OK- I hate to do this. But I gotta get better headlights in my 2009 EXP

[2009expdude]

There's a lot of info, and right and wrong ways to do it, I know. I want brighter than the stock crap thats in there now. What are my options?

 

[JExpedition07]

HID kit.

 

[2009expdude]

Thanks- that really clarifies the options.

 

[JExpedition07]

@ExpeditionAndy bought from a good website that you can plug in your truck and it will tell you what you need. I may purchase from there for myself for christmas. I forgot the name of the site but he was happy with his and postedd output pics a while back. Im sure he will chime in. Just remembered XenonHID.com. The HID projects a nice clean light and has a good cutoff line most have been very happy with them.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

@ExpeditionAndy bought from a good website that you can plug in your truck and it will tell you what you need. I may purchase from there for myself for christmas. I forgot the name of the site but he was happy with his and postedd output pics a while back. Im sure he will chime in. Just remembered XenonHID.com. The HID projects a nice clean light and has a good cutoff line most have been very happy with them.

That's the company. I used the Moon Series Canbus Ballasts that have the built in cancellers so all you need is the 35 W HID kit, select the bulb temp color that you want. I went with the 5K temp because it was the closest to white light. LEDs are nice but don't project well from the stock projector headlights because the design of the parabolic reflector is designed for incandescents. HIDs are very very close to incandescent in design which is why the work so well.

https://www.xenonhids.com/35w-ac-canbus-ballast-hid-kit.html

 

[Adieu]

There's a lot of info, and right and wrong ways to do it, I know. I want brighter than the stock crap thats in there now. What are my options?

Do you have projectors or reflectors?

Reflectors:
1. Need new aftermarket headlight assemblies with projectors OR a projector retrofit into your housings
2. Then install HID or LED whatever makes you happy

Projectors:
HID kit or a powerful latest-generation LED set

 

[AllBoostNoEco]

Did any Expeditions prior to ‘15 come with halogen projectors?

I agree with Adieu 100%.
The best option as far as light output is concerned is HID projector retrofits in stock-style housings. This is also the most expensive option and it can be difficult to find someone to do them, unless you are willing to take the time and effort to do it yourself. Very rewarding but can be challenging.

Alternatively, something like these: https://www.protuninglab.com/pro-yd...ooglepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=140846687338
with a plug-n-play HID kit will give you better output than stock reflectors, but not nearly as good as proper retrofits.

Putting a plug-n-play HID kit in reflectors shouldn’t be considered even a last resort.

 

[Adieu]

Did any Expeditions prior to ‘15 come with halogen projectors?

I agree with Adieu 100%.
The best option as far as light output is concerned is HID projector retrofits in stock-style housings. This is also the most expensive option and it can be difficult to find someone to do them, unless you are willing to take the time and effort to do it yourself. Very rewarding but can be challenging.

Alternatively, something like these: https://www.protuninglab.com/pro-yd...ooglepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=140846687338
with a plug-n-play HID kit will give you better output than stock reflectors, but not nearly as good as proper retrofits.

Putting a plug-n-play HID kit in reflectors shouldn’t be considered even a last resort.

Pretty sure its been confirmed that "Spyder" and "Anzo" assemblies vs their "knockoffs" are actually 100% identical and made by the same Asian manufacturer on the same assembly line.... just different stickers and different price tags on the box getting them direct vs. getting them thru a US badge-engineering reseller

 

[gixer2000]

Oh man this touchy topic again. I'll try to keep my cool in this one...

Id strongly recommend a retrofit if you don't mind spending the money. Pleanty of budget options for under $200 but much better options at just over $300 if you wanna attempt it yourself. They will out perform any hid/led in a reflector housing and any aftermarket projector housing. Check out theretrofitsource.com
Or lightwerkz.net
Both sites have mega sales going on all weekend. (25% off)

Here's the ones I did on my 07. Worth every penny!

 

[gixer2000]

Did any Expeditions prior to ‘15 come with halogen projectors?

I agree with Adieu 100%.
The best option as far as light output is concerned is HID projector retrofits in stock-style housings. This is also the most expensive option and it can be difficult to find someone to do them, unless you are willing to take the time and effort to do it yourself. Very rewarding but can be challenging.

Alternatively, something like these: https://www.protuninglab.com/pro-yd...ooglepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=140846687338
with a plug-n-play HID kit will give you better output than stock reflectors, but not nearly as good as proper retrofits.

Putting a plug-n-play HID kit in reflectors shouldn’t be considered even a last resort.

The projectors started in 2015.

 

[JExpedition07]

Pretty sure its been confirmed that "Spyder" and "Anzo" assemblies vs their "knockoffs" are actually 100% identical and made by the same Asian manufacturer on the same assembly line.... just different stickers and different price tags on the box getting them direct vs. getting them thru a US badge-engineering reseller

I keep thinking about buying the spyder assemblies but am worried about the light output. $400 ain’t cheap to drop on seomthing i don’t know works.

 

[gixer2000]

I keep thinking about buying the spyder assemblies but am worried about the light output. $400 ain’t cheap to drop on seomthing i don’t know works.

Retros work and cost less than $400 if you do the work yourself. Get a threaded shaft projector and it's easy stuff!

 

[Adieu]

I keep thinking about buying the spyder assemblies but am worried about the light output. $400 ain’t cheap to drop on seomthing i don’t know works.

I think there's an unbranded version for like $190

And pretty sure there was a post with Spyders here somewhere....oh right, didnt that guy who wrapped his 3rd gen in baby blue sparkle vinyl have spyders?

 

[Adieu]

Retros work and cost less than $400 if you do the work yourself. Get a threaded shaft projector and it's easy stuff!

Pretty sure he wants spyders for the Ubar look, not just to get any old projector

 

[gixer2000]

Pretty sure he wants spyders for the Ubar look, not just to get any old projector

I can understand that but imo they really dont look good amd function worse than they look. But whatever satisfies him is all that matters

 

[Muddy Bean]

Another vote for HID bulbs behind a proper projector lens. I have the factory projectors on my ‘15 EL Limited. Not all of the ‘15 and later trucks have the projectors, it’s an option upgrade or a trim level specific upgrade. I think Limited and higher trims have them. Anyway, I’m thrilled with my HID bulbs behind my factory projectors. I bought a 55watt HID bulb set from Andy and I’m looking forward to installing them. I’ll take my 35watt bulbs out of my truck and put them in my tour Bus which also has projectors and uses the same bulbs.


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[chuck s]

Yep, it seems the Limiteds have "projectors" and the mere XLTs like my 2017 have "reflectors." Retrofitting projectors looks like a lot of money!' To be honest I thought all "projectors" had HIDs behind them but not so.

-- Chuck

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Yep, it seems the Limiteds have "projectors" and the mere XLTs like my 2017 have "reflectors." Retrofitting projectors looks like a lot of money!' To be honest I thought all "projectors" had HIDs behind them but not so.

-- Chuck

I know everybody says not to do it but I had HIDs in my standard reflectors on my 05 with no problems. I just had to make sure they were aimed properly. They provided great visibility.

 

[Muddy Bean]

I can’t speak for Andy’s experience, some reflectors are designed so well that actually have a cutoff similar to a projector so maybe in those housings an HID bulb could work, but at the end of the day, my personal thought is to install the HID bulbs, and then have a friend drive your truck at night while you drive towards it in another vehicle and be really really honest with yourself as to whether you are comfortable with how bright they are to oncoming drivers....and repeat to yourself the Golden Rule over and over again.


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[gixer2000]

I can’t speak for Andy’s experience, some reflectors are designed so well that actually have a cutoff similar to a projector so maybe in those housings an HID bulb could work, but at the end of the day, my personal thought is to install the HID bulbs, and then have a friend drive your truck at night while you drive towards it in another vehicle and be really really honest with yourself as to whether you are comfortable with how bright they are to oncoming drivers....and repeat to yourself the Golden Rule over and over again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I've seen Andy's output shots and their actually not bad. I was pleasantly surprised but they werent perfect. But adding them to a reflector is just a big NO in my book.