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Topic: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement  (Read 320 times) previous topic - next topic
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LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
I know that this subject has been explored before. I am totally lost on this forum and can barely navigate. I can't find any discussion of it,  here or on the Companion.  I am interested in replacing the frosted over headlamp units on my 02 with drop-in replacement LED headlamps. Has anybody tried this? Any recommendations?
2002 MB
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #1 –
Quote from: roger.nickey  - 
I know that this subject has been explored before. I am totally lost on this forum and can barely navigate. I can't find any discussion of it,  here or on the Companion.  I am interested in replacing the frosted over headlamp units on my 02 with drop-in replacement LED headlamps. Has anybody tried this? Any recommendations?

Roger, go to the home page of the forum and you will see a “search” button. Hit that and it will take you to a search page where you can fill in your request. I got lots of hits by searching for “headlamp”, but you might also look for headlight, etc.  I found that if I used the search box that appears at the top of the page when I am reading a post, all I get is a return for that same post. So, try using the box on the home page. Hope this helps. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #2 –
Quote from: roger.nickey  - 
I know that this subject has been explored before. I am totally lost on this forum and can barely navigate. I can't find any discussion of it,  here or on the Companion.  I am interested in replacing the frosted over headlamp units on my 02 with drop-in replacement LED headlamps. Has anybody tried this? Any recommendations?

The best LED headlight conversions come with a new headlight housing and reflector, made for the LED's unique light pattern.
I couldn't find any LED housings for the E450.

There are LED conversions for the stock halogen bulbs but I have no experience with them.
LED Headlight Kit - 9007 LED Headlight Conversion Kit with Aluminum Finned...
2002 Ford E-series LED Headlight Bulb Conversion Kits — CARiD.com
I would concerned about an unacceptable level of glare or a poor high beam cutoff pattern, both problems that were experienced with the previous HID conversions.

You have always said you get to make the mistake so we don't.
Here's your opportunity to be a guinea pig.

When our headlight housings went south they were replaced with a $50 pair of TYC housings from Amazon.
They even came with new bulbs. This is definitely a cheaper path to refreshed headlights.
Amazon.com: TYC 20-3074-90 Ford Econoline Passenger Side Headlight Assembly:...
If you want even brighter headlights, have the headlights rewired, with heavier wire and relays, and then use 80/100-watt bulbs.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #3 –
I just installed HID projectors from Vantage Optics. They have LED options too. Wonderful people too! I placed my order on new years day while speaking directly with the owner. That's amazing customer service.
2003 RB
 
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #5 –
"...use 80/100-watt bulbs..."  Zoiks.  Is that a DOT-happy choice?  A camper-neighbor-happy choice for those late evening arrivals? Maybe driving lights would be a better choice.
2000 Front Lounge
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
"...use 80/100-watt bulbs..."  Zoiks.  Is that a DOT-happy choice?  A camper-neighbor-happy choice for those late evening arrivals? Maybe driving lights would be a better choice.

Indeed--over the past couple of years I have found myself repeatedly flashing my lights  (& having some rather uncivil thoughts) at oncoming vehicles, only to have them flash back at an even brighter level, and they seem aimed at my eyes rather than the road--and that's not even counting all the vehicles with extra bright running lights that are on in conjunction with the headlights (so there are four blinding lights coming at me that aren't even on hi-bea...arrrgh).

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #7 –
this is kind of the opposite end of the spectrum work-wise, but...  if you want the most headlight options, you can change the headlight buckets to the "lo-series" that came in the same van styles. below is a cut and paste from another forum, describing the process (yes, this is def a pick-ur-part kinda job). you do not have to use the "higher wattage E" bulbs they are referring to, there are just many more options for this size bucket/housing.

Headlight Upgrade 1999-2007 - Sportsmobile Forum

"Headlight Upgrade 1999-2007
________________________________________
The cheapest and easiest way to get better headlights is to upgrade to the so called "lo series" headlight mounts and put in halogen eCode lights and higher wattage bulbs, with a relay system and heavier duty wiring of course. The eCode lights from Europe are optically very good and have a LHD beam pattern. US versions (the 6054) are terrible, and the stock aero plastic lights (with 9007 bulbs) are even worse.

I did this mod to my 1999 cargo van, and then transferred it to my SMB when I got it.

Ford parts you need:

- "lo-series" headlamp backing panel (this is the big black plastic panel that runs the full width of the front and is behind the radiator grille and headlamps) I got mine from a wrecker. E150-350 all the same.
- "lo-series" headlight buckets and associated adjustment screws/springs. These are expensive to buy new, better to hit up a wrecking yard.
- "lo-series" headlight surrounds to match your grille. There are two color schemes (all black and platinum trimmed). These can be bought cheaply online but beware the chinese versions. I bought new OEM Ford from Ford Parts Giant. While I was there I got rid of my rusty billet grille and got the matching all black Ford grille.

Headlight and Wiring Parts

I got everything from Daniel Stern Lighting. I've been buying from Daniel since 1995 and he is an expert on lighting and only sells top quality products.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/prod ... ducts.html

- headlamps: qty 2 Cibie or Bosch eCode H4 200mm x 142mm (drop in 6054 replacement)
- bulbs: I used qty 2 Narva 65/70W
- custom Relay Harness for E350

You can either make this harness yourself or get one from Daniel Stern. He sells a kit RIK-H4R, but he will also get the harness made up, which was an easier option, great quality.
- 9007 female input connector (to control relays from one of the existing headlamp plugs)
- H4/6054 connectors for new headlights
- 2 relays (SPST maybe with two output lugs?)
- wire, looks like maybe 12 gauge

Basically this harness has three sets of connections. Input wires to power both relays, using a connector to plug into the existing 9007 headlight plug. Power wire which goes to to alternator (I use the alternator fuse bus bar box). Output wires that go to each headlamp, with H4/6054 connectors on each. Obviously the run to the RH light is long-ish. I mounted the relays on the radiator support near the LH headlight."
1999 MB
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
"...use 80/100-watt bulbs..."  Zoiks.  Is that a DOT-happy choice?  A camper-neighbor-happy choice for those late evening arrivals? Maybe driving lights would be a better choice.
Work fine as long as the headlights are properly aimed. It doesn't change the pattern, and compared to some of the high intensity lights many cars come with today, it's not that bright. or that much an increase in the output.
To double the light output requires four times as much power. The stock bulbs are 55/60-watts, to double the effective output would require over 200-watts per bulb.
Our LD also has a pair of 100-wat driving lights, if annoying the neighbors is your habit.  It's not mine.
You can't have too much light for driving at night in boonies.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: LED Headlamps Drop in Replacement
Reply #9 –
Oh, not my habit either, by the way.  Just offering an alternative.
2000 Front Lounge