TomW

Any recommendations/comments on replacing the bulbs for the headlamps? Too poor to replace the entire assembly, so I have to settle for just a bulb replacement, but would sure like to find a way to increase the light output as the majority of my driving is at night. Seems the aftermarket bulbs just don't last as long and aren't as bright as the 9004s from the dealership.

I've seen the HO bulbs as well. Claims are they last longer but not sure if I can use 'em without making any modifications.

Lil Dog

I have some aftermarket bulbs in my 96 truck that seem to give me a good light output. Not the same as actual 100W bulbs but the light seems brighter. They are not PIAA but another company, problem is they came with the truck when I bought it. The reciept says "9004 Extreme Plus bulb" and the pair was $140 CAD. I have not pulled the bulbs to see the actual Wattage draw. Good light, better than the aftermarket 80W setup in my 93...

J-eh

hotdram

You could replace the stock wiring harness. You can do this by building your own or buying one like THIS (Click the link at the top left that says "Headlight Wire Harness&quot

By doing this, you are using a heavier gauge wire to the bulb. A heavier gauge wire will have less voltage drop in it, thereby supplying more voltage to the lamp. The higher the voltage, the brighter the lamp. If you measure the voltage at the bulb with the stock harness, I bet you do not have +12V, because of the drop in the stock harness. If I can find the post from the dieselstop.com, some guy posted results (he measured volts at the headlight and lumens from the light) from his tests on his Ford. He tested OEM harness vs. Heavy duty harness on OEM bulbs and OEM harness vs. Heavy duty harness on expensive after market bulbs (like Syvania Silver Stars). Definitely brighter with the heavy duty harness.

Lil Dog

It does make sense to upgrade the harness. Those P-P wires used in the headlight circuit are a joke.. Most 4X4 shops carry aftermarket harnesses that are complete and just plug in (with some wiring to the battery). The only problem I have with those systems is I have to disable the Daytime Running Lights which is not an option for my company vehicle.

greatwhite

I went to Wagner Britelites in my 93 (sealed beams) huge difference) even better than my Bosch H2. Also ran the H9004BL bulbs in my 94 Intrepid. Good clean BRIGHT light. Would reccommend w/o hesitation. About 12-14 Cdn $ ea.

Lil Dog

I am finding the H4's to be a bust as far as investment.. :-[

I did see however that in Canadian Tire they have Silverstar sealed beams!!! I just about bought those things.. But then I remember how much I paid for the PIAA bulbs.. Gulp...

J-eh

TomW

**sigh** Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and order from the US. Stopped at 3 different 4x4 shops and none of them had heard of a "replacement" harness.