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will the 2004 composite lights fit without any modification aside from removing the XL plastic piece surrounding the light?
I'm not sure, but if you do a search for the 2005 light swap you should be able to see in the pictures if your header panel looks the same as the unmodified one. If it looks the same you can snap the '99-'04 style lights in. If it doesn't You can cut and put the '05 light in. Either way you will have to do some wiring for the lights.
I bought some silverstars and i honestly cannot tell any difference other than it being a bit whiter light than stock..does'nt seem to be any brighter than factory...i had the cool blues in hand until i seen the silver stars were more expensive...did the ole, more money-must be better...i shoulda kept the stockers.
I hate to tell you, but in my experience, the sealed beams on the older trucks put out better light than the newer open style. If you do decide to go with the "projector" style, the harness kit from dfuser is pretty inexpensive and does help.
A true HID kit is the only real solution (my opinion) but WOW are they $$
You can do a true HID, with projectors, ballasts and bulbs for less than $500. The light output is far superior to anything else I have tried. Most peopel have no problem spending 6-800 on exhausts and 3-400 on intakes that barely do anything. $500 on lights that greatly increase visibility is well worth it in my opinion.
Do a search on this site for lights as there are several people who have posted links to HID sites selling them for as low as $140, Heck it was just posted within the last week.
These are Acura TL projectors, ballasts and D2S bulbs for $468. You will then need to do the retrofit yourself. You will also need a wiring harness which you can get for $30 on ebay as well. You can get BMW E46 projectors for $100 less. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...QQcmdZViewItem
As far as the people telling you to put HID plug and play kits in your truck, i personally don't think it is good advice. I am not trying to knock anyone here, however these kits are illegal, poorly manufactured, less effective, and emit dangerous glare to oncoming drivers. However, it is your money and you should do what you want with it. I do think everyone who is considering upgrading there headlights should read up more. This website is very informative: www.danielsternlighting.com
As far as the people telling you to put HID plug and play kits in your truck, i personally don't think it is good advice. I am not trying to knock anyone here, however these kits are illegal, poorly manufactured, less effective, and emit dangerous glare to oncoming drivers. However, it is your money and you should do what you want with it. I do think everyone who is considering upgrading there headlights should read up more. This website is very informative: www.danielsternlighting.com
Here is my pattern with just the HID bulbs designed to go in the standard reflectors. It looks like stock pattern (only brighter) and I have never been flashed. Not once. They're neither "dangerous" nor "less effective". They work very well, and worth every penny.
Here is my pattern with just the HID bulbs designed to go in the standard reflectors. It looks like stock pattern (only brighter) and I have never been flashed. Not once. They're neither "dangerous" nor "less effective". They work very well, and worth every penny.
Hey if you are happy with the outcome than that is all that matters. I am not trying to get into a pushing match about which is better, however I feel that anyone coming in asking questions about lighting should get correct information. In one of your posts you showed a pic comparing 3 different setups. In my opinion, the halogen looked optimal. There is a reason HID lights have a premium cost in higher end cars. These bulbs are specifically designed for HID projectors and HID reflectors, not halogen reflectors. That is the bottom line. If it were as easy as switching out bulbs, every car company would be using them.
I changed to Silverstars (H13) in both my headlights and driving lights (9005) and although it is better (5-10%) I am still not impressed. I want to get a harness upgrade such as Dfuser but they will not work with daytime running lights for some reason. How about running 12V battery power and a relay through one of the upfitter switches to the headlights? Anyone tried this? Kinda make your headlights into auxiliaries as far as wiring them goes. No, I'm not switching to HID until they make a complete bolt in headlight swap with the proper reflector and maybe even legal lol. Also, the britebox, running hi and low filiments at the same time , must kill the bulb / wiring in no time due to near twice the heat and current draw, any comments?
Thanks
I changed to Silverstars (H13) in both my headlights and driving lights (9005) and although it is better (5-10%) I am still not impressed. I want to get a harness upgrade such as Dfuser but they will not work with daytime running lights for some reason. How about running 12V battery power and a relay through one of the upfitter switches to the headlights? Anyone tried this? Kinda make your headlights into auxiliaries as far as wiring them goes. No, I'm not switching to HID until they make a complete bolt in headlight swap with the proper reflector and maybe even legal lol. Also, the britebox, running hi and low filiments at the same time , must kill the bulb / wiring in no time due to near twice the heat and current draw, any comments?
Thanks
007 Bronco - I was thinking about switching to the SS H13s as well but thanks to your post, you saved me a few bucks and some frustration. I too am looking for a better light option for my 07 SD. Where did you find out that the HIDs don't work with the DTRLs?
Izzy351 - do you happen to know if your lights work with DTRL and how easy was the install?