Not another headlight thread!
 

Sorry!

There are so many headlight threads about HID bulbs, and HID projector retrofits... I would love to do a retrofit when I have $300+ lying around, but right now I don't.

So, my question is this: Is there an upgrade for the stock bulbs that isn't an HID? A plug and play halogen that's brighter than stock? What is the best/brightest OEM replacement bulb?

I've been doing a lot of long drives in the mountains at night. I will eventually do a retrofit and also add an LED light bar or two, but for now, I need a cheap upgrade. Especially around dusk, my headlights are virtually useless. Naturally I need to clear up the lenses, but I don't know how much that is really going to do, and I would like a noticeable upgrade.

Thanks!

Stick with stock OEM lenses, and get Sylvania SilverStars.

^THAT is exactly what I needed, thanks!

One more: What about Lightning or HD lenses? They seem to be more of a crystal. To they pass more light through? Purely aesthetic?

You're welcome.

I don't have experience with the different housings, but they are a clear housing as opposed to the normal ones where you can't see through, so I would imagine they would show more light but I honestly don't know.

The Harley/Lighting housings with a good bulb are a decent upgrade.
Good thing about getting the clear lens housings is you can use them for your retrofit when your ready.
BTW, I got these from e-bay and they work great, even with the standard Sylvania bulb that comes with them.

I put these on just because not a lot of people have them (in my area I haven't seen anyone with them).


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...9102978fb7.png

They are just different than what everyone else has, people told me that these would never last because water would get in them and ruin the LED's, but I've had them 9 or 10 months with no issues. I have the LED's on every time I drive because why not lol.

I have the sylvania ultra star zxe bulbs, I think is what they're called. If I remember right. They're supposed to give the look of a hid and they do have an hid glow to them, but they're not blue so don't get that idea. They are white with the hid glow and are a huge improvement over stock halogens. I'll do a retrofit someday, but until then, I'll be rocking these bulbs. I've enjoyed having them.

+1 on the lighting head lights.:thumbsup: I put them in my truck and with the bulbs that come with them, they are much brighter than stock.

Thanks for the help everyone!

I took a look at the different Sylvania options and found the Silverstar, at 4000k, the Silverstar Ultra at 4100k, and the Silverstar zXe at 4200k. They are all 1000 lumens, and they are all 65w High beam, and 55w low beam, respectively. Other notable differences are price 40/49/56, and life expectancy, with the original Silverstars at 200 hours, where the ultras and the zXe's are both 250 hours.

I think the added 50 hours is worth $9, but I don't think I need to spend the extra $16 for the higher color temp. So I'll most likely get a pair of Ultra's with my next paycheck.

As far as the housing is concerned, the truck is otherwise stock, and I enjoy a clean, OEM look. I found two housing that I liked on ebay, that come with matching corners.

These are pretty OEM appearing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2003-Ford-F-150-F150-Expedition-Headlights-Corner-Signal-Lights-Lamps-Set/361382044532?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3De577cc3c21d647888971af7e8a625b56%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D161802671192
These are basically the same except they have a matted housing, rather than the chrome. They look badass without being gaudy, however, my primary concern is performance, and I'm guessing that these loose some output with the less reflective housing. Then again, it looks like they might still have chrome where it's important. I also really like the clear, rather than amber reflector. Any opinions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-03-F150-F-150-97-02-Expedition-Black-Headlights-Corner-Signal-set-Left-Right-/161802671192?fits=Model%3AF-150%7CSubmodel%3ALightning&hash=item25ac30d458&vxp=mtr

Those appear to be one piece units. people have had major fitment with those. These are what you want, but you will find them cheaper on eBay. Or at least make Shure they are 4 pc set.
http://www.headlightsdepot.com/produ...4#.Vf31AzZRHIU