I have seen the threads detailing the headlight/foglight switch mod to activate the foglights with parking lights, etc. but I was wondering if there was any details available on modifying the setup to install 9005's. I am looking to upgrade to the Silverstars and didn't think it would look too good if the fogs were still "yellow" by comparison to the 9007 headlights.


Thanks for the help.

 

It's simple, the 9005s fit right onto the stock fog connectors with a little triming of the flange. Simply hold the old bulb next to the SilverStar and look at the diffrences, then trim a little bit off the end of the 9005 flange so it will fit in the fog light socket. I used a pair of needle nose plyers and then just broke off the ends a little bit.

Then Walllaaaaa you have SilverStars all around!

 

I installed the Lightning bumper cover on my truck. I did the fog light/parking light mod and I have installed the 9005 bulbs in the fog lights. The only thing I noticed is that the casing that surrounds the bulb turned yellow. Other than that, I have noticed no problems. I have been running them for around 4 months.

Blake

 

Blake- It is as easy as changing a bulb. I am not really sure what dcovell is talking about- there is no trimming needed. Simple. Good luck---Paul

 

Incorrect Paul... some do have to trim.

I had to snip a flange off of my 9005s before they would work. I have yet to isolate who had to and who didn't. It might simply involve the bulb manufacturer or, possibly a slight change in the assembly during a production change or something similar...

None the less... SOME had to trim the flange off.

RP

 

My bulbs fit right in but I have read several post that mojority of the people had to do a little trimming.

Blake

 

What are 9005s and 9007s? I take it that they are the SilverStar replacement bulbs for Fogs and Headlights . . . how much light output improvement is there?

Is this a switch to those really white lights?

How much is it to do this mod?

I don't like to run my fog lights at all. The improvement offered is barely dicernable and it is a pain the **** for the on comming traffic. But if it doesnt cost much and the headlights are improved substantially, then I might give the head lights a try.


And RockPick . . . I know you are out there (so to speak ) what were you doing in Yakima! That's where I was born and raised. I only live about two hours from there now.


Tom Hall

There are 10 kinds of people out there, those that understand binary and those that don't

 

I don't think you'd want to use a 9007 bulb for your fogs (not sure if it's possible) because they are HI-BEAM bulbs and thus, pull considerably more wattage. You don't want to fry your wiring. Keep this in mind when selecting a 9005 bulb (I would recommend Silverstars from Sylvania)

Quote:

Is this a switch to those really white lights?

Yeah, pretty white. You'll still have a VERY SLIGHT blue hue to them but, I think the overall appearance and the performance gain in light coverage is worth it.

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How much is it to do this mod?

Well, if you're talking about just modifying the switch so that you can run fogs and parks at the same time, the only equipment that you'll need is electrical tape and one inline splice connector. In short, CHEAP.

If you're talking about changing bulbs out and going that route as well; you're looking at several more dollars because the bulbs aren't super cheap. Expect to pay $20+ per bulb but, as I recall, they did have a rebate on them recently. Someone else will enlighten you if it's still valid as I'm not sure.

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I don't like to run my fog lights at all. The improvement offered is barely dicernable and it is a pain the **** for the on comming traffic. But if it doesnt cost much and the headlights are improved substantially, then I might give the head lights a try.

I disagree with you here. The extra light output is definately nice to have and further disagree that it's a discernment to other motorists.

The fogs are aimed, primarily, more towards the ground and thus, do not interfere with one's vision while driving as do some of the aftermarket or high output foglights that many have added beyond stock.

I look at it from a safety standpoint. The greater my vision, the less chance I'm going to smack Bambi (the 3rd Street prostitute or the deer) while cruising down the road. Again, just my opinion.

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And RockPick . . . I know you are out there (so to speak ) what were you doing in Yakima! That's where I was born and raised. I only live about two hours from there now.

Ahhh, a Yakimanian. I fly in and out of Sea-Tac all the time as we can get in and out of there cheaper than flying the Horizon Air puddle jumper from Sea to Yak. It's a long drive through the pass but, if it's a pretty day, it's worth it. It's beautiful up there.

I'm out there on business. I'm an environmental geologist and we're working with a factory out in the Hops Capital of the World (self-proclaimed) Moxee (or I should say, the METROPOLIS of Moxee). Our client there has soil and groundwater contamination. We've installed an ion-exchange groundwater treatment system and also have excavated several thousand tons of soil and hauled it out of state to an approved landfill.

Also, I'm out there meeting with the Ecology (State EPA) guys and also the client. Just trying to steer the course to make sure the project meets goals and stays inside the budget. We'll be out there, off and on, for MANY years to come.

It's an interesting site but, I've been spending entirely too much time out there lately. No offense but, the WestCoast Gateway Hotel (now the Red Lion Gateway) is getting old. You know you've been there too long when the desk staff know you on a first name basis and don't ask to see ID or your credit cards any longer.

To put it into perspective, I spent 25 days of January there. Needless to say, I'm happy to be back in my own bed (as is my wife).

Take it easy. If you have any other questions about your lights, don't hesitate to email me (email in sig line).

RP

 

No trimming needed for mine. They went right in.

As far as the need or if there is an actual improvement . Yes there is an improvement . I use them mainly when I go off-road. You gain great visibility for short range . It's helped keep me from hitting big rocks or running into a deep ditch that I would probably not have seen with just headlights or when going over the top of a hill you see the other side just in case there is a tight turn.

I don't usually run them on the street unless it's raining pretty hard or foggy .

 

Sorry RockPick but I believe it is you that is wrong. First - a 9007 is not a hi beam, it is a doube element hi/lo beam bulb. Second- a 9005 bulb is a high beam bulb. This is why changing your foglights to 9005's makes such a difference. If you used a 9006(lo beam single element bulb), then you would have to trim to make fit. I think it is possible some people are using 9006's and thinking that they were 9005's But I dont see how one manufacturer would make a 9005 any different than the next. Oh well doesnt matter mine are nice and bright!---Paul

 

I definately stand corrected on the fact that the 9007 is a dual element bulb and that the 9005 is TYPICALLY a high beam bulb. You're right on there... I missed the ball...

But, trust me here... some do have to trim that little flange. I sincerely think it depends on the manufacturer of the bulb and/or the manufacturer of the individual fog lamp assembly. I definately have 9005 bulbs... they're not 9006.

I'm with you though... I'm just happy I have fogs that will blind blind people.

RP

 

The rebate offer is good through June 2003. Compare prices at Auto Zone and at Advance Auto. One of them was $5 cheaper than the other on a pre-packaged pair of either the 9007's or the 9005's. I just don't remember who was cheaper.

Some have to trim a little bit off the bulb flanges, some do not. I think it is a difference in the truck's hole, not in the bulb flanges...but I could be wrong on that one. But...some do have to trim a little bit. It is really very simple. I trimmed mine with a Dremel tool. Took about 20 seconds per bulb...only 'cause I am a perfectionist when it comes to my truck.

It is not that some ppl get the 9006's or whatever. I got the 9005's...and had to trim the flanges. Again, I think it is a difference in the fog light holes on the trucks....but as I said...I could be wrong.

It is one of my favorite mods I have done. I also have done the foglight switch mod and can use my fogs with parking lights, high beams, or low beams. The fogs DO add a considerable amount of visibilitiy and do not seem to bother oncoming drivers. The Silverstars are not neccesarrily a BRIGHTER light, as much as they are a WHITER light. The objects in the beams show up much more brilliantly and are more easily recognizable.

I did both the heads and the fogs.

 

Here is some information I got off the net from Sylvania and some online stores. Yes, I know the 9007ST is listed twice with two different descriptions and the same price. That's what was on the www.partsofamerica.com website. I tried AutoZone and Advance Auto but their web site was awful and I couldn’t find the 9005s so I went looking elsewhere.

Anyway look at the output of 1700 lumens from the 9005ST and only 1000/1350 lumens from the 9007ST and they are both rated at 70 watts max. AND my fog lights will be brighter than my high beams? It must be that my low and high will be on at the same time when I go to high beam for a total of 2350 lumens.

SYLVANIA 9007LL High/Low Beam; Long Life $11.49
SYLVANIA 9007 High/Low Beam $8.49
SYLVANIA X2010 Xenarc High Intensity Discharge Upgrade Kit Not currently available
SYLVANIA 9007ST Silver Star: High Performance Halogen $24.99
SYLVANIA 9007ST High/Low Beam; Silverstar $24.99
SYLVANIA 9007CB High/Low Beam; Cool Blue $14.99
SYLVANIA 9007XV Head Lamp: XtraVision $11.99
SYLVANIA 9006 Head Lamp Low Beam $41.99!!!! Geez


Lumens Watts Color Temp
SYL9003ST 1000/1400 Max. 60/70 4000° K
SYL9004ST 700/1200 Max. 50/70 4000° K
SYL9005ST 1700 Max. 70 4000° K
SYL9006ST 1000 Max. 60 4000° K
SYL9007ST 1000/1350 Max. 60/70 4000° K

I guess you guys are into my pockets again, I think I'm going to buy a pair of 9005s and stick'em in my fog lights and buy a pair of 9007s and stick'em in my head lights. I plan on making no other changes to wiring or anything. I should be OK right?

Where can I change to clear headlights (the lenses) without spending $4-600?

Tom Hall

 

The 9005 for the fogs is REALLLLLLYYYYY bright and quite a bit britghter than the low beams on your head lights. It will make you want to drive with your fogs on all of the time.

There is one problem with the SilverStars and thats fog. The really bright bluish light tends to reflect back at you a lot more in the fog than the stock lights so if it's foggy a lot where you live you may want to do the fog light swith mod so you can kill your main lights while still having your fogs. The best fog lights are the yellow ones but most don't have that.

Also be a kind mannered person and re-aim your lights after you install them.

To do this park in front of a wall or garage door on a level surface 25 feet away. Then measure the distance from the ground to the middle of the headlight. Take this measurement and mark it on the wall or whatever with tape or something. Then turn the headlight adjustment screw (is the most visible screw protruding out the back of the headlight assembly one with a 4 sided head) I used a pair of plyers to get at it. Turn that (you will figure out which way as I don't want to say the wrong thing here) until the hot spot of the light is just under the mark.

This way you won't blind people everywhere you drive.

 

Has anyone had any problems with burnt and or melting wires from either the fog or headlight bulbs due to the higher wattage?

I am thinking of the fogs only. Plan on getting Xenarc's when the weather gets a bit warmer.

Jim