New member, headlight upgrade q&a

[Danger4x4Ranger]

Hello all, new to this forum as i have recently aquired an 85 Ranger 4x4. Looking to start doing some upgrades and want to start minor with lighting. Looking to go from classic halogen heads to newer H4 bulb setup similar to the Halo/projector style in modern cars. With doing this, is it as easy as pop it in and go or do i need new wiring components, socket adaptor for new bulb etc? I dont like electronics but am too cheap to pay for somebody to charge me to do it. Cant find really anything online showing the process except for newer cars that are pretty much ready for the conversion with little work needed. Also this is my first Ford, used to be a GM guy and decided to join the dark side, and bought it with intention of putting in work on it and having some fun with it as i have an overall mechanical background from auto shop with major components in school 10 yrs ago but electronics are not my forte (although i bought it with a early 90s Stang 5.0 EFI) bit of a slap in the face but willing to tinker and learn so ??. Anybody done this and know what i need extra besides the bulbs and housings id appreciate the help and input.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

There are a bunch of conversion lenses out there, these have been on my wish list for awhile. I don't drive a lot at night for fear of deer so it isn't a pressing concern really. I would think they would come with an adapter for the wiring

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hla-003427291

They say if you run hotter than standard H4 bulbs you should put the headlights on relays otherwise all the power going to the headlights can melt down your light switch (and cause a fire) I want to do it regardless, I don't think they are a bad idea even for the craptacular sealed beams. I haven't had an order going into LMC for awhile and haven't looked into making my own harness or if it is available from anyone else yet. $30 is pretty cheap insurance though.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fr/full.aspx?Page=63

 

[Curious Hound]

It probably depends on the fixtures you buy. I recently got some new headlights and turn signals for my '93. What I got (from Ebay) are cheap, foreign made units with fog lights built in. My existing bulbs and lamp holders fit right into the new housings perfectly. They came with fog light bulbs already installed. They also came with wires, relay, fuseholder/fuse and a funky pushbutton/LED indicator pod that could be stuck to the dash with double sided tape.

The only problem I had was with the adjusters. My final solution, after some hassle, was to use the old adjusters with the new housings.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The OP is talking about the lenses that convert first generation trucks from sealed beam bulbs to the screw in bulbs like what your third gen has.

 

[Mark_88]

Oh, you mean they actually make a replacement lens now that takes a bulb? That would have been so much better than what I did...

Even though I do like the look of the 92...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Oh, you mean they actually make a replacement lens now that takes a bulb? That would have been so much better than what I did...

Even though I do like the look of the 92...

See the link in my first post to Summit

 

[Mark_88]

OK...thanks...my internet is dragging right now but I will check it out...

EDIT: hmmmm...that looks like standard first gen bulbs...I've had those on my 88 and swapped out for the 92 so I could replace just the 9004 bulb...I thought they were brighter than the originals but I've never driven it since swapping...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That is why I like them, they look "right" but take a screw in H4 bulb.

 

[Mark_88]

Ah, couldn't see how the bulb would fit by that diagram and no picture of the back.

If they are brighter than the stock then it might be OK...but I really hated the trim ring on the first gen that took the four screws to hold the lamp assembly in place...

I have the set from my original 88 and have been trying to sell them for six months...complete with shell, ring and those adjusting things...no takers so I guess I will be hauling those puppies to my new place...lol