How much better are the '06+ headlights than the earlier models?

[fireball]

100-series fans,

Can anyone tell me just how much better the headlights are in the 06+ model year trucks than the OEM ones on my '99? I am considering doing the front end facelight if the headlights are substantially better.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[highonpottery]

they're not really any "better". earlier models had GLASS vs plastic lens on the later years. if you're talking about light output, you have several options for upgrading. several headlight threads here on mud to research.

 

[fireball]

That's the thing, unless you were talking about spending really big bucks, there aren't really any good headlight upgrades. For the kind of money you spend on that, would be nice if the newer versions not only updated the look of the truck but also had better output.

 

[aging fleet]

Some perspective from a new guy. I recently acquired an '06 and the headlights were in pretty bad shape for a car with 90k. Because of that, I'd prefer your earlier glass lenses. Even after wet-sanding and polishing, I'd describe the light output as average. My point of comparison is an Audi with the stock HID headlights not a pre-facelift 100 so YMMV.

 

[SWUtah]

My 2005 headlights have plastic lens. They are starting to need another polish job.

 

[stonepa]

Glass lenses stay clear forever. I hate that they changed to plastic. Nothing but fog and scratches after a short time.

 

[Manhattan]

I don't know, I think the glass looks pretty good. 8+ years and almost 90,000 miles later...

 

[tabraha]

Glass + Retrofit HID projectors = clean lighting bliss.

 

[Norcalfamily]

An easy upgrade was putting that different bulb mod with a small trimming on the tab job. Search for it. Anyway much more light output from same wattage bulb.

 

[jgray]

I definitely prefer the 06-07 headlights over my older glass stock lights. I did the front end update a couple years ago and it's been one of my favorite mods. It's more expensive than you think for the full update but looks better and light output is much better for both standard and high beam lights. I think the main factor in the better lighting is improved reflector design...

Manhattan - The truck pictured has the updated front end with one piece lights and 06-07 grille correct? Not the older glass lights?

 

[Manhattan]

jgray - yes. That's an '06 with the plastic lights... showing no oxidation, fogging, etc.

 

[jgray]

Here is a couple pics during conversion and after...