I figured that this question would get the most exposure and opinions if I posted it here rather than on the "Aftermarket Products" page - so here goes:

What do you guys and gals think of the new "brighter" replacement bulbs for the headlights? What kind would you suggest and what kind would you stay away from? I assume that they draw more amperage than the stock bulb so does that raise the chance of burning out the wiring? As I get older it seems that I need a wee bit more light at night to operate safely!

Thanks,

Richard

 

First, most of the brighter bulbs sold now are higher wattages. Not only does this cause problems with your wiring if too much amperage it running through the wires, but the extra heat produced can damage the lens assembly (assuming you have a '87+ model with a lens, not a headlamp). Higher wattage bulbs are also illegal in most states.

There are many manufacturers selling "HID XENON" bulbs which are supposed to be brighter and draw less current, but that is not actually true. True HID light assemblies use a transformer or ballast to run the bulb. They also put out a LOT more light at a fraction of the wattage. Generally speaking, HID uses around 35 watts, and can produce 3 times the light. They also use a different lens assembly to disperse the light accordingly. True HID is also expensive.

The replacement bulbs that produce a whiter or bluish type of light are worthless. These are higher wattage bulbs with a bluish filter on the outer surface of the bulb. This filter removes the yellowish spectrum of the light, only letting the blues and whites by. You actually generate more head with these bulbs, and get less light than a normal halogen bulb of the same wattage. I actually tried these bulbs, and replaced them after a week because my visibilty went down on the back roads on the way home with my motorcycle. The yellow spectrum of light removed by the filter illuminates objects better than the blue/white lights you see, that's another reason they need move wattage.

Hope this helps.

 

I bought some of the HID Xenon bulbs off of ebay for my Bronco, and I love them. They are a lot brighter than stock bulbs, and they are pretty inexpensive (I think I paid $15 for both bulbs, with shipping). I think that they make a good upgrade.

 

The ones from the legitimate name-brand companies like GE, Phillips and Wagner are legal and good. They are typically 55 watt instead of the stock 35 watt, not enough power to damage anything. Stay away from the cheap imports or blue-tinted junk.

Jim

 

>The ones from the legitimate name-brand companies like GE,
>Phillips and Wagner are legal and good. They are typically
>55 watt instead of the stock 35 watt, not enough power to
>damage anything. Stay away from the cheap imports or
>blue-tinted junk.

A stock 9004 bulb is 55w low beam and 65 watt high beam IIRC. As for aftermarket higher-wattage bulbs, I'd just keep a close eye on your wiring. Most people report no problems on Broncos.

 

I put a pair of Sylvania XD9004s,to replace the 9004s in my '90 Bronco.They seem to be a bit brighter,but oncoming drivers don't flash their lights, thinking I have my high beams on.I remember my parents' '89 Bronco had a lot brighter bulbs.....if I had a dime for every time an oncoming driver would flash their lights,thinking they were high beams on,I could probably retire!Once in a while I would flash the high beams back at them to show them how bright the high beams really were....

 

>A stock 9004 bulb is 55w low beam and 65 watt high beam
>IIRC.

I thought about it more, make that 45 and 55

 

Honney, I bet you were thinking about the 9007 bulbs. They are used on the 92-96 Broncos and F-Series, and the newer Ford trucks/suvs. The 9007 is rated at 55W/65W.

 

It's the 6054 sealed beams that are 35/55 stock, and 55/55 upgraded. I was thinking about an older application.

I could not find the wattage stamped on the old GE 9007's. The Sylvania "Xtra Vision" 9007XV are 55/65.

Jim