Well after having my Super Duty for only a few weeks, I have grown increasingly unhappy with the amount of light output from the stock headlights. Even after going at them with a polishing compound they were still foggy and, like my cousin Troy, not too bright. After searching FTE for a solution, I found that I like the 2005 style lights. However, I couldn't justify the expense to get brighter lights.

This is what I was looking at. Not only were the headlights dull, the corner light seemed to attract water. It was 1/2 full when I took this picture.



Here's how I updated to 2004 headlights and corner lamps in my 2000 SD.

First, I ordered the lights from FTE sponsor RockAuto. The parking lights were only $10.79 each and the headlights were only $25.79 each including bulbs in the headlights! The shipping was fast and quite reasonable without excess "handling" charges.

Here are the part numbers and new prices (looks like the prices went up slightly after the 1st of the month). I found all these under a 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty, but 2004 should be the same.

Left Headlamp (Economy Line)
Part #FO2503183 (2C3Z13008AB) $26.79

Right Headlamp (Economy Line)
Part #FO2502183 (2C3Z13008AA) $26.79

Left Parklamp Assembly (Economy Line)
Part #FO2520169 (2C3Z13201AA) $11.43

Right Parklamp Assembly (Economy Line)
Part #FO2521169 (2C3Z13200AA) $11.43

If you want to search the RockAuto catalog by part number, just enter the numbers listed in red.


Here's what they looked like when I opened the package:





Quality looks nice, but I recommend using clear silicone around the seams on all the lights just in case. I had aftermarket corner lamps on my Accord that leaked and once the water is in there it's hard to get rid of.


To remove the old lights, start by removing the two screws under the corner lamp.



Then just tug real hard on both ends to pull the light out of the sockets. Just don't jerk it so hard that it pulls your wires out.



Here you can see the locating pin and socket it plugs into. There's one on each end of the light assembly.



Then unplug the marker light bulb and turn signal bulb by twisting 1/4 turn. Remove the corner light assembly. Make sure you don't lose the rubber gasket.



Now look straight down at the top of your headlight. You will see a metal clip on each side.



Here is a close up shot.



If you look at your new headlight you will see that those metal clips just hold the plastic locating bushing in place. Those two clips and the long adjusting screw are all that hold the headlight in.



Just use a screwdriver or something with a 90 degree bend to pull the clips straight up off the plastic bushing.



This is what the clips look like when you get them out.



Now the only thing holding the headlight in is the lower adjusting screw located by the fender below the upper clip you just removed. You'll see it is adjusted with a Torx T20.



I couldn't figure out how to remove the entire adjuster, so I used the Torx to run the adjustment all the way until the headlight couldn't move in any more. Here you can see where the ball on the end of the adjuster screw came out of the headlight. I just removed that screw and from the adjuster.





I then removed the adjuster from the new headlight.



Here is the adjuster off the new headlight.



I then put the headlight in place with the adjustment screw started into the adjuster. Using the Torx, draw the adjuster screw back in until the headlight is in far enough to locate the two upper bushings.



Then push in the two metal clips.



Now the headlight is done. Install your corner lights reverse of how you removed them.

Now you have CLEAR headlights and a new look for your Super Duty!







Here's the new headlights (on low beam) combined with the Hella fog lights I installed last week.




After I get a chance to run them at night I will report back on how they perform with the bulbs they came with. I will likely add some Silver Stars, but we'll see.

Enjoy!

 

Nice writeup and pictures. I also like those fog lights. Looks good.

 

Excellent write-up! I tried to "REP" you but FTE wouldn't let me... sorry.

 

Fantastic write up,keeping this one.
Reps to you!!!

 

Nice write up. Fortunately, my 05 has clear lights, just need to keep them polished!

 

Nice write-up! Rep sent.

 

Good info. I'm sure I will be revisiting this for my 01 once the nights start getting long here again!

 

Nicely done!

 

Hey, that's a great deal price-wise on the lights... from an FTE sponsor at that! I hated how all the cheap lights seem to come from some over-seas factory with a website all chocked full of bad grammar. I really would like to do this... I'll be watching this thread to see your response. I've ridden in a truck with these headlamps before and compared to my truck, the difference was like night and day... UNREAL!!!

 

Nice write up, I think I need to send this link to the guy that bought my 04 headlights, as he is planning on the same swap. I changed mine out to the 05 and up and sold my lights to him.

 

SONOFABIO&*!*!!!

You stole my idea for the grille! ****! I thought I was the first to come up with that!

EDIT: And it's on the same color truck too! Urghhh!!!!

 

Thanks for the "How To:" I just bought a 99 F350 with the old style headlights and this will help me update them to the better ones. Im also gonna use your idea for the fog lights....im a fan of the lights in the grill idea. Thanks again

 

You're welcome. I like the fog lights up in the grille to protect them. I'll have to figure out something different if I can ever find a stock Excursion grille to swap in.

 

Do the cheaper lights seem good enough quality to last a while?I was skeptical about using them.

 

Yea theres always a way lol. I think the fogs will add a nice touch to the truck especially when i put in some grille strobes