2013+ Projector Headlights in a 2009-2012

[TommyG]

I really like the look of the OEM projector headlights. It would be an expensive upgrade but they look great and we all know how "wonderful" the original 4th gen headlights are.

I am worried that this would be a truck fire looking for a place to happen though. I can wire things to the truck safely but know little about the electronic magic inside. Can someone comment on the risk level of using a harness like this one to retrofit later model OEM lights:

http://shop.retroshop.us/ProductDetails ... 13%2EAdapt

Pics from the OK 4wd build:

[Mike-H]

Off topic but I see lots of comments about how bad the stock lights are. In all the PWs I've driven the lights were awesome. But on a factory unloaded truck they are aimed too low. Try raising them a few degrees, you'd be amazed at the difference it makes. Even the projectors on my '13 kinda sucked when I got the truck. I adjusted them up since I rarely tow or haul and now I rairly use the high beams.

[Juday]

Off topic but I see lots of comments about how bad the stock lights are. In all the PWs I've driven the lights were awesome. But on a factory unloaded truck they are aimed too low. Try raising them a few degrees, you'd be amazed at the difference it makes. Even the projectors on my '13 kinda sucked when I got the truck. I adjusted them up since I rarely tow or haul and now I rairly use the high beams.

There's no adjustment in the headlights..............at least none that I've found. And yes, the 4th Gen stock headlights are beyond awful, when used by themselves. In conjunction with the stock fog lights, visibility is greatly increased (due to the fog lights throwing MUCH more light that the headlights). The cheap/simple solution that I've found is to swap the H11 low beam bulbs out for H9 (with some modification to one of the tabs).

[15wbpw]

I'm running a pair of HIDs in my truck with similar looking resistors and some capacitors and it hasn't burned to the ground. Just Mount those resistors in a place where they're not touching anything and you'll be fine

[2011RPW]

I considered switching over to those but at $1200 from the dealer (that was when they first came out) I figured I'd spend my money on better things. They are a nice headlight though. My stock lights do just fine.

[Will]

Off topic but I see lots of comments about how bad the stock lights are. In all the PWs I've driven the lights were awesome. But on a factory unloaded truck they are aimed too low. Try raising them a few degrees, you'd be amazed at the difference it makes. Even the projectors on my '13 kinda sucked when I got the truck. I adjusted them up since I rarely tow or haul and now I rairly use the high beams.

There's no adjustment in the headlights..............at least none that I've found.

They are fully adjustable. Torx screw from the top, through a hole in the panel. But they still suck.

[TommyG]

I'm running a pair of HIDs in my truck with similar looking resistors and some capacitors and it hasn't burned to the ground. Just Mount those resistors in a place where they're not touching anything and you'll be fine

Good to know. Thanks.

[TommyG]

Off topic but I see lots of comments about how bad the stock lights are. In all the PWs I've driven the lights were awesome. But on a factory unloaded truck they are aimed too low. Try raising them a few degrees, you'd be amazed at the difference it makes. Even the projectors on my '13 kinda sucked when I got the truck. I adjusted them up since I rarely tow or haul and now I rairly use the high beams.

There's no adjustment in the headlights..............at least none that I've found. And yes, the 4th Gen stock headlights are beyond awful, when used by themselves. In conjunction with the stock fog lights, visibility is greatly increased (due to the fog lights throwing MUCH more light that the headlights). The cheap/simple solution that I've found is to swap the H11 low beam bulbs out for H9 (with some modification to one of the tabs).

Thanks Juday

I am going to buy another bumper face bar this winter and give it a hair cut in an attempt at a home brew high clearance bumper. I will likely lose the fog lamps in the bargain so I am looking at different lighting setups to go with the bumper if it comes out nice enough to use.

[Mike-H]

Off topic but I see lots of comments about how bad the stock lights are. In all the PWs I've driven the lights were awesome. But on a factory unloaded truck they are aimed too low. Try raising them a few degrees, you'd be amazed at the difference it makes. Even the projectors on my '13 kinda sucked when I got the truck. I adjusted them up since I rarely tow or haul and now I rairly use the high beams.

There's no adjustment in the headlights..............at least none that I've found.

They are fully adjustable. Torx screw from the top, through a hole in the panel. But they still suck.

Yeah fully adjustable.
My night vision must be awesome. Lol. I think they throw a good amount of light. Although I did change the lights in the Rubicon last weekend. I put KC Hilites LED replacements it it. Those have put out a fantastic amount of light. Very usable. It would be night if KC would make something for out trucks. Just don't think the market base is there like it is with Jeeps.

[Juday]

Off topic but I see lots of comments about how bad the stock lights are. In all the PWs I've driven the lights were awesome. But on a factory unloaded truck they are aimed too low. Try raising them a few degrees, you'd be amazed at the difference it makes. Even the projectors on my '13 kinda sucked when I got the truck. I adjusted them up since I rarely tow or haul and now I rairly use the high beams.

There's no adjustment in the headlights..............at least none that I've found.

They are fully adjustable. Torx screw from the top, through a hole in the panel. But they still suck.

Well then, that's good to know! When I initially looked, I didn't find anything that jumped out at me for the adjustments.

[2011TXPowerWagon]

Coming from a 2001 Ram with yellowed headlights, I think these lights are awesome.

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I've actually given this mode some thought for a while now, but the new style headlights are so damn expensive. Basically I wired a jumper that allows me to run my fog lights and my high beams at the same time, and that works pretty well. I agree though, the headlights on my 2012 are not fantastic.

[04Ram2500Hemi]

Quick question- what are the projector headlights worth used? I may have a line on a set off a brand new 2015 Ram, but don't want to pay too much or offer the guy too little and insult him.

[TommyG]

They are going for $200-$300 each on Ebay with broken mounting tabs. New they are pushing $500 a side depending on where you get them. Undamaged used ones seem hard to come by. All of the used ones I have found must be crash parts because they typically have scratches and/or broken tabs. If there is nothing wrong with the set you found they would bring somewhere in between I would think.


I have been back and forth on it too since I saw OK do it. I am thinking I am going to bide my time and look for an undamaged used set. The more time passes, the more should be out there. If the price is not too crazy I wouldn't let them get away.

[04Ram2500Hemi]

They are going for $200-$300 each on Ebay with broken mounting tabs. New they are pushing $500 a side depending on where you get them. Undamaged used ones seem hard to come by. All of the used ones I have found must be crash parts because they typically have scratches and/or broken tabs. If there is nothing wrong with the set you found they would bring somewhere in between I would think.


I have been back and forth on it too since I saw OK do it. I am thinking I am going to bide my time and look for an undamaged used set. The more time passes, the more should be out there. If the price is not too crazy I wouldn't let them get away.

That helps. The ones I'm looking at are the clear Projectors, which I think would look good on my white Wagon. I was hoping for a $500 mod, but it sounds more expensive than that.