-
headlights replacement
Hello all,
Calling for some help with the proper way to attack the change of headlights on the 98 XL45 Liberty- older square type OEM on the 87-91 Ford F-150 apparently….
I talked to Daniel Stern and I am getting new headlights from his Argentinian source. How do I go about changing them ?
I see 4 screws on the front that hold the metal trim around the headlight. Is that the way in to get to the
headlight element or from behind somehow ?
Thank you
Marius
98 Liberty
-
11 Replies
-
From the front take cover off
-
Thank you.
-
Marius, could you post some pictures when you are finished with the headlight upgrade?
Thanks,
Ken
-
These replacement headlights may not meet Federal specifications. They may meet ECE (European) specs. I’m also looking for improved visibility at night for a four lamp arrangement. All the ECE’s I’ve seen look to have a clearer glass lens than the SAE (US) specification.
For what it may or may not be worth.
-
These are the headlights that Daniel Stern sells and apparently they are OEM for the American market not European.
The F-150 and Bronco did not make it over the pond and there are no aftermarket headlights to be bought with clear lens or projectors etc.
There is only Ford OEM and TYC or Dorman equivalent wich I thiuk is junk.
Here is what Daniel Stern replied to my inquiry:
“Replacement headlamps need to be OEM items
(genuine Ford ’88-’91 F-series pickup) because all(!) of the
aftermarket off-brand items (TYC, Depo, DJAuto, Eagle Eye,
Helix, etc.) are garbage, despite spurious claims of “OEM
quality”, “SAE/DOT approved”, “CAPA certified”, etc.
Note these coaches have long lengths of thin wire, thus
starving whatever bulbs you install. Fix this with relay kit
RIK-HB1. Parts are specially made premium-grade items (e.g. ceramic
headlamp sockets) that accept large-gauge wire; this is not
the “consumer grade” junk you can find at the parts store.
The in-cab switches continue working normally, and you will
not need to cut or otherwise disturb any of the vehicle’s
original wires.”Marius 98 RT Liberty
-
just got bad news on the headlights….apparently the Argentinian source is out so the only alternative is the TYC or Dorman which are low quality .
The original Ford OEM ’87-’91 F-150 or Bronco which is what the XL takes are no longer made.
I have to come up with a new plan.
-
Looking to do the same. Sent email. Thanks!
Joe
-
Care should be taken when upgrading headlights to HID or LED. A projector-style housing is necessary to focus the light appropriately and to “be legal” on the highway. There are all kinds of kits out there that match the bulb to be replaced, but proper aiming and beam focusing will not be attained without the retrofit like Doug offers of the assembly with projector housings.
Just a thought to keep in mind.
-
Will,I happen to be a Peterson Manufacturing dealer and I just got a set of LED headlights for my four bulb setup-like yours. (I should stay out of the new product catalogs- I just can’t resist) The lights are DOT approved. I got all 4, but my Peterson rep told me that I probably won’t ever need the brights.They also said that special care has to be taken when aiming these guys. I have not installed them yet. They are also made in the USA. They are not cheap, but the price has come down quite a bit since bulbs like this were introduced.
-
Before and after….. with day time run light wiring kit. Purchased from ExCalibur at Sanford FL. Cost $2200. Stainless steel bezel is lazer cut. I did install in KC which required lights returned to ExCalibur for fiberglass and stainless alterations. The issue was the radius corner fit.
Extra work with drawings to get it right. Best way if you do upgrade is taking bus to Sanford.
-
Looks great! Thanks for sharing.
Log in to reply.