies in the name of looks on a vehicle where replacement seems to be above average in difficulty.

Seems a bit strange to me.

Thanks.

 

I'm sure the experts will explain better than I, but I picked up some high end LED bulbs for my '01 7.3 Ex and quickly found out the assemblies themselves aren't (supposed to be) serviceable and need to be replaced with an aftermarket option instead. At the time I couldn't believe it either, and I haven't gotten around to try to force it to work (worst case is I'll buy replacements).

Somebody will surely explain it better than I can, or maybe someone has managed to make something work for replacement bulbs?

 

Thanks for taking the time to post. Can you better explain what you mean?

 

Yes. Very easy, the bulb is held in by a retainer collar that is accessible between rad support and driver battery. Loosen and the bulb comes out to take off the pigtail and replace.

 

And if that doesn't work out.... (2) retainer clips on top that hold the fixture in place. Needle Nose pliers and a pick to spread the clip out... takes 5 minutes or so. If you loose a clip, most all parts stores have them.

 

Here's what I did...

My Excursion is a 2001. I installed 2004 headlights, kept the amber marker lights. The 2004 are a clear lens and a pretty good reflector. Here's your part numbers
* Headlight drivers side - 2C3Z-13008-AB
* Headlight passenger side - 2C3Z-13008-AA
I even bought an extra pair when I noticed how reasonably priced they were at Rock Auto.

Yes they are aftermarket, HOWEVER they are CAPA certified. If you're curious about what CAPA certification is, look it up. I've had these for 4 years now. The 2000-20003 lenses are crap, simply put. Then I went to DDM Tuning and purchased a 55 watt HID kit. I have light for days, and no I don't blind people. I chose the single filament since having duals for brights is unnecessary. Oh, and they have a lifetime warranty. Good stuff!

Regarding the lenses turning yellow, I polished my lenses over a year ago and covered them with clear vinyl from Invisiblemask.com . I think it's just 3M clear vinyl but it's cut and easy to install. My headlights look like new after over a year and I expect them to retain that clarity for a few years to come. If you look closely, you can see the yellowed edge around the face of the headlight.
https://www.invisiblemask.com/imask/...oduct_id=35724

The driving lights are from Rigid. They do a nice job, I guess but they aren't HID and no LED can compare to the light beam or color of HID's. I try to stay with a 6000k color temperature.

 

Bulbs are BeamTech. The lens/light housing I got from 1AAuto. The lens has less grooves so the light has less restrictions. Very much an improvement!

 

Looks great. I suspect that the 2002 and 2004 headlights are exactly the same though. I believe that it is either a 2 piece unit or a 1 piece unit from 2005+. A search on RockAuto confirmed this. I am familiar with CAPA certification and I have the same Rigid fogs on my Tribeca actually. Are you sure that there is a delta between the 03 and 04 lenses?

I am still tempted to sand and clear my 2K clear lenses and fogs since I have a can laying around. If headlight removal was easier replacement would be a no brainer. I am actually an LED fan over HID. I have always had excellent results with LEDs over HIDs and like not having to run ballasts....but sometimes get stuck with resistor packs so it's about the same in the end

I'd like to work with 9007 bulbs and factory adjusters as opposed to the 2005+ lights. If I am putting aftermarket bulbs in I gotta be doggone sure that adjustment is going to be as easy as possible.

 

Here's another fan of the 03+ clear headlight lenses with the LED plug in bulbs. The lenses on the Excursion are about 8 years old and this was one of the best things I've done to our trucks. I did the 05 style in my F350 and think the Excursion has the best light running down the road, but that may be a 2wd versus 4wd thing. I can't remember for sure, but were the 99-03 headlight lenses glass instead of plastic?

 

They were plastic not glass. I wish they were glass so they would stay clear but then there is the worry about rocks.

I still don't see any evidence that an 03+ headlight (not to be confused with the Orange running light) is any more clear than an 02.

 

If your head light lenses look like the ones posted above...clear versus diffused...then they are the same so you can just update the bulbs to LED. I would also look at the wiring coming into the sockets, as it was too small from the factory. I replaced them on the wife's Excursion and no worries given the LED bulbs don't draw as much power through them.

 

Thanks for that. I am going to upload a picture in a minute here so you can tell me. My eyes aren't the best. You are right about the lower draw with LED(s). Can't stand how snow doesn't get melted during a snow storm due to lack of heat.

That is a real safety issue.

 

Is this the 2003 plus headlamp assembly on my 02?

Thanks

 

Yes, but given the clear lower running light lens, I'm thinking they are aftermarkets...

 

You might be right but I think that the change actually went down in 2002 not 2003 from reading around here previously. I appreciate you taking a peek. I will look at the lenses closely to see if I can gather a part number too!