Hey guys, I am looking for information and recommendations on replacment headlights/bulbs. I recently cleaned my headlight lenses with on of those kits, and while it visually did a good job, the light output did not improve at all. If anything it got worse. Since I tend do go over the pass frequently (deer country) my poor lights are a safety hazard. I checked the DIY/FAQ section and didn't find anything, as well as a quick search. I don't think there is anything technically "wrong" with my lights, just aged and need upgraded. Of course I may be wrong, there may be a reason why they are not very bright. I have seen references regarding "HID" or something. If anyone feels like giving me an education, feel free. Any input is appreciated.

 

The stock headlights are just crappy. What you'll want to do is get a set of these clear lens headlights, they have a much better beam pattern: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-97-04-Dakota-98-03-Durango-Crystal-Chrome-Clear-Headlights-LH-RH-Lamps-/390718765704?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ADurango&hash=item5af8a73a88&vxp=mtr Then get a set of Philips Xtreme Power bulbs. HIDs in halogen reflectors are usually completely ****, but they don't seem to be that bad in the oem fluted housings. I still wouldn't recommend that though. Ideally if you want to spend more money you could do an HID projector retrofit like I did, but that's going to be $200+.

 

Those clear headlights really add to the look and lift up the front end a lot.

I don’t drive my Durango much (2k miles this year) so I’m selling my retrofit - though I doubt anyone would be able to afford em lol That_Guy and myself are the only two known people to have the FX-R projector in a 98-03 Dakota/Durango. A couple MMH1 projector guys out there but those are really ****ty projectors. But these puppies really need to be out there on the road lighting things up being put to good use!

Anywho, I highly recommend the clear lens headlight. Good quality and price. I think I paid $85 shipped for mine (depo)

But if interested..I am selling my FX-R headlights!

 

Yeah I agree with the above posters. The stock housings are just junk. Personally, when I had my durango I installed some DEPO one piece clear housings. They worked very well and looked very clean. However, the mounting brackets on them were kinda flimsy looking and hard bumps would result in a slight headlight shake, but nothing too major. I believe the ones they are showing you here have the exact same mounting system as the stock housings do, which I would assume comes with the added stability of the housing mounting system.

If you do this one, then you almost have to get the clear corners to go with, or it looks funny. My way, its all one unit.


This is what I had.



You can also get them with a black finish.

 

Those 1 piece ones can be a pain in the *** to aim though.

And yes, HID projectors sure are nice.

 

I didn't have any problems with aiming mine. Sure they were a little low at first, but after adjusting them per my needs they were perfectly fine.

 

Do those lamps come with bulbs, with the philips extreme power just an upgrade? What exactly is an HID? Is it a brand name, or a specific type of light or ?

 

The ones I posted come with all the wires and bulbs you'll need. HIDs are awesome if you have the patience to deal with all that stuff.

 

With HIDs (high intensity discharge) the light comes from a sustained electrical arc, whereas in a normal bulb it comes from a glowing filament. The electric arc is much larger than the filament, which is why HIDs in halogen housings are so blinding usually, the optics of the light get skewed way off. Here's some more reading on HIDs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-in...discharge_lamp

Usually those housings on ebay just come with cheapo bulbs, then you'll have to get the bulbs afterwards. Both the housings I posted the link to and the ones moparman posted the link to should be using 9007 bulbs just like the original lights.

HIDs are only awesome if you have the proper optics to take advantage of them. A lot of the time in halogen reflector housings the HIDs are actually worse for your vision because the light, while brighter, doesn't go where you need it to.

 

Which is why I said "deal with all that stuff". As nice as HID systems are, theres some stuff you need to know before doing it.