1992 Ford ranger looking for headlight

[Hoosierman]

Put in a harness and you may be pleased with the brightness, if you haven't already done so.

 

[mr_manny]

Incorporating Relays is on the list
Already have a location for the relay/fuse box...just need to wire it.

 

[Hoosierman]

Incorporating Relays is on the list
Already have a location for the relay/fuse box...just need to wire it.

View attachment 121830

A smart thing to do. I went the expensive route and just bought a $25 harness kit off of LMC. Yeah I could've made it, but my time was worth the $25 when I had other things going on at the time.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

A smart thing to do. I went the expensive route and just bought a $25 harness kit off of LMC. Yeah I could've made it, but my time was worth the $25 when I had other things going on at the time.

Bronco Graveyard also sells an upgrade light harness for about the same price. New relays and just plugs right into the factory harness. I do a lot of wiring stuff and I can’t build it that cheap, it’s a heck of a deal to upgrade light output.

 

[Hoosierman]

Bronco Graveyard also sells an upgrade light harness for about the same price. New relays and just plugs right into the factory harness. I do a lot of wiring stuff and I can’t build it that cheap, it’s a heck of a deal to upgrade light output.

No kidding? I've never built one myself so I wouldn't know. I know on other forums I frequent, there is usually someone who says "save some money, make one yourself". I dunno, I guess that depends on whether you have the tools already and the stuff to make it with.

I would like to mention that the harness I got through LMC was made in Taiwan. Nevermind any reservations someone may have about a foreign-made harness, I have had no issues.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

No kidding? I've never built one myself so I wouldn't know. I know on other forums I frequent, there is usually someone who says "save some money, make one yourself". I dunno, I guess that depends on whether you have the tools already and the stuff to make it with.

I would like to mention that the harness I got through LMC was made in Taiwan. Nevermind any reservations someone may have about a foreign-made harness, I have had no issues.

Yeah, I happened across the harnesses on BG when I was ordering other stuff and was like, deal!

Technically, materials would probably cost me the same or less, but it’s the labor that kills you. Making a harness takes time to do it right. A lot of time. There’s probably at least two hours to build that harness without the jig that I’m sure whatever place manufacturing those uses. I want to say mine came from Taiwan as well and they looked pretty quality to me.

 

[Hoosierman]

Yeah, I happened across the harnesses on BG when I was ordering other stuff and was like, deal!

Technically, materials would probably cost me the same or less, but it’s the labor that kills you. Making a harness takes time to do it right. A lot of time. There’s probably at least two hours to build that harness without the jig that I’m sure whatever place manufacturing those uses. I want to say mine came from Taiwan as well and they looked pretty quality to me.

Right, I don't usually have any problems with Taiwanese parts on anything from my Jeeps to the two Fords to the Rover. I figured it was worth mentioning. Ironically, I am convinced that very same harness, which I put into my Ranger, and will put into my BII, is the same I helped my friend put into this 1996 Cherokee. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense because those also have 5x7 headlamps and originally were also sealed beams. This of course converted the headlamps to H4/9003. Ditto for the Comanche.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Right, I don't usually have any problems with Taiwanese parts on anything from my Jeeps to the two Fords to the Rover. I figured it was worth mentioning. Ironically, I am convinced that very same harness, which I put into my Ranger, and will put into my BII, is the same I helped my friend put into this 1996 Cherokee. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense because those also have 5x7 headlamps and originally were also sealed beams. This of course converted the headlamps to H4/9003. Ditto for the Comanche.

Second gen ones (89-92) convert 9005 to 9007, IIRC.

 

[Captaingreatvalue]

This is y’all I ended up using off bug spray and led Amazon headlights inside the lenses of the original ones checkout my YouTube Chanel captgreatvalue

 

[Hoosierman]

This is y’all I ended up using off bug spray and led Amazon headlights inside the lenses of the original ones checkout my YouTube Chanel captgreatvalue

I'm sorry, what?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I'm sorry, what?

There is a “hack” where you use bug spray to clean fogged plastic headlights. It’s my understanding that the wet sanding and polishing then either clear coat or rub Penetrol (a penetrating thing for wood stain) on it provides the longest and best protection.

Also not all LED lights and housings are compatible. The wrong combo is great for blinding other drivers and not so great for seeing.

 

[Hoosierman]

There is a “hack” where you use bug spray to clean fogged plastic headlights. It’s my understanding that the wet sanding and polishing then either clear coat or rub Penetrol (a penetrating thing for wood stain) on it provides the longest and best protection.

Also not all LED lights and housings are compatible. The wrong combo is great for blinding other drivers and not so great for seeing.

Today I learned!

Yes to the last comment. My understanding is that the beam pattern is part of the problem, because standard bulbs do not disperse their pattern in the same was as LEDs do. The housing has a reflection meant strictly for older style halogens, and thus are not suited for LED beam patters. I do happen to know a person who was pulled over by the sheriff a long time ago because the sheriff felt the headlights were either way too bright or not properly adjusted. I don't recall the outcome. Something to keep in mind for those who wish to outfit retro tech with modern, it doesn't always work the best.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Today I learned!

Yes to the last comment. My understanding is that the beam pattern is part of the problem, because standard bulbs do not disperse their pattern in the same was as LEDs do. The housing has a reflection meant strictly for older style halogens, and thus are not suited for LED beam patters. I do happen to know a person who was pulled over by the sheriff a long time ago because the sheriff felt the headlights were either way too bright or not properly adjusted. I don't recall the outcome. Something to keep in mind for those who wish to outfit retro tech with modern, it doesn't always work the best.

Some of the newer LEDs can be used in older housings. Most don’t throw a good pattern for older housings though, you have to be specific as to what you buy. Even then, you have to watch the output, some LEDs are “off-road only” because they are brighter than what you are legally allowed to run on the road. Silverstar 9007 or H4 bulbs with the upgraded harness are some of your brightest options and still be legal

 

[Hoosierman]

Some of the newer LEDs can be used in older housings. Most don’t throw a good pattern for older housings though, you have to be specific as to what you buy. Even then, you have to watch the output, some LEDs are “off-road only” because they are brighter than what you are legally allowed to run on the road. Silverstar 9007 or H4 bulbs with the upgraded harness are some of your brightest options and still be legal

I run Silverstar Ultras as a matter of fact, have for 17 years.