I replaced my headlight bulbs but they are still dim... so much so that when I have highbeams on, people don't even flash me to shut them off.

Where should I look to fix this issue?

 

The headlights in most old vehicles are dim. To start off, get a set of regular headlight bulbs if you don't have them. The Silverstars and other bulbs that produce a white or bluish light actually produce less light than a standard bulb. Don't fall for the gimmicks on the packaging.

If the housings are faded or yellow, buy a headlight restoration kit and clean them up. It really is a huge difference in light output. Depending on how bad your headlights are, you may want to find a set in better condition at the junkyard. I found a set that looked almost new and only had to pay $2 per light.

 

I've done both of those and it's like it's not getting enough juice. I have reved the engine in idle and the lights don't change intensity either.

Is this a wiring issue?

 

If you have a couple feet of spare 14 gauge or thicker wire, unplug the wiring from the bulb and connect the bulb to the battery and a ground. With the truck running, that will be as bright as the lights can get unless the battery voltage is low. if they do get significantly brighter, you can connect the stock wires to a relay and use power straight from the battery through the relay to the lights. I can't comment on the reliability, but you could also set up the lights to have high and low beams on when in high beam mode for some extra light.