upgrade headlight bulbs
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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upgrade headlight bulbs
I'm thinking of upgrading my headlamp bulbs on my '97 F-150 to 80/100watt bulbs. Can the stock wiring take the extra amperage or do I need to upgrade that as well? And what about the plastic lens? Will it take the additional heat?
Thanks,
Roy in Mission, B.C.
Thanks,
Roy in Mission, B.C.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
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From: Texas
Aside from being illegal, yes you will burn up the stock connectors. It's happened a lot with the APC bulbs. There are "heavy duty" connectors that can handle higher wattage bulbs, but I wouldn't risk screwing up my truck's electrical system but cutting and splicing things. Even though the "heavy duty" connectors can handle higher watts, the oem wiring wasn't made to do so.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 285
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From: Maryland
Hi,
I have seen a number of posts where folks have reported significantly better lighting by installing Sylvania Silverstar bulb replacements. They are made for the stock wattage etc. and simply replace the existing bulbs. You might want to give those a try.
If you do, please report back on your experience.
Chip
I have seen a number of posts where folks have reported significantly better lighting by installing Sylvania Silverstar bulb replacements. They are made for the stock wattage etc. and simply replace the existing bulbs. You might want to give those a try.
If you do, please report back on your experience.
Chip
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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I think the smartest, and in the long run, cheapest (don't have to replace melted components) move would be to buy a seperate set of good driving lights. Gives you the flexibility to use the stock headlights around town, and around your local friendly law enforcement types.
Sylvania SilverStars offer a decent improvement, and appear to be long lasting. Have had a set in my '99 Expy for two years without bulb burnout or component meltdown.
Sylvania SilverStars offer a decent improvement, and appear to be long lasting. Have had a set in my '99 Expy for two years without bulb burnout or component meltdown.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
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From: SW Ontario
I got Silverstars in my truck. It was worth the cash IMO. I drive a lot of rural roads at night and I can see farther down the road and more towards the road sides (great for seeing deer, before the jump out infront). The light is also "whiter", there is no yellowing/ hazy background (everything is crisp).
If your thinking of spending some $$, look into Sylvania HID's.
If your thinking of spending some $$, look into Sylvania HID's.
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I put Xenon bulbs in mine, no problems and better lighting. The halogen/Xenon gas allows the filament to burn brighter and the stock plastic and wiring isn't over taxed.
I drive a lot on 2 lane highways here in N. Illinois and have noticed a good improvement at night.
CAUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many bulbs come in a plastic case with a mirror-like backing. Looks sharp, will burn yur truck down!!!!!!!!! I had one of these packages sitting on the seat passenger side, and the afternoon sun hitting it started two pieces of paper smoldering, and I now have a burn on my seat, in an otherwise perfect interior. I may have lost my truck but I left work and saw it as the paper was still in a smolder rather than flames. I posted about this in my chapter thread, but want you to have a heads up concerning this!!!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=294176
I drive a lot on 2 lane highways here in N. Illinois and have noticed a good improvement at night.
CAUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many bulbs come in a plastic case with a mirror-like backing. Looks sharp, will burn yur truck down!!!!!!!!! I had one of these packages sitting on the seat passenger side, and the afternoon sun hitting it started two pieces of paper smoldering, and I now have a burn on my seat, in an otherwise perfect interior. I may have lost my truck but I left work and saw it as the paper was still in a smolder rather than flames. I posted about this in my chapter thread, but want you to have a heads up concerning this!!!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=294176
Last edited by bDavidb; Oct 26, 2004 at 11:23 AM. Reason: addendum
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Home
I have streetglow HIDs that are 100/80w and they make everything so white and bright, and are still legal, checked em out. They were only
$20 and make a world of difference at night. Just swapped the bulbs out.
$20 and make a world of difference at night. Just swapped the bulbs out.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
if you swap for a higher voltage you will burn up the harnesses. If you want to put in an aftermarket harness or whatever then that is up to you, but putting xenon charged bulbs in a stock harness is going to melt the harness.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Xenon bulbs are just halogens with Xenon gas added, they are safe for stock harness and lenses. The Xenon allows the filement to burn brighter but doesn't melt everything down like HID's added into a stock system would.