2001 Headlights
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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2001 Headlights
I know there has been much talk about headlights but just want some advice. I want the best bang for the buck & think the oem 02-04 headlights are the way to go. If so, should I upgrade the wiring harness or don't I need to. I just think the clear lights look so much better & have better output.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
The 03/4 will be the easiest install and use the same bulb. As for a wiring upgrade, it really depends on the bulbs you use. If they are low wattages, then you may see them not dim under heavy loads, if they are high watt, it's better to feed them from the battery and not run all that power through the stock wires.
If you have the cash, a relay kit is a good investment. If you don't, it's not terribly necessary for stockish bulbs.
If you have the cash, a relay kit is a good investment. If you don't, it's not terribly necessary for stockish bulbs.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Oregon
I did the 02-04 headlight upgrade on my 01. I am very satisfied.
Do you have Daytime Running Lights? If you do it is more involved to do a relay upgrade. I had to make my own harness and use three relays instead of two. It was worth the effort. I can send you my crude drawing of the circuit. No cutting of the original harness if you use headlight harness extenders available cheap on Ebay. You will have to tap into the DRL relay wire under the dash.
You will be happy with the later lights.
Do you have Daytime Running Lights? If you do it is more involved to do a relay upgrade. I had to make my own harness and use three relays instead of two. It was worth the effort. I can send you my crude drawing of the circuit. No cutting of the original harness if you use headlight harness extenders available cheap on Ebay. You will have to tap into the DRL relay wire under the dash.
You will be happy with the later lights.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
The 2005 went to another type of bulb more heavily regulated by DOT, DOT told the manufactures they can play with the 9008s like they had the previous bulbs. Which is why it took 4-5 years to come out with high power and exotic gas bulbs. 9008 and 9007 have different bases and tabs for mounting in the lamp.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 442
From: Eastern Washington
I did the '03 housings, HD harness/relays, and silverstar or some sort of bulb and love them. I did it in stages and can say that each piece adds to the performance of the lights.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Oregon
With DRL's the low beams come on whenever the key is in "run". They run through a resistor to make the low beams dimmer. When the headlight switch is turned on, it bypasses the resistor and the low beams have full power.
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Daytime running lights means..basically..your headlights automatically are on all the time in the daylight...tail lights are not on.
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