05 Headlight Upgrade

Hey Guys:

Thought I'd check in here with all of you. It's time for a headlight upgrade on my 2005 3500. I've been running a Brite Box / Fogster upgrade for many years but the Brite Box has failed so it's time to do something about it.

Additionally, I want to install new headlight housings, my original housing are really clouded up and they will not buff out.

Any ideas on upgrades other than replacing the Brite Box? .... Thanks for your responses

 

I'm interested in the recommendations as I went with aftermarket factory style housings and supposedly quality LED headlights and have been very disappointed.

The light performance has been great, but they cause terrible radio interference even after several attempts to mitigate and I have a reoccurring lamp out warning on the dash that goes away by cycling the lights on and off. Both issues, the seller touts as not being a problem with their product.

 

Im running these for years now, https://www.theretrofitsource.com/2002-2005-dodge-ram-headlight-package
Expensive but good. No problems at all with these.

 

They may be good, but are not DOT approved and not street legal according to the retrofit site. Inspectors in Texas check lights for DOT approval. Inspections vary by state so take care on your purchases of upgraded lighting. You may spend your money on lights that will not pass inspection.

 

I've found these, anyone have any feedback on them?

https://shop.retroshop.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=02-05.RETRO

 

That's the one I have!!

Sorry for the wrong link above, my network connection has been very bad that day and I couldn't verify the link.

 

Ozy,

Did you send them your headlights to modify or did they supply the headlights? If they supplied, how was the fit and finish? Which options did you choose? Can you post a picture of yours.

Thanks,
Marty

 

Hi, I ordered with new housings. He is using TYC units for it.
I used the most basic shrouds in it to look very much OEM but have choosen the 50watt HIDs.
Just to mention it, they use the European light pattern, means you see farther in low beam then with a domestic symmetrical light.

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Thanks for the pictures. Yes, I like it looking as close to stock as possible.

Did you lose your high beams?

 

Oh no, these are Hi/Low Xenons, they have a shutter in it.

 

That's good that you still have the high beams. Looking at your pictures again, the gap between the body and headlight housing looks good on those TYC units.

 

Ozymandias, I just picked up a set of these and will be installing soon. Would you mind sharing where you mounted the relays and other components that come with these lights? Maybe also how you routed the wiring? Thanks

 

Just behind the light assembly is a frame rail of the cab, i fixed all the stuff to the side of that rail.
It is easy accessible with the plastic wheel well taken off.

 

Just ordered mine from retro(THANKS OZY)...................................
I am tired of screwing around with poor lighting crap.

 

I wanted to follow up just to let all those who follow on what I did. I've decided to stay with the Brite-Box FLC. I choose this route because it was a known result as I've had the Brite-Box upgrade on my truck since 2010. I also like the fog light assist when the high beams are engaged.

The HID upgrade (mentioned above) was an unknown to me so I decided to stay with the known quantity. I also went with the Extreme-Vision bulb upgrade. I ended up contacting Automotive Lighting Products in regards to the bulb and housing upgrade, here's what he/they had to say

I ended up just getting the new (after-market) housings from Geno's. If I would have went with the OEM housings the overall cost of the headlight upgrade would have been on par with the HID upgrade from the Retro-Shop ($675 plus).

 

My lenses are really bad. I'm on another forum for another vehicle and Cerakote is getting good reviews. Anyone use it on their headlight lenses?

 

Don't waste your money with it, it lasts from today to tomorrow.
Get a set of new Headlights from TYC, they are good quality.

 

Ozy, I have no doubt those are great lights and if I ever have to replace the whole light I will purchase them on your recommendation. However, I am pot committed to a set of upgraded bulbs that are working great for me and for $20 to try to restore the lenses I figure what do I have to loose. This will be one of my January projects.

 

No i just mean the basic TYCs, not the ones we use that are upgraded to Xenon.