I have a 1999 f350 CC and the headlights suck....

I am considering several options.

1. Purchasing the 04 headlights from http://www.karkraft.com/f-series_parts.htm

2. Converting the headlights to the sealed beam XL setup and putting Hella replacement H4 conversions in there. I have a 1956 street Rod GMC truck with 7" round Hella lights with 80/100 in them and I almost never have to turn on the brights. The cut off with the Hella lights is excellent and I never get flashed.

****Has anyone done this conversion to the 200mm lamps on the F250/f350 and does anyone know the part numbers that I need?

The only problem with the 200mm sealed beam conversion is that I am not sure that I like the look. It will give me a true European reflector and the headlight will be real glass so that it will not yellow with time.

I am going to upgrade the wiring harness. I am undecided as to what to do with the headlights as I hate to spend $179 on option #1 and $35 on upgraded bulbs and not be happy with the light. At the same time I am afraid of not being happy with the look of option #2.

I have looked at the APCs and the quality is not there. Some people have gotten a good set, but some have problems with the beam pattern.

If I could get some opinions and some part numbers it may help me to decide.

Thank you,

David

 

I bought some OEM '03-'04 lights off EBAY. Really nice looking and when I used the Sylvinia(sp?) Silverstar bulbs there was a vast improvement over the old OEMs.
You could upgrade the factory harness and go with a higher wattage bulb in the newer housing.
There are several options, how much are you willing to spend??

 

I will spend whatever it takes. I believe good headlights are a safety issue like good tires and brakes. I don't want to go as far as HID as that is a little extreme for me.

I can get the Ford 03/04 parts listen in my option #1 (above) for $180 for a set.

I will either purchase the suv lighting's wire harness or make one myself.

I wish there was someone in the Sacramento area that had the 03/04 lights with the upgraded harness and bulbs.

Lighthing is very subjective. For some the stock lighting may be good.

Thanks,

David

 

no doubt, i have / had a 96 s10. i think it had the worst lights ever produced. my 02 f250 is LOTS brighter

 

I also purchased 04 headlights on EBay and included superbright lightbulbs for $185. The only mod out of all that my wife said to go get.

 

99PSDCREW...did changing from the stock 99 headlights to the 03/04 version make a dramatic difference?

Thanks,

David

 

do the sylvania silverstar bulbs make that much of a difference?? I tried a cheaper(can't remeber the name brand) at wal-mart for 16.85 and they looked just like the stockers so I took them back. They were supposed to be super-white. I think I will try the silverstars next time.

 

"77hiboyboy....do the sylvania silverstar bulbs make that much of a difference?? I tried a cheaper(can't remeber the name brand) at wal-mart for 16.85 and they looked just like the stockers so I took them back. They were supposed to be super-white. I think I will try the silverstars next time."

You should upgrade your headlight wiring harness as it may make as much difference as the new bulbs. The stock harness is just too long and is made of too small of wire.

David

 

somebody make an aftermarket harness?? Or do I have to make my own?

 

suvlights.com (add the www.)

 

They are better, but not by a huge amount... If you want more high-beam light to reach down the road you will need to go with an additional set of aftermarket driving lights.

I went with 110w PIAAs and have pics in my gallery. They are bright...

Edmo

 

The difference is night and day for looks; with a good set of 9007 Silverstars it's even better. Money well spend not havbing those fugly old headlights

 

Yes, I do like the look of the 03/04 headlights, but improving light quality is the first priority. I would love to hear from someone how had Hella lights in their xl package. If they are anything like the 7" round ones I have, that would be great. I am also worried that the 03/04 will yellow like so many other plastic lights.

Thanks,

David

 

I have a '99 that I hated the light output on. I didn't like any of the options at the time. Go to this page http://www.4apc.net/home.htm and find PN 403622HL. I added these to my truck and the light output improved. It comes with a wiring harness to separate the low beams from the high beams. It also give you a set of fog lights if you don't have another set already on the truck.

I like them. JM2CW.


p.s. I don't have a current picture available, but will take one and email if somebody wants it, after I give my truck a bath.

 

Silverstars are a good & cheap upgrade!