So, You Want Better Lighting?
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Nashville, TN
Originally Posted by minus_13
Whoa, whoa, whoa... who said anything about 9008 silverstars? I hope you have some documentation to accompany the stains I know have in my shorts... 
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: New Port Richey, FL
Originally Posted by freekyFX4
I think Sylvania is working on NHTSA approval right now...could be a couple years before they get it.
WTF??Damn government!
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
minus 13,
I'm not sure if the manual covers re-aiming the fogs, but it does a real nice job on the headlights. You are correct in that a fog light is a low, wide, flat pattern intended to "see under" fog. (Whether it actually does that or not is up for grabs.) To re-aim yours, I'd suggest parking the truck about 50 feet from a nice clean flat surface. Next, take a measurement from the ground to the center of the lens on yor fog lights. Then, take a measurement from the ground to the center of the pattern on the wall. You should be at about the same height. Said another way, your lights should be aimed level with the ground or just a bit downward.
I'm not sure if the manual covers re-aiming the fogs, but it does a real nice job on the headlights. You are correct in that a fog light is a low, wide, flat pattern intended to "see under" fog. (Whether it actually does that or not is up for grabs.) To re-aim yours, I'd suggest parking the truck about 50 feet from a nice clean flat surface. Next, take a measurement from the ground to the center of the lens on yor fog lights. Then, take a measurement from the ground to the center of the pattern on the wall. You should be at about the same height. Said another way, your lights should be aimed level with the ground or just a bit downward.
Originally Posted by 2stroked
A number of us have complained about the lighting (headlights) on our '04 - '05 trucks. In the grand scheme of things, the stock lighting isn't really that bad, but it could be better. I've made two relatively simple changes that really helped my truck and thought I'd share them with everyone.
The first - and simplest - upgrade was adding Sylvania Silverstar 9005 bulbs to my factory fog lights. This made a huge difference in the first hundred feet or so in front of the truck and I'd highly recommend it. I also understand that Sylvania is coming out with a direct 9145 replacement bulb that will make it even easier. Remember though, fog lights are not designed to illuminate very far down the road, so this is only part of the solution.
For the distance end of the problem, I added a set of Hella 130 watt driving lights behind the grill. To see exactly how I did that, I've put a series of photos in my gallery with complete explanations on how I did everything. Just click on the camera. Hope this helps!
The first - and simplest - upgrade was adding Sylvania Silverstar 9005 bulbs to my factory fog lights. This made a huge difference in the first hundred feet or so in front of the truck and I'd highly recommend it. I also understand that Sylvania is coming out with a direct 9145 replacement bulb that will make it even easier. Remember though, fog lights are not designed to illuminate very far down the road, so this is only part of the solution.
For the distance end of the problem, I added a set of Hella 130 watt driving lights behind the grill. To see exactly how I did that, I've put a series of photos in my gallery with complete explanations on how I did everything. Just click on the camera. Hope this helps!
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
The Hella kit - which I bought from Pep Boys - just comes with the lights, wiring, relay, etc. The bracket(s) were all built from scratch by me in my basement with fairly simple hand tools. (Vise, Drill Press, Belt Sander, etc.)
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From: windsor ontario canada
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From: Around in Boston
When adding aftermarket lights should'nt you also upgrade you wiring harness
to. I was reading about them, it's beens said thats its a good idea so the light gets it power from a direct source (straight from the battery) and also the harnesses have a thicker gauge wire for better output, instead of going through the stock (small gauge) wiring harness. These wiring harnesses have a complete harness w/ relays.
Any info would be appreciated about this.
Thanks
Later
M V
to. I was reading about them, it's beens said thats its a good idea so the light gets it power from a direct source (straight from the battery) and also the harnesses have a thicker gauge wire for better output, instead of going through the stock (small gauge) wiring harness. These wiring harnesses have a complete harness w/ relays.
Any info would be appreciated about this.
Thanks
Later
M V
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,803
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From: North Canton, Ohio
I have been running the SS 9005's in my fog lights since the day I picked up the truck which was 26,000 miles ago. ('04 Screw 4x4) I really need the extra light as I have a problem seeing at night and I do a lot of night time driving , especially since I drive down to Mike T's every week.The light pattern I get is a lot wider and enables me to see at least 25 to 30 feet on to the berm (side) of the road, which helps with dodging deer on the infamous West Virginia Turnpike. Although I get several oncoming cars that will flash thier brights at me when I have the fogs on, it surprises me a little as I would think it common knowledge that most drivers should know it is unlawful to have fog lights that illuminate when you have your high beams on. I realize the 9005's are amazingly brighter than even the stock low beam headlamps, so when I am approaching an 18 wheeler or even another automobile or truck from the rear while passing them, I will give a quick pull on the brights to let them know I have my low beams on. I have never had one flash thier brights on me after I pass after doing this. The combination of the factory low beams along with the 9005's in the fog lamps is plenty bright even if you do have trouble seeing at night like I do...
The only issue with the SS's is that they have a short life expectency. I have replaced 3 of them already, with two of them actually exploding during the winter months.My stock fog lenses have not been effected by the intense heat that these bulds produce...
The only issue with the SS's is that they have a short life expectency. I have replaced 3 of them already, with two of them actually exploding during the winter months.My stock fog lenses have not been effected by the intense heat that these bulds produce...
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Rochester, NY
I purchased these on e-bay the other day. For the price, I figured I'd give them a shot. I had a similar product in my Denali that I purchased off of stylinconcepts and worked very well. Hopefully I can install these this weekend.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT