How do you adjust aim on 2005+ headlights?
 

After a couple nights of driving around, I think the 2005+ headlights I installed on the truck are aimed a little high. I see the adjusting screw on the top, but what the heck to I use to turn the darn thing? It looks like a reverse torx, which I have never seen before. Admittedly, I haven't checked the hardware store yet for a tool that would work, but I figured I'd check here first before going on a wild chase for something.

Jeremy, AFAIK, they are not adjustable. I know you could use a 9/32 socket on the old style. You may have to put some spacers in the bottom.

I've been told they are not adjustable left-to-right, but you can change the aim in them up and down. Left to right is not an issue, as they are perfectly centered. I'm just afraid I'm blinding oncoming traffic right now...heck, I'm lighting up the reflective tape on the road signs.

I'll try a thread in the SD forum too, I guess.

Jeremy that sounds like a security bolt. Try an electronics shop that does alot of access control and alarm systems

They are totally adjustable...just up and down There is a hex/torque bolt you buy. You can get it at NAPA. There is no difference in metric or standard. It is the smallest size they make. I just took the truck in there and kept trying sizes till I got it to fit.

Good luck,
Steven

Thanks for the advice. I actually found the socket at the parts store last night. It's called an E5, IIRC. Adjusted them and it's much better now.

jt you dont need hex socket, if you have metric set jus get a small one 5 or 6 mm socket and it works well,
anyways glad you have it solved, how do you like your new headlights?
i did that a while ago and i love it

I tried the smallest socket I had, and none would work. So, I had to buy something anyway. Oh well, at least I have it.

The new lights are awesome! :) Last night was the first trip I had taken on some low-traffic two lane roads, where I would rally need the lights. I was really impressed with the light output. Much better than the stock 2000 lights - even though I had upgraded the harness and switched to Silverstars.

I actually think you need a 4.5mm socket, which the only reason I had one was because it came in some $1.99 socket set the wife had. Jeremy, what harness upgrade did you use? I bought the factory headlight plug from ford and soldered it on, but the lights seem a little dim do me. Even with the bright box and the brights on, it seems like they should be brighter.

dmueller they have harness in PDpower or Defuser website, it was the best upgrade i did, its plug and play...

I've got the Dfuser harness upgrade - actually had it with my old stock lights. The used 05 lights I bought had the stock plugs with some wire left on them. So, I cut the old plugs off, cut and stripped the wire for the new ones as close to the plug as I could (without fear of melting - about 1/2"), and soldered the old harness to the 05 plugs.

I will say that I did notice an increase in light output with the harness upgrade, even when I had my stock headlights. My only complaint is recently, the high beams don't always come on and just tonight the low beams wouldn't even come on. A quick tap on the relay brought them to life. I've had the harness for two years, and the relays are starting to go bad. Should be a simple fix, but I would have expected the relays to last longer.

Okay, i just got my lights today. These is no bulb in them or anything it is just the headlight itself. On the 00 lights i know there is a the bulb then that round piece that slides over the bulb to lock it in. Are those needed for the 05 headlights?

Man, I can't remember. I'll check in a few minutes when I get home.

The bulbs have the sockets built into them, and the bulb itself locks into the headlight. As long as you have the proper plug from the harness, you'll just need to buy some bulbs.

What do you guys suggest for bulbs? I was thinkin silverstars, since i used them before with good results.