Finally! LED headlights!

[J Ski]

Just ordered the new Diode Dynamics SL1 Low beam LEDs for projectors. Here a few shots from a guy on facebook. Can’t wait to get them in. Huge difference IMO
Perfect fit behind the dust cap, no modifying involved

 

[B-McD]

I hope they work out for you. I'll be looking for your input. Love my truck but those factory headlights truly blow.

 

[gixer2000]

The SL1 is awesome! Huge break through in the led market and the only led that performs as it should in a reflector or projector

 

[mossback]

Very interesting! Will be following this closely.

 

[G213]

Very cool. Keep us posted on how they hold up. Did that post have any specs on them? Lumens, temp, etc.

I was able to get the 9005s from superbrightleds to fit into my housing, no modification. It took a little patience and trial/error, but they fit.

These bulbs let you adjust both the base and the heatsink, so you can position them perfectly inside the housing. When I first went to install, the opening was too tight for the bulb to twist-lock into place. So I was able to loosen the three screws on the back of the housing, get my bulb set in place, and retighten.

(If you choose this route, remove both housings from your truck, take them inside and put them on a bench or other work surface with good lighting. You'll never get them in correctly and might break something if you try and "quick install" them like they are standard bulbs)


https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...it-with-aluminum-finned-heat-sinks/4305/9631/


I was also able to get these H11s to fit for the high beams as well, no modification. Again, tight fit, but it worked. These are GREAT for the high beams. (Typically I'm not crazy about putting no-name bulbs in my truck; but I very rarely use my high beams and these seem to work really well)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077D6DDVK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[J Ski]

Backordered 6-8 weeks is the only downside

 

[07xln]

I love my LEDs.

These will be a nice upgrade for sure

 

[chuck s]

If I had projectors I'd probably not be looking for better headlights.

-- Chuck

 

[gixer2000]

If I had projectors I'd probably not be looking for better headlights.

-- Chuck

The oem ptojectors still stink so yes you would

 

[B-McD]

Chuck - I have the projectors and have tried the Sylvania Ultra Stars or whatever they are called and they still don't "project" very well.

 

[gixer2000]

Chuck - I have the projectors and have tried the Sylvania Ultra Stars or whatever they are called and they still don't "project" very well.

The SL1 should improve the output. Normally I wouldn't recommended and led but DD has done tons of testing to make sure the bulb distributes light exactly how the oem halogen bulb did so it should be a huge improvement

 

[07xln]

If I had projectors I'd probably not be looking for better headlights.

-- Chuck

Hes not looking for better headlights, hes looking for better bulbs

 

[bobmbx]

What is a projector headlight, and how would I know what kind I have?

 

[J Ski]

What is a projector headlight, and how would I know what kind I have?

High beams are reflector style

 

[gixer2000]

What is a projector headlight, and how would I know what kind I have?

2015 Projector and reflector pictured below. 07-14 will have a reflector by default.

Reflector


Projector

 

[star-art]

Has anyone swapped 2015-17 factory projector headlamps (Limited/King Ranch/Platinum) into a 2015-17 XLT? Seems like it would be an easy bolt-in job?

PS I just got a wiring manual for my 2017. Apparently Ford has been selling these trucks in China and those vehicles have some interesting options! For example, the front headlights for Navigators there have "auto leveling motors" and apparently all Chinese market trucks are equipped with *rear* fog lights.

 

[jkayca]

The rear fog light is for the guy behind to see you. It's actually common in Europe up in the Alps.

 

[AllBoostNoEco]

Has anyone swapped 2015-17 factory projector headlamps (Limited/King Ranch/Platinum) into a 2015-17 XLT? Seems like it would be an easy bolt-in job?

It’s not quite plug and play. The projectors and reflectors actually use different bulbs in the high/low spots. I believe the projectors are H9 high/9005 low; the reflectors are 9005 high/H11 low. The connectors are different, so it’s not as easy as plugging in the different lights either.
Physically, they are the same. I upgraded to HID projectors retrofitted into factory halogen projectors lights last year. They bolted right in to my XLT.

If you’re willing, swapping the wiring from one connector to the other wouldn’t be difficult.

@J Ski I'm really curious to see how they compare to halogens in the projectors. When you get them, will you swap one and do an on-wall comparison of output?

 

[star-art]

Thank you for that! Very good info. I've done headlight harness upgrades in the past so if I do this I'll make a new wire harness and wire them directly to the battery via a relay for maximum voltage to each lamp. That way, getting the proper connectors wouldn't be a problem. The factory harness would simply be unplugged and left as-is.

 

[chuck s]

Automatic headlight leveling and rear fog light(s) are mandatory in the UK and the parts of the EU I've driven in the past few years, The rear fog light would be annoying here as suburban housewives run the fog lights every time it gets dark and the rear fog light is bright and low. Works wonderfully spotting the car in front in the fog but we use our fog lights as styling items, not light.

-- Chuck