Hi all !

I am new here and don't even own a Ford truck but I found you guys with google when I asked for "Ford Trucks forum".

Reason why I am here is for my Dad, 64, retired, doesn't like computers but needs help with his ride.

He owns a 2005 E-150 Chateau (yup... a van not a pickup) he uses to go camping and for general use as his only car.

He came up to me this weekend and asked me if there was anything to do to improve the lighting when driving at night.

I immediately suggested replacing the regular halogen 9007 bulbs with SilverStars but then went out to have a look at the actual headlamp assemblies.

Although they use the halogen bulbs in them, they are the old "ripple glass" design which is not as good as the newer technology of projector headlamps as used in my ride (ptCRUISER).

My question is this:
Is there a headlamp assembly replacement that would yield more light on the road ahead than the old headlamp design on his truck ?
Say like an option that he might have missed when he bought the truck last year.

If not, short of going for HID lighting, is there anything besides adding auxiliary projectors that would help much ?

Any and all help is appreciated because I don't know much about Ford trucks and I want to make sure he and Mom are safe on the road at night.

Thanks.

 

This group is for 2004 -2007 F150's, ya may get better response by moving this over to a different forum

 

Done. Good bye



And be kind to silver pt Cruisers

 

i'd think you could just replace the bulbs with higher powered ones, no?

stock bulbs are probably ~55/80 watts (lo/hi).
try some aftermarket 80/100's (or whatever will fit)...

 

96f150, I think you got lost on your way to the truck forum, this IS the van forum....

 

QCRoman, they make higher wattage 9007 bulbs. Standard wattage is 55 low/65 high. You can get 80 low/100 high bulbs, they may help a bit. I tried a set of those projector-type headlamp assemblies on my S10, and they were worse than stock! You can get a projector-type replacement for the Ford van's headlamps, they may be a little better. You may be better off getting a set of these driving lights, I got a set and mounted them in the slots on the plastic guard in my bumper, I have a 2004 E350 van.

 

I have same dimness problem in my 1986 E350. They seem to be pretty high and far out in front and point far off to the right. Grrr.

There isn't any "bright" setting on them either. Is there an upgrade kit for that sort of thing?

 

There are adjusting screws on the sides and tops of those headlights, they are accessed from the front of the van, straight in next to the headlight trim ring. Or you could get a set of these projector headlight replacements

 

I just replaced my headlights with a pair from Wal-Mart, all I know is they were in a blue box. This is the third set of lights Ive had on my van and they are by far the brightest.

I also adjusted them a little because the lights were kinda pointing down, so I lifted them up and leveled them. Whatever you but there will be instructions on how to adjust your headlights with the screws on the top and the side.

 

You may be surprised at how well the "rippled glass" type lenses can perform once they have some decent performing bulbs behind them. I actually prefer them over the "diamond " style (clear lens) lights as they have a softer cut-off. It's a more gradual fading of light instead of; BOOM, can't see beyond 'this' point. No "edge of the world" effect.

I would suggest either the Sylvania "Xtravisions" or the GE Nighthawks over the Silverstars. I've done a lot of playing with each, the clear bubs (xtravision & nighthawk) out-perform the Silverstars hands down, especially in the wet. Just as bright (if not brighter), but with no "magic" blue coating to cut down on the light spectrum. Cheaper and longer lasting too...

After that, look around for an upgraded headlight harness. It can make a bigger difference than you would expect. Even just a little more voltage to the bulbs can significantly increase their ouput. You can either build or buy a completed version, easy to install. https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Brights.html

http://www.blackclouddiesel.com/Ford/Ourfordstuff/lighting.htm

http://www.gosperformance.com/inc/sdetail/1983

The 'gos' site says up tp '04, I see no reason why it wouldn't work on an '05 though...

You can do both for ~$60.

It seems most of the headlights changes you can (to the clear lens) do are mainly for looks anyway. Don't expect the aftermarket housings others have mentioned above to be very good in either light distribution or build quality.

It's also possible to go to the H6054 sealed-beam type lamps, you'd have different options available for the housing. The kind you see on the work van version. There are some nicely designed glass lenses available for that style. I would hold off on this until the first 2 steps have been done though, it's a bit more involved.

I've done them (bulb and harness upgrade) to several vehicles, including my Dad's E150. Everyone has been very pleased with them. I actually hit my first and only deer in that van so I hear you loud and clear. The problem isn't the beam pattern per se, it's actually quite good if aimed properly and with the above mods. It's just spread too thin when stock.

Stay away from HID retrofits, especially in the "rippled glass" style lamps. Way too much scatter if they weren't originally designed for them.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

 

Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Vehicles didn't HAVE the headlight "BRIGHT" switches on the column.... yours is on the floor, behind the Ebrake pedal assembly, above where your left foot would normally rest... just tap it down with the toe of your shoe til it clicks and it will switch between HI and LOW beams. And I concur, you also need to adjust them if they are pointing far to the right. Some old-tiimers adjust theirs that way to (1.) keep an eye out for Derr/Dogs at night and (2.) To do so without blinding oncoming cars on skinny two-lane roads.
Good luck,
Tom

 

So THAT'S what that little round silver thing is!
I would have never tapped it.
Thanks Tom.
Actually it makes sense to be down by your left foot, seeing as I'm one of those drivers who often acidentally turns on the brights when trying to signal a left turn or something.
As for the lights shining off to the right...I really don't think anyone has to worry about being blinded by the nightlights it's got.

 

There was a "fix" for problematic headlights that later became part of the vehicle developement in later years; To wire in a relay from the battery directly to the headlamps with the headlight "switch" being the trigger for the relay. Might check into either doing that or having someone do it for ya. Good luck with it!
Tom

 

Wow, that shows how different people think. I would never have NOT tapped it once i found it. Whenever I get a new vehicle, gadget, toy..., I HAVE to try out all the the buttons/functions/features right away. This especially applies when I don't have a manual available.

 

i just upgraded my sealed beam headlights to Hella erou spec 200mm H4 headlights.... the difference is simply amazing even using stock wattage bulbs!



Frank