2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission "Sport" style headlights

[MBowser]

Let there be LIGHT!!

Go my lights in today and WOW... they are bright!!! Used standard Sylvania bulbs, much much better... but gotta a questions and advice



First the Question:



Now my display above the rear view mirror is showing extra bright/characters even when the switch is turned down... what gives?



ADVICE:

If you get sport headlights from a salvage yard make sure the turn signals assembly is there... I thought you could interchange... only way is to adjust the bottom of the of the turn signal (grind or sand off part)... pondering on doing this... so I have a lop sided deal right now...

 

[MBowser]

Forgot another question:



What should these lights be adjusted too? They look okay but not sure

 

[upsyes]

MBowser, I understood from prevoius posts that the side marker lamps would fit the factory sport lamp just fine, but you are saying otherwise??



This whole upgrade thing is a shambles of posts that are just NOT anyone of them complete with ALL of the needed information at all.



Charles Smith is the only one who comes close to being informative and I appreciate the great pics and info.



The only problem is is that there is no comprehensive information gathered together in one place yet that weighs the pros and cons of the aftermarket lights, what the quality is REALLY like, What the factory part #'s come with parts wise, Did they fit properly, was it ultimately worth the investment. ??????etc...



Most posts are vague at best and you have to glean a tad bit here and a tad bit there. If a person is going to take the time to post then they should be as helpful to others as possible by taking the time to be as thorough as possible in the info they provide so that all memebers benefit from your experiences.



Gregdoerfler's post(without meaning to offend) is an example of what I'm talking about. Which headlights did you use? Factory New? Junk yard take offs? Aftermarket? If so then what brand? Part#? Quality? Fit? Price? Really happy or just so-so with the fit and finish compared to factory units? Did you keep you orig park lights? Did they fit with the new ones???? Were the adjusters the same as the factory ones? Better? Worse?



Or how about Grumpy John 4X4? Since you took the time to tell us about it being in back issues (and I'm glad you did) then why not take the time to tell us which issues so that we don't ALL have to tke the time to search that out??? That's what I'm talking about. Complete helpful info. Links. Pics. Web sites... .



We all benefit if everyone does the same thing. There are posters on here that do a very good job of relaying detailed information to the members and that is INVALUABLE as we all know. All of us has benefited greatly from posters like JoeG etc... and we need to return that favor by being good posters too. It only takes a few extra minutes to be alot more thorough.



Thanks for listening to my rant and MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO TAKE THE TIME TO POST WHAT YOU KNOW!



Eric

 

[Dave M]

I agree with you Eric on this Sports headlght conversion being hard to figure just what headlight to buy and not getting enough info on what is REALY working.



I've been on this site and DTR and still am confused.



It appears that there are those reliable members we respect advising getting the OEM Sports lights. That is what I'm going to do and also put in a Suvlights wiring harness. The problem is I come out with about $500 in parts.



Thanks to all for posting some great pics and info. When I do my Sports upgrade I will try to posts lots of pics and details that you requested so all can benefit.



Dave

 

[upsyes]

I would likely at this point completely agree with getting the oem light assemblies. The latest part#'s are:

55077024ac (or ag)

55077205ac (or ag)



BUT! I can't determine if they come WITH the park lights attached or not. I have seen a parts schematic that shows that it is complete with EVERYTHING for about $167 to $175 each plus you would definitely want to get an upgrade harness assembly (sounds like some come wired wrong) or a relay installation kit from Daniel Stearns Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply (RIK-RAM) for $79 and make your own high quality harness while you watch TV.



Thanks for the response Dave and by the way... I cleaned my headlight lenses with a rsg and aluminum wheel polish and they not only look new but they are WAY brighter and I can now see down the road much much better!



The 3m kit YouTube - 3Mâ„¢ Headlight Lens Restoration System is ABSOLUTELY the best kit to buy and restore your headlights to NEW condition. Do NOT use a kit that applies a clear product as the final stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I have read all the reviews!



Eric

 

[Dave M]

Eric, I did get around to sanding the yellow off my headlights, like you did, a few months ago with 600, 800, and 1000 grit and then used buffing compound and wax and it was way better but I still want to upgrade to the Sports lights, not sure when I'll do it but that seems the way to go. I don't have a buffer yet so I did it manually.



I also put a Summitt headlight relay harness in and relayed my aftermarket backup lights using 12 gauge wire and they are awesome.



Lets see who gets the Sport headlghts first... you or me... . hahaha.



Dave

 

[MBowser]

Here are my pics about what doesn't match up, Sport's Parking Lamp assembly is different and is not modifyable...



First is of the Sport Headlights in the truck but missing the parking lamp assembly



Second/Third are of the Standard Headlight assembly



I went the cheaper route by going to salvage yards to get the Sport Headlights and since my headlight well was already formed from factory for Sports, they popped right in, just missing the turn/parking assembly for driverside

My cost:

Headlights x2: 175

SUVLights wiring harness: 140ish

Total: 325ish

 

[upsyes]

It was almost me! I ordered a set from moparpartsameica which is just down the road from me but then they said they were an updated # and were a little bit more $ and they were on backorder. Ugghhh. I cancelled the order so I could think about it a bit more but I did order the headlamp relay kit from Daniel Stearns, New Nighthawk GE lamps as he suggested and will do at least that part to see if things are improved even more than the headlamp cleaning I did. Restoring my Headlight Lenses was the world of difference and mine weren't that bad!



The GE Nighthawks are a buy one get one free with free shipping on Amazon.com so I ordered 2 pairs each of the 9004 and 9007 lamps in case I do upgrade my headlights. They come in a 2 pack so you are getting a FANTASTIC deal at this time.



I wish someone would send out a post on the ANZO headlights that Genos Garage sells. There must be a bunch of guys that have ordered and installed them by now. HELLLLOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo... .....



Later Dave! Eric

 

[upsyes]

MBowser, Thanks for posting the Pics and info. I'm glad to find that out now rather than later. I still need to find out if the factory part# comes with the Park lamps attached like the pictures show http://app4.websitetonight.com/projects/4/6/0/8/460809/uploads/01BE_moparpartsamerica.com.pdf (page 227) If so it would cost about $335 for an OEM factory pair of headlights with park lamps.



Did the wrecking yard not have the park lights???



Eric

 

[MBowser]

Salvage yards had the whole assembly, I just picked up the parking assembly an hour ago, didn't think about it when I first picked it up

 

[Dave M]

Eric, It looks like you are looking at the same Sports lights I've been considering..... at MoparPartsAmerica in Oregon? Yes i agree that the pic seems to indicate you get the parking lights too. I'll be real interested in what you actually get for that much $$$.



MBowser I'm waiting to see how your parking lites work out.



Dave

 

[charlessmith]

...
Charles Smith is the only one who comes close to being informative and I appreciate the great pics and info.

The only problem is is that there is no comprehensive information gathered together in one place yet that weighs the pros and cons of the aftermarket lights, what the quality is REALLY like, What the factory part #'s come with parts wise, Did they fit properly, was it ultimately worth the investment. ??????etc...

Eric

Eric, I completely support your outlook - that it takes searching through many, many postings to get more of the story about something. That's what caused me to put my Sport Headlight web page together.

The topic of power heated Tow Mirrors is even worse That caused me to put this web page together - Dodge Ram - Towing Mirror Upgrade Information- '94 to '06. That information came from 1st hand experience and from dozens of other people's postings.

As far as my aftermarket Sport Lights, I have been entirely satisfied with them, they came complete with the turn signals and with all bulbs and sockets, they fit like OEM lights (once I sawed out the headlight buckets). My lights have been installed for almost a year and they are still 100% OK. I figure you can't get much better than that.

The main thing you have to be careful about, is that there are some aftermarket lights called "Sport Lights" that really only have a single bulb, plus there are "sport" lights that claim to have a HID low beam and other variations. On those, I guess you pay your money and take your chances. But on OEM style sport lights with two main bulbs in each light, that's covered on my web page.

 

[KEnglish]

Eric,

I understand your frustration but the problem is that there are many sources for lights and wiring options. There isn't one particular conversion that is best for everyone. Everyone's skill level is different. I think everyone is just trying to add their experience and "whether it was worth" doing this conversion to the general discussion rather than laying out in detail "The right way to do it"



For what it's worth in my limited experience in the 94-98's the core support behind the headlights must be cut for bulb clearance. I used a 3. 5in. hole saw (picture above in this thread). Others have used a sawzall. 99 and up has clearance from the factory for the Sport option.



I used OEM replacement sport headlights from Headlightsdepot via Ebay. $159. 95/pair complete with xenon bulbs and turn signals. They fit perfectly and were easily installed.



I used a wiring harness from Suvlights.com "Dodge Ram (Sport Headlights) Super Heavy Duty Conversion Harness w/4 relays 9004 to 9004 & 9007" No part number just that description. $133. 00 I made a little tab on each battery tray and zip tied the relays to it.



I thought the conversion was easy (if I can do it anyone can) and very worthwhile. Night and day difference on my truck.



I hope this helps.

 

[MBowser]

Let there be LIGHT!!

I took these pictures last week before heading to work at 6am

1st No Lights 2nd Low Beams Last High Beams

 

[MRoberts]

I did the Sport conversion a year ago, still my favorite "Bomb"!



I used the Depo lights from CertiFit and a harness from Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply. Stern is a "lighting guru" and has some great reading on his site. I highly recommend taking a look at his site before doing any headlight mod.

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

I did the Sport conversion a year ago, still my favorite "Bomb"!



I used the Depo lights from CertiFit and a harness from Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply. Stern is a "lighting guru" and has some great reading on his site. I highly recommend taking a look at his site before doing any headlight mod.

Would you say this is the Best way to go Vs. the Real sport lights?



JoeLee

 

[JoeCanuck]

LMC Truck Parts - Pages 24 and 25

Whatever you do, stay away from the One Piece Euro Headlight Sets. I have a set and while they look great on the truck, they are junk. Crap lighting, (even with Nighthawk lights), difficult to install and a real pain to adjust.

Just say no... I'll be dumping mine soon and going with a true Sport style light.

 

[MRoberts]

Would you say this is the Best way to go Vs. the Real sport lights?



JoeLee

JoeLee -



I would have preferred going with light housings from the dealer, but after looking at the Depos, I couldn't justify the cost difference. I was quoted over $300. for the factory replacements from several stealers in the area and paid $180 for the Depos.



So far they have held up great and look like they are brand new. The lighting improvement is amazing!



The one thing I highly recommend is doing some reading on Daniel Sterns site. He isn't out to make a living with his info! He offers all the parts to build your own wiring harness (relays) and is very heavy duty. You supply the wire.



Or you can go the route I did, pay to have the harness assembled for you. I went this route because I'm a total knucklehead when it comes to electrical issues. I ended up with a plug and play harness that blows away any of the other wiring harnesses I've seen!



Have fun!

 

[Bob4x4]

Would you say this is the Best way to go Vs. the Real sport lights?



JoeLee

Hang in there Joe I will get you in eventually



Bob

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

Thanks all,



BoB4X4 will eventually take care of me, when he's not buried...



JoeLee