NorCal-09

I didn’t want to hi-jack the other thread on tail light visibility anymore than it was, so I thought I would deliver my info in another thread.

After some thought and some experimentation, I decided to upgrade my OE lighting to a level or two higher than what came from the factory. While I do like the new LED’s, I did not want to spend that much extra for brighter lighting, when in my view, the Silver-Stars or equivalent types, will do a more than adequate job for less expense.

I started yesterday with the backup lamps and was so pleased with the result, that I moved to the stop, turn signal, and brake lamps and then to the headlights this afternoon.

As I stated in another thread, I found some difficulty in locating the Sylvania Silver-Star line of bulbs, in our size range, and which are advertised as 30%-35% brighter-longer-wider, in beam performance.

However, today I was able to locate each of the bulbs in the Sylvania ST version. Again, I did not want just the LL (Long-Life) version bulbs, I wanted brighter and whiter. In that regard I was able to locate a front set of Sylvania H13’s (9008) headlight bulbs, as well as the Sylvania ST’s in size 921 for not only the backup lamps but also the top-of-cab brake light and two cargo lights.

Furthermore, I was not able find the Sylvania ST bulb in OE size 4057 for the rear combo stop, turn, tail lighting; however, I did find that there is a cross reference to size 3157 for this bulb and it was readily available in the Silver-Star (ST) version. The base and wire contacts are identical, as well as the filament configuration, so they worked perfectly.

Looking at the back up lights and the two cargo lights up top, with only one bulb in the ST version installed for comparison purposes, it was readily apparent, even in daylight, that the ST’s were not only brighter, but sharply more white in spectrum vs. a more yellowish hue for the OE bulb. Again, when comparing one side of the tail, brake, turn, lamps to each type, the side with the ST’s installed was clearly more vivid, even in the daylight. Note: when I changed the cargo and hi-mount brake light, I also inspected the gasket on the plastic lens as well as the interior of the light mounting well. The gasket was in perfect condition and there was absolutely no evidence of any water/moisture intrusion into the roof pocket of the truck.

The rear lights only need an 8mm socket to loosen the two sheet metal hex head screws, and the front headlights use a 10mm socket for the three hex head bolts that secure the unit to the fender. This is another reason to lock the tailgate, not only to prevent tail gate theft, but also to secure the tail light assemblies from possible theft.

Last, I feel that doing this in no way diminishes my view of my F150 as being a high quality vehicle. I think all of the light truck manufacturers use ‘standard’ performance bulbs at manufacture time in their respective vehicles. The standard bulbs must meet all federal guidelines for light output and performance. Having said that, unlike a standard automobile, which is most often operated in an urban or semi-urban area wherein the outside lighting is at a high level, most of us who buy trucks use them in multiple environments and most often in a semi-rural or very rural area, where outside lighting may be minimal or absent; therefore, it is nice to have vehicle lighting that is not just good or adequate, but that which could be rated as exceptional.

I would be willing to pay a little more in the base price of the vehicle, to have upgraded lighting from the start.

I just gave my truck a road test now that it is dark. The ST brake lights are very much brighter and are now perfect for me. The cargo lights are much brighter and the light is white. The new ST headlights are not ‘flame-throwers,’ but they are as advertised, and are at least 35% brighter and provide a wider and longer beam pattern. What I notice most is the more intense white color of the light, vs. the yellowish look given off by the previous OE bulbs.

All I need now, is a set of more rugged A/T tires and I will be good to go.

OD52

Thanks for the info NorCal-09, now if we just had some before and after pics.

j/k or maybe not...........

kscurl01

Thanks NorCal. I too am not particularly interested in spending the extra cash on LED's, so I will probably upgrade to these that you mention.

Thanks for the details!

Platinum_Sean

The 3157 can replace the 4057. The 4057s drawn 1.2mA more than the 3157, to make it a bit brighter. As you found out, the 4057s will fit where a 3157 or 3057 will.

S

__________________
2009 "White Chocolate" F150 4x4 Platinum SCrew
- max tow, navigation, cargo extender, skid plates, box liner, 20% tint, G2 BakFlip, Recon LED bar, underbody LEDs, vent visors, bugger.

Jason

NorCal... I love the look of SilverStar's too... but...

Anyone considering using them should get busy with Google and do some research. They're a bad idea.

Here's an explanation from a very well respected source in these matters: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...good/good.html

I just hate to see ya throw good money after bad, when you need to replace them again in a year. And... they're just not any safer than OEM, and in fact are less safe from an output perspective.

TheX

From the link you posted,

Are the Silver Stars what the OP is talking about?

johnwill

To my good friend Nor-Cal:

"Nullum Beneficium Est Impunitum"

NorCal-09

I guess, based on the packaging info, that the SilverStar H13's I have, are in the category of Plus+30. All I know is that they are brighter, look nicer, and project a wider and longer beam than the stock bulbs did.

If, in fact, I end up having to replace them at 400 hrs vs. 650 hrs for my stock bulbs, well so be it; I can afford the $19.95 for each bulb.

Most are happy with this product and like anything else, many out there have their own [agenda] when it comes to 'promotions' on the internet, be it for lighting or type of oil to use in your vehicle.

I am a happy camper with my decision and choice in this regard and my real-time experience, so far is very favorable. Similarly, some like to spend even more on LED's and I am sure there is someone out there who thinks LED's are a bad choice!? We are each to our own, that is the beauty of this nation, that we can make our own choices and then live with them.

Hey, thanks for the info anyway, as I did not know how long these things last, but I did make the assumption, that it would be a lot shorter life than the stock or LL bulbs.


Edit: By the way, I really didn't notice any blue color on my H13 headlight bulbs, they were as clear as the stocks, as I recall; however, the 921 size back up light bulbs did have a blue hue to them.

Plus+30
High Efficacy 1680 lm-400 hrs

Jason

Gotta keep reading

Jason

Take a look at the fine print on the +30 rating on Slyvania's website NC. They found those numbers with 100% power to the SilverStar's and 80% to OEMs. That's how they got the bulb to look brighter Go see for yourself.