nblack300

Hey guys,

I'm sure this subject has been beat to death but I just picked up an '11 FX4 EcoBoost and have done a few cheap mods to it (led bed lights, console leds, power lock tailgate, stubby antenna, bumper grill, etc.). I'm looking into new lights all around, I really like the led tails and 3rd brake light from Recon and others but I'm really at a loss when it comes to headlight. I like the led/ccfl halo look and want a darker bucket? and would prefer HID's. I'm on a budget (aren't most of us) with 2 kids, just finishing college and starting a new job soon so I'd like to hear all options. I'm fairly mechanically inclined but don't want to screw anything up either.

So I guess what I'm looking for is different answers to my headlight dilemma. For example, send off my current lights for a complete retrofiit would be ideal but it'll cost a lot! Doing it myself is possible but takes time etc.

Thanks in advance.

LaBalaDePlata

iTrader: (3)

everyones gonna tell you to get really expensive retrofits because HIDs look ricey and blind everyone, to each their own IMO, Ive got HIDs in my stock housings, i could afford them, they pass inspection, and most importantly, I CAN SEE BETTER down the road!!! just my .02

sllydderrr

I'm a retrofit preacher, and proud of it man!

A picture is worth a thousand words so shall we be efficient? Behold:

PnP HIDs:



Your standard "FX-R" retrofit:


If it is about money. Save save save! Cheaping out is always a waste of money. Besides, why do anything half-assed? I have never heard anyone say their retrofit was not worthwhile.

BTW, if you can spare the time, DIY. It cuts the cost in half, possibly more.

Another great option is the 2013 OEM HID housings. The performance is not as good as the FX-R or EVOX-R but it is still great.

sllydderrr

FWIW, apparently this is the Recon's with HIDs. Better than PnP but very shttty nonetheless. Definitely a waste of money, IMO.

Rydiggs

this^

and halos look ridiculous.

nblack300

[MENTION=85349]sllydderrr[/MENTION] if I was going to do my own retrofit what would I need. I noticed you got some pictures from retrrofit source. I was looking at their website and they appear to have good kits for fair price but what additional parts would I need. Also if you know of a step by step how-to for doing the retrofit that would be awesome.


Also, what does this headlight kit lack from a retrofit headlight?

http://www.protuninglab.com/20fof1duhale4.html

LaBalaDePlata

iTrader: (3)

A DIY retro kit starts at about $300-350ish, im not going to say that HIDs are better then retros , im just saying they are cheaper if you think you wont be able to afford the retro kit

geno51

They are cheaper but most states haw laws against them

I just love every time I see someone with pips flashing my 55k retros into their eyes saying hey your glare sucks best part is they can't flash back lol!!

Burns331

How do you control the HI/LO on those retro fits. They have a separate actuator for the high lights.

lewis26

iTrader: (1)

Projectors have an internal shield built into them that is controlled by a solenoid. The shield is what creates the cutoff when the headlights are aimed. When you hit the high beam switch, it retracts the shield giving you the full spread of the projector.