Headlight opinion

[bowez]

My 90 F150 will need new head lights probably already does. I've thought of stepping up to the modern LEDs with Auxbeam F15s but don't know or do I keep the original look and go with Silver Stars. For me this is my daily but I like it stock as my Parents bought it new in Feb 1990. This is also part of the reason I can't bring by self to put a Trac-Lock in it though thought hard.

 

[Jae 'Bird]

If its a daily, my vote is to do the LEDS as its honestly a safety item, you want your headlights to be as reasonably bright as possible without blinding other drivers. I know some people here are going to say don't as it "will blind" other drivers but considering the current state of headlights and how low an old truck is compared to new ones, I say do the upgrade and see if you like em.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I've always been skeptical of LED headlight bulbs. Recently I tried a pair I found in the junkyard (Auxito I think), and the result was remarkable. Much brighter, and nobody flashed their lights at me. I also went to a large, flat parking lot, left the lights on, and walked away from the car to look back from the perspective of an oncoming driver, and there was no glare.

I think the problem is that there are so many different products, and you won't know the quality and functionality until you try them in your specific light assemblies.

 

[White Lincoln]

I have tried several types of bulbs (LED, Halogen) on both cars and ended up going with Philips NightGuide Platinum Premium for the cars.

I tried these brands:
MIFMIA 9007 LED Headlight Bulb
Philips 9006 NightGuide Platinum Premium (have in the Cougar now)
Philips Automotive Lighting 9007 NightGuide Platinum Premium (have in the Town Car now)
GE Lighting 194NH/BP2 Nighthawk
Nighthawk Platinum 9007NHP/BP2 Halogen Headlight Bulbs

If your truck uses the same type of bulb as mine, the LED won't reflect correctly in the OEM lens. So, you may want to stick with halogen bulbs. LED bulbs also may need to mount in a specific position in the lens to reflect correctly (in an LED lens, not a halogen lens).

If money is an issue, go with the standard bulb for the truck. If money is not issue, you may end up trying a few different types. You may also need to upgrade your headlight wiring to 10 awg if you get high powered lamps.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

If your truck uses the same type of bulb as mine, the LED won't reflect correctly in the OEM lens.

To my previous point, you simply cannot generalize that statement for all LED bulbs, as there is no standardization akin to halogen bulbs from mainstream brands.

The LED pair that I came across by mere coincidence was superior to Sylvania Silverstar Ultras in every way and without glare, and that's a high-end halogen bulb.

The halogen bulb may still illuminate the street more evenly and with softer cutoff lines. If you're not interested in spending time and money on trial and error, a quality halogen bulb is a safe and perfectly adequate choice.

 

[XR7-4.6]

New housings, aimed properly and a relay harness to run the bulbs more directly off the battery (rather than through the junction box, switch MFS etc.) will make halogens perform notably better. I’m not saying some
LED upgrades can’t exceed that level but that’s worth trying if you’re hesitant about going to LEDs. Also stay away from halogen bulbs with a blue color film on the bulb, that makes them appear whiter but it makes output WORSE