Changing to sport headlamps

[Bigramguy]

I have a 97 2500 (not a sport),and would like to upgrade the crummy stock headlamp housings to the newer sport style dual bulb housings. I have read posts on adding them to a 99 (non-sport),and it requires some poss sheet metal cutting. I can do any mods neccesary,but will this same procedure work on my 97,or do i have to change a whole bunch of other stuff as well. Also,even if they do fit,will they look funny,as i think the newer rams have a slightly different angle to the front.

Thanks

Chris

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1997 2500 CC 4X4,Auto

 

[The patriot]

I was considering this conversion too. I have a 98 (12 valve, very early) and I'd like to know if I have to chop anything too.
Eric

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98 Quad cab 4X4 2500 12 valve,5 speed,3. 54 rears, 8' bed. Michelin 275 75 16 lr-E. Boost and egt gauges but basicly stock except for a "properly adjusted" AFC. Cat in the garage. Uniden HR 2510, Texas Star 1200 amp. 63,000 Mi as of 1/27/01.
NRA life member. High power/IDPA.

 

[MikeR]

Both of your trucks will need some sheet metal trimming... actually,all trucks up to '99 will need the triming to clear the sport lites.
This installation is covered in TDR issue 25 with good pictures. You might need the picture as a guide because it's kinda hard for someone to sit and type how much metal you have to remove,so you may want to order a back issue because it also gives the part number for a Bite Box that works with this upgrade.

-Mike

 

[Bigramguy]

Thanks for the much needed info.

What is a bite box ? I already am using 4 relays (powers lamps direct from batt,and switches my plow lamps automatically when plow is plugged in) and 8 GA wire to feed the bulbs (130 Watt brite whites),and have the relays wired to utilize both high and low beams together,and turn on my roof lights,when the high beams are on. Wanted to upgrade because the original headlamp housings still suck even with the brighter bulbs and the voltage upgrades.

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1997 2500 CC 4X4,Auto

[This message has been edited by Bigramguy (edited 02-07-2001). ]

 

[C Schomer]

I put the GE 9004HO lamps in mine. There may be something better around but the GE's turned mine into very respectable headlights! A hell of a lot easier than butchering the truck! Craig

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97 3/4Ton, 2WD, 5SP, #11 Plate, AFC kit, 14 Housing, AF942M Air filter, Gutted Cat, 4"From Turbo, Airlift, Shortened Frame, Custom Bed, HEY FORDBOY POWERSTROKE THIS!

 

[BHORNER]

From a old post

In "2nd time around" issue 25 the writer described the process of replacing stock headlamps with quad "sport" types.
1. After cutting the body, you also have to cut the plastic headlamp carrier. This may be true on some early 98's also.
2. You will need to buy two new retainers p/n 55077046 and two new vents p/n 04805147
3. It is not necessary to buy a Brite Box. The existing wiring plugs straight into the quad inner bulbs (9004). To drive the quad outer bulbs (9007) use a type AR143 relay from NAPA and energized the coil from the existing high beam wire. The relay switches a fused hot wire that runs from aux battery positive to both quad outer high beams, via two new NAPA headlight connectors. This setup duplicates a factory Sport headlamp system. Note that the outer low beams are not usable, due to Dodge's choice of bulb orientation.

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Barry Horner
Lake Forest
Orange County, Ca

2001, SLT+, ETH, 6 speed, White quad cab, short bed, Sport, 2wd , 3:54 anti spin, Camper Special with trailer tow, 16x8 Forged Aluminum with 265x75 tires, Fog lights, Audio controls steering wheel mounted, AM/FM cassette with CD, Travel Convenience group, Keyless entry with remote, Leather agate heated seats. Line-X bed liner. ARE LS 2 tonneau cover. Pillar mount boost and EGT. EDGE EZ and McLeod clutch.