Replacement headlight assembly

[jgillott]

I know that we have discussed this here in the past. But, I thought I would bring it up again for additional discussion.

Who is having success with aftermarket headlight assemblies? What brands and models seem to be holding up the best? I want something that is as close to OEM as possible.

I am going to have to bite the bullet soon and replace the headlights on my 07. I can't polish them anymore and get any type of decent result. Dealer wants $293 each for OEM replacements. As much as I like to maintain my trucks to factory specs, I can't justify that cost.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Can't speak to longevity since it's only been 3 months, but I put a set of eBay TYC's on my 03 and they seem to be ok. Hard to tell from OEM with the naked eye.

Two things to watch out for: First, the aftermarket parking lamp sockets are JUNK. I had the dreaded LAMP OUT warning until I figured it out. OEM sockets for sure. Second, the adjuster screws are very soft. I stripped one pretty bad to the point where it can now only be adjusted with a pair of pliers.

At less than $70 for the pair (bulbs included) I'll replace 'em every other year if need be.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

I'll likely have to do something with mine soon, the top appears to be getting cracks from sun exposure.. I gave thought to masking off that part of the head light, and after sanding and preparation, applying a coat of plastic compatible spray paint to see if it would extend the life, the lens area is fine, just the top has issues and no real reason that it must be clear.. If I do this I'll try to get a picture or 2.. if if fails, I'll be doing a replacement also, and certainly don't want the full cost OEMs if that expensive.

 

[jgillott]

That is exactly what is happening to mine. The upper flat portion that runs back to the fender is beginning to crack, especially on the passenger side light.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

It is mostly passenger side for me too, that side gets more sun. I have some spray paint that is compatible to paint plastic that I used on the fender extenders, it is holding up well. When I get a chance, I'll try it and post a picture of the results. Seems it would be effective to extend the life of the headlight assembly, and protect it from further UV damage/cracking.

 

[jgillott]

I'll be interested to see the results. Thanks. Mine are getting so thin however, I wonder how long anything is going to hold out.

 

[Ozymandias]

I second the TYC, i think it's the best below the OEM Assembly.

 

[seafish]

I suggest that you search your local and surrounding area Craiglist ads under auto parts for "ram headlights" since MANY people remove their oem lights to replace with supposedly "cooler looking" aftermarket headlights and then sell them for relatively cheap since they don't want them just sitting around the garage. That's how I easily found an oem pair in good condition for $75.

I like to use a "craigslist aggregator search engine" like http://www.searchtempest.com to more easily search CL ads by miles from my zip code-- The interface takes just a little getting used to , but there are no charges or user agreements or even personal info needed and it works really well!!

 

[jgillott]

That's a good idea. I'll keep an eye out on Craigslist.

 

[MJWenrich]

I just put in the headlights from Genos and they are high quality. After reading the reviews on line with the cheaper products I went with theirs. I did get the lamp out signal and wondered about that. It happened after the second use of the truck, in the daylight, with no lights on. Thought maybe that was because I had just changed them and the computer was "learning". So far, after about three more starts, it has not come on. I will save the other connectors just in case. The quality of the Deko lights seem to be very good, installed easily and came with new bulbs. BTW...$115 each for the 03 to 05.