FordExcursions.com Forums
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 Posted:8/20/2004 04:38 |
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Hello,
I frequently drive my 04 X PSD0 550-600 miles each way, mostly at night, through the desert and other mostly unlit areas. My low beams are much better than my high beams, which I never use. The dealership has adjusted them before, but I had them put them back how they were as I could not see anything.
I was thinking of getting some add-on street legal lights,. The ones that I researched a while back did not bother to put much, if any, specs on their websites, which made it impossible to really compare them.
I don't have a lot of money to spend on this, but would really like to get some great distance lights. I prefer the newer, "blue" lights (husband's Touareg has them, and they really illuminate great). I would prefer not to replace my fog lamps, as I do use and need them on these trips sometimes.
Any pointers, tip or recommendations?
Thanks,
Dobermann
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Posted:8/20/2004 07:14 |
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| Quote: | Hello,
I frequently drive my 04 X PSD0 550-600 miles each way, mostly at night, through the desert and other mostly unlit areas. My low beams are much better than my high beams, which I never use. The dealership has adjusted them before, but I had them put them back how they were as I could not see anything.
I was thinking of getting some add-on street legal lights,. The ones that I researched a while back did not bother to put much, if any, specs on their websites, which made it impossible to really compare them.
I don't have a lot of money to spend on this, but would really like to get some great distance lights. I prefer the newer, "blue" lights (husband's Touareg has them, and they really illuminate great). I would prefer not to replace my fog lamps, as I do use and need them on these trips sometimes.
Any pointers, tip or recommendations?
Thanks,
Dobermann
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Lets see what we can find for you. First we have replacement bulbs, sylvania silver stars. They have the blueish tint and work really good. Cost about$20 each.
Then you can get a SUV wiring harness which bypasses you wimpy wiring in the truck and pulls power from the battery, increasing the output . Stock voltage is around 11.8 at the bulbs....14.0 with the harness.
http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/2003-ford-excursion-exterior-lighting.html
Last but not least is the Brite Box. The box allows you to switch to your high beams with your low beams staying on. Plenty of power there also.
http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/home.php?cat=43
Try these and I know you will be happy. They also have many aftermarket driving lights that you can add to your truck like mine here bought at AutoZone for about 50 bucks (mine is on the left)
If you have the factory lights like the 05 X on the right, Sylvania 9005 will replace the wimpy factory bulb with minor modification. Hope this works for you.
Moderator
Scott
2000 ltd 6.8 V10*4.30LS*
Lots of mods
check my gallery
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Posted:8/21/2004 04:54 |
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Hi Scott,
Thanks for the info. I used Sylvania's site and determined the 9007ST was the correct model for the 04. My lights look like yours. I found a pair on eBay for $20, which is a great price with a good seller, so I just bought a pair:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7916818864
In case others are interested, as of this posting, that seller has 3 more pairs for that price. I hope they come with replacement instructions...
I seem to be having a bit of a problem finding the wiring harness at the link you provided. Are you sure that is the correct link?
What am I in for in replacing the wiring harness? How difficult is it? Do you connect it to both batteries or just either one? What about installing the Brite Box? Enquiring minds want to know...
Thanks again,
Dobermann |
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Gen-X
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• Toronto, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 1/19/2004 |
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• 344 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/21/2004 07:41 |
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What am I in for in replacing the wiring harness? How difficult is it? Do you connect it to both batteries or just either one? What about installing the Brite Box? Enquiring minds want to know...
Thanks again,
Dobermann[/quote]
Dobermann,
The main reason for the harness is to give the headlights as much energy (volt/amps) as possible. This will fix dim lights and make them very bright.
I use the harness from
http://www.suvlights.com
Also take a look at my install pic here. It was very easy.
http://www.superford.org/registry/vehicles/detail.php?id=4512&s=16799#content
good luck....anymore questions let me know.
Doberm |
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Posted:8/21/2004 07:44 |
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Good Deal
| Quote: | I seem to be having a bit of a problem finding the wiring harness at the link you provided. Are you sure that is the correct link?
What am I in for in replacing the wiring harness? How difficult is it? Do you connect it to both batteries or just either one? What about installing the Brite Box? Enquiring minds want to know...
Thanks again,
Dobermann |
Heres the link http://www.suvlights.com/
Easy to install. One battery our the other. They say on the site to get two but one will do. You can read up and make up your own mind on that. I am making my own kit here at the house.
http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/product.php?productid=161&cat=43&page=1
Brite box is just as easy.
Moderator
Scott
2000 ltd 6.8 V10*4.30LS*
Lots of mods
check my gallery
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Posted:8/21/2004 10:04 |
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I have my hella 450's wired to the parking lamps. They come on and stay on with parking, low and high beams. I do have a seperate on / off switch for them. You could add a set of these for less than the cost of the Brite Box, but your state laws may prohibit you from running a settup like this. Or you could rewire your fogs to stay on with the high beams for the lowest cost fix, but there again it may violate state laws where you live. I live in TN so we pretty much do whatever we want.
2000 XLT Premium, V10, 4.3 LSD Rear, Edge 4.5" Hanger Lift, Landyot Radius Rods, Hellwig Sway Bar, Dual Bilsteins, 295 75 16 Nitto AT's, Billet Grill, Lengthened and Balanced Driveshaft, Hella 450's, Insulated AC Lines, Modified ZooDad, Husky Liners F to B.
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Posted:8/26/2004 18:45 |
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Thank you so much guys. The lights arrived Monday morning. I'm off to order the harness and bright box. Looks like one either needs small hands or remove the batteries to get to the light bulbs. 
I presume on the Bright Box that you have the option of turning it on or off, right? Is this via a remote or via a hard wire? Although, it probably does not matter much, as if the brights are on, go for the gusto and get all the light you can, huh.
Thanks again,
Dobermann
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Gen-X
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• Toronto, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 1/19/2004 |
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• 344 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/26/2004 19:53 |
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| Quote: | Thank you so much guys. The lights arrived Monday morning. I'm off to order the harness and bright box. Looks like one either needs small hands or remove the batteries to get to the light bulbs.
I presume on the Bright Box that you have the option of turning it on or off, right? Is this via a remote or via a hard wire? Although, it probably does not matter much, as if the brights are on, go for the gusto and get all the light you can, huh.
Thanks again,
Dobermann
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Dobermann,
If you would like I can draft a short install sheet (with pictures) for the SUVharness and front bulbs and fogs. This can have this ready for you late next week. I have big hands and I had know problems. 
Let me kow if this would help.
Also, I talked to Delilah Jones at OSRAM SYLVANIA in the Automotive Lighting Division had to say about the Bitebox.
What you are trying to accomplish is a very bad idea. We do not recommend running both filaments with any of our 9007 products.
Several things to consider...
1) Premature high beam failure. High beams have less life which is usually okay since they are used much less than low beams. Running both simultaneously will result in premature high beam failure.
2) Possible bulb wall failure. Excessive heat can cause the glass to bulge and fail. The lamps are under high pressure and the excessive heat can cause the glass to soften to the point at which it begins to flow. This would make a mess out of the car's reflector.
3) Possible damage to the car's reflectors (e.g. outgassing). The reflectors have been designed and tested to function properly with only 1 filament lit for an extended length of time. The extra heat could very easily cause the plastic within the reflector to outgas and fog the lens from the inside. Whether this would happen or not depends on the particular reflector.
4) Illegal - The beam pattern produced when both filaments are lit would most likely be illegal.
Thank you.
Delilah Jones
OSRAM SYLVANIA
Automotive Lighting Division
Ph: 800/347-3420
Fx: 800/347-3411
cheers
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Posted:8/26/2004 20:33 |
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| Quote: |
Dobermann,
If you would like I can draft a short install sheet (with pictures) for the SUVharness and front bulbs and fogs. This can have this ready for you late next week. I have big hands and I had know problems.
Let me kow if this would help. |
Hey, I always accept all help! I just finished the order, and with ground shipping, the wiring harness should be here probably around the middle to end of next week. I should have ordered them last week.....
| Quote: | Also, I talked to Delilah Jones at OSRAM SYLVANIA in the Automotive Lighting Division had to say about the Bitebox.
What you are trying to accomplish is a very bad idea. We do not recommend running both filaments with any of our 9007 products. |
Hummmm, I read this literally right before clicking on the order confirmation button, so I have put this on hold for now. What do others have to say about their use of the Brite Box?
With "just" the Stars and the new wiring harness, I am wondering if the lights will be bright enough. Guess I will have to wait and see.
Thanks,
Dobermann |
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Dave Sullivan
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• Kitchener, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 2/27/2003 |
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• 199 posts |
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Posted:8/27/2004 19:05 |
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I would tend to stick with one fillament lit at any given time.
Having added the extra voltage to the bulb is probably all your going to get out of standard stuff.
My solution years ago was 4 x 200W Pencil beams. They provide great light at long distance. They are of course for off road only and you have to treat them like high beams. Off when someone is coming the other way. I mounted a 70 amp panic switch on the dash such that to push is off and to pull is on. That worked great. I found that I only needed them for the really dark spots even though they are nice to drive by because you can see everything including a hairy nats ass at 100 yards. I found the best pattern was the two outside lights high and distant and the two middle lights in the middle and down closer on the road. Naturaly a combo like these is totaly illegal and damn dangerous to on coming drivers if you get stupid with them.
My guess is that you would only need 2 to get the job done on the highway and you could figgure about a 15 amp draw.
If the voltage improvement idea does not do the trick, perhaps the above info could be carefully utilized.
Dave S.
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