LED Bulbs in Stock Headlight Housings?

[bruker]

Has anyone found an aftermarket LED bulb that will work well with the stock headlight housing? I'm looking for brighter lighting but don't want to be one of those guys who's blinds oncoming traffic. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Ranger850]

NOPE. you should get LED housings for LED bulbs. Or you WILL BE one of those guys.

 

[Blmpkn]

Yeah. No Bueno. Even if the led bulbs threw their light like a halogen.. the reflector housing couldn't properly focus the increase in lumens and you'll blind people. Get some projectors

 

[DILLARD000]

Not sure what your 2003 stock Lamps are, but on my 2001 replaced HeadLamps & FogLamps as listed below;
running 8years+ now in stock Fixtures with results that are not overly bright but a definite improvement over FactoryOE:
HeadLamps
~ FactoryOE = 9007hb5Base 065wHi 55wLo Yelo 2FilamentBulb Sylvania\Equal
~ Replaced by 9007hb5Base 100wHi 80wLo Blue 2FilamentBulb Sylvania\Equal
FogLamps
~ FactoryOE = 9145hb3Base90Deg Yelo 65w 1FilamentBulb Sylvania\Equal
~ Replaced by 9005hb3Base90Deg Whit 80w 21LEDs Cree\Equal

 

[bruker]

^ Silverstar Ultra's?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve run regular Silverstars for years. So far I haven’t found a decent LED headlight for in the factory housings. Marker lights and stuff aren’t a big problem, just don’t cheap out on the bulbs, I had two cheap ones literally melt and burn. But the best headlights I’ve had are Silverstar or Ultra.

 

[Basilius]

I've been using Auxito 9007 led bulbs in my 1998 stock headlight housings for years without any problems, however I did need to properly angle/adjust the beams after installing.
Auxito 9007 Led Bulbs
Lisle 14540 Headlight Adjusting Tool

 

[DILLARD000]

...led bulbs in my 1998 stock headlight housings for years ...adjust them after installing
...Auxito 9007 Led Bulbs ...Lisle 14540 Headlight Adjusting Tool

Look like a good option for LEDs if Bulbs just won't satisfy, but can't
justify ~$50 bucks for a set of 9007hb5 LEDs, when ~$10 buys a set of 100wHi/80wLo 9007hb5 Bulbs.
Now on 3rd set of Bulbs on this +20yo truck; will more complicated LEDs last >6~7years?
Old cheap bas'ard here; much rather spend that extra $40 on steak dinner with wife.

 

[sgtsandman]

If you are going to make the swap, swap to a housing that is designed to properly use them. Side markers and brake lights are one thing. Headlights are another where improperly focused light will make oncoming traffic hate you and may result in a ticket, depending on the laws of your state.

 

[Basilius]

If you are going to make the swap, swap to a housing that is designed to properly use them. Side markers and brake lights are one thing. Headlights are another where improperly focused light will make oncoming traffic hate you and may result in a ticket, depending on the laws of your state.

Can't the led bulbs be properly focused in the stock headlight housings without buying new housings, or is this not possible with the stock housings?

 

[sgtsandman]

Can't the led bulbs be properly focused in the stock headlight housings without buying new housings, or is this not possible with the stock housings?

The reflector shapes are different because the center point of illumination is different. So, no.

 

[bruker]

Well I went and ignored most of the advice given here and went and bought a set of these https://www.ebay.com/itm/265493753103 . The install was a piece of cake and the beams seems to be brighter, very focused, and not scattered. I've only been able to check them out inside with the beams shining on the inside of the garage door from a distance so that may change when I get out on the road to see how things really are. I'll let you know when I do.

 

[DILLARD000]

@bruker
Those $11/pair LEDs certainly are at a good\comparable price to Bulbs.
Wondering how long they will last, considering the required ballast+fan?
Do keep us updated over the next few weeks\months as to how they do.

 

[bruker]

My Ranger's not my daily driver and I don't drve it much at night. But I'll get it out one night this coming week and let you know how the lighting is.

 

[bruker]

Well I had the truck out last night and can say the lights are definitely brighter and whiter. Not quite the "reach" I was hoping for but better than the stock bulbs. I encountered some oncoming traffic and no one flashed me while my low beams were on so I hope that means they weren't offensive. Time will tell how long they last.