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From: North Carolina
New to Ram forum
Hey Y'all,
I'm 17 and new to this forum, and just bought my first pickup truck for $4300. It's a Ram 1500 5.2l 5SPD 4x4. So far its a blast to drive... just a gas guzzler. Couple quick questions, to start off.. the headlights. I know they're tinted and I plan on fixing that but is the light output on them suppose to suck so bad (they're aftermarket)? I drive down some dark highways/country roads going to the lake and prefer seeing where im going and watching out for deer is a must. Should I swap back to factory headlights or go a different route? Also, when I put it into neutral and glide toward a stoplight it sounds almost as though it has a big cam and almost.. lopes? As soon as I stop it sounds fine. Is it because the PO only has a cat and a glasspack on it or is it something else? Any other pointers would be great!
Thanks
I'm 17 and new to this forum, and just bought my first pickup truck for $4300. It's a Ram 1500 5.2l 5SPD 4x4. So far its a blast to drive... just a gas guzzler. Couple quick questions, to start off.. the headlights. I know they're tinted and I plan on fixing that but is the light output on them suppose to suck so bad (they're aftermarket)? I drive down some dark highways/country roads going to the lake and prefer seeing where im going and watching out for deer is a must. Should I swap back to factory headlights or go a different route? Also, when I put it into neutral and glide toward a stoplight it sounds almost as though it has a big cam and almost.. lopes? As soon as I stop it sounds fine. Is it because the PO only has a cat and a glasspack on it or is it something else? Any other pointers would be great!
Thanks
Last edited by Roy1999Ram; Oct 16, 2012 at 10:01 PM.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 401
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From: Arizona
Welcome! I have HID headlights and they are awesome! Although some people think I have my high beams on sometimes and get pissed off...Thats how bright they are.I'd go that route for your lights. Nice truck,I love 5 spd tranny's. Check the end of plenum thread out because if the po didnt do,unfortunately youll have to..
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,011
Likes: 6
From: Meeker, CO
I thought you had 'em already. I was looking forward to your report, but I guess it'll be a little bit yet. I hope you like them! I'd feel bad recommending that you spend fifty bucks on a disappointment.
Yes indeed, I do like those PIAA Xtreme White lamps. I had the usual yellowed headlights so I cleaned them up good with one of those kits that comes with wet/dry sandpaper, solvent, and sealant, then popped in those PIAA's. Holy cow what a difference. Living where I do, it's important to be able to see the deer, elk, Black Angus, and occasional horse on the road at night, and I really don't think anything legal could be better. Auxiliary driving lights, sure, but nothing inside the factory holes.
I went down the highway tonight and with that plain Jane stocker in the passenger side where I popped the low beam filament out of my Xtreme Whites, and I just can't see as well into the ditch where the deer lie in wait for a car to jump in front of. And can't make the call on whether or not the relay kit makes a difference until Saturday when my new Xtreme Whites arrive. That weak yellow lamp on one side just plain sucks.
To the OP: Try cleaning your IAC (Idle Air Controller) to see if that's your culprit in the flaky idle problem, and be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before you start. Don't move or twist the pintle while you've got the IAC out, as it might damage the thing. Y'see, the PCM diddles the controls when vehicle speed drops below a few MPH, so it's likely moving the IAC a few steps (likely outward) at that point and cleaning up your idle. Once the IAC and the bore it rides in are all cleaned up, find a spot where you can cruise at 40MPH for about a minute, as that's when the PCM calibrates the IAC -- and don't sweat it if your idle is screwy before you do your 40MPH cruise.
Oh, and welcome to DF!
Yes indeed, I do like those PIAA Xtreme White lamps. I had the usual yellowed headlights so I cleaned them up good with one of those kits that comes with wet/dry sandpaper, solvent, and sealant, then popped in those PIAA's. Holy cow what a difference. Living where I do, it's important to be able to see the deer, elk, Black Angus, and occasional horse on the road at night, and I really don't think anything legal could be better. Auxiliary driving lights, sure, but nothing inside the factory holes.
I went down the highway tonight and with that plain Jane stocker in the passenger side where I popped the low beam filament out of my Xtreme Whites, and I just can't see as well into the ditch where the deer lie in wait for a car to jump in front of. And can't make the call on whether or not the relay kit makes a difference until Saturday when my new Xtreme Whites arrive. That weak yellow lamp on one side just plain sucks.
To the OP: Try cleaning your IAC (Idle Air Controller) to see if that's your culprit in the flaky idle problem, and be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before you start. Don't move or twist the pintle while you've got the IAC out, as it might damage the thing. Y'see, the PCM diddles the controls when vehicle speed drops below a few MPH, so it's likely moving the IAC a few steps (likely outward) at that point and cleaning up your idle. Once the IAC and the bore it rides in are all cleaned up, find a spot where you can cruise at 40MPH for about a minute, as that's when the PCM calibrates the IAC -- and don't sweat it if your idle is screwy before you do your 40MPH cruise.
Oh, and welcome to DF!
Legend
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
Have not received then yet.....ebay auction, but they are on the way. I am leary of HIDs, but less than impressed with OEM. And Roy1999Ram, those headlights look good in the daytime I think but sacrificing light at night is dangerous so I know what you mean. Some HIDS have been problematic and there are a number of threadds her about them. Some were happy and some were not. The PIAA normally sell from $85 to $90 a pair. I found on ebay for $50. Let us know what you decicde and how it works for you.
Professional
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 231
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From: Wade NC
[QUOTE=Roy1999Ram;2888909]Hey Y'all,
I'm 17 and new to this forum, and just bought my first pickup truck for $4300. It's a Ram 1500 5.2l 5SPD 4x4. So far its a blast to drive... just a gas guzzler. Couple quick questions, to start off.. the headlights. I know they're tinted and I plan on fixing that but is the light output on them suppose to suck so bad (they're aftermarket)? I drive down some dark highways/country roads going to the lake and prefer seeing where im going and watching out for deer is a must. Should I swap back to factory headlights or go a different route? Also, when I put it into neutral and glide toward a stoplight it sounds almost as though it has a big cam and almost.. lopes? As soon as I stop it sounds fine. Is it because the PO only has a cat and a glasspack on it or is it something else? Any other pointers would be great!
Thanks
Your headlights look very similar to mine, except mine are not tinted,even though they look dark, they are bright at night. If you like the style of them, search eBay for non tinted ones.
I'm 17 and new to this forum, and just bought my first pickup truck for $4300. It's a Ram 1500 5.2l 5SPD 4x4. So far its a blast to drive... just a gas guzzler. Couple quick questions, to start off.. the headlights. I know they're tinted and I plan on fixing that but is the light output on them suppose to suck so bad (they're aftermarket)? I drive down some dark highways/country roads going to the lake and prefer seeing where im going and watching out for deer is a must. Should I swap back to factory headlights or go a different route? Also, when I put it into neutral and glide toward a stoplight it sounds almost as though it has a big cam and almost.. lopes? As soon as I stop it sounds fine. Is it because the PO only has a cat and a glasspack on it or is it something else? Any other pointers would be great!
Thanks
Your headlights look very similar to mine, except mine are not tinted,even though they look dark, they are bright at night. If you like the style of them, search eBay for non tinted ones.
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6
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From: North Carolina
I thought you had 'em already. I was lookingforward to your report, but I guess it'll be a little bit yet. I hope you like them! I'd feel bad recommending that you spend fifty bucks on a disappointment.
Yes indeed, I do like those PIAA Xtreme White lamps. I had the usual yellowed headlights so I cleaned them up good with one of those kits that comes with wet/dry sandpaper, solvent, and sealant, then popped in those PIAA's. Holy cow what a difference. Living where I do, it's important to be able to see the deer, elk, Black Angus, and occasional horse on the road at night, and I really don't think anything legal could be better. Auxiliary driving lights, sure, but nothing inside the factory holes.
I went down the highway tonight and with that plain Jane stocker in the passenger side where I popped the low beam filament out of my Xtreme Whites, and I just can't see as well into the ditch where the deer lie in wait for a car to jump in front of. And can't make the call on whether or not the relay kit makes a difference until Saturday when my new Xtreme Whites arrive. That weak yellow lamp on one side just plain sucks.
To the OP: Try cleaning your IAC (Idle Air Controller) to see if that's your culprit in the flaky idle problem, and be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before you start. Don't move or twist the pintle while you've got the IAC out, as it might damage the thing. Y'see, the PCM diddles the controls when vehicle speed drops below a few MPH, so it's likely moving the IAC a few steps (likely outward) at that point and cleaning up your idle. Once the IAC and the bore it rides in are all cleaned up, find a spot where you can cruise at 40MPH for about a minute, as that's when the PCM calibrates the IAC -- and don't sweat it if your idle is screwy before you do your 40MPH cruise.
Oh, and welcome to DF!
Yes indeed, I do like those PIAA Xtreme White lamps. I had the usual yellowed headlights so I cleaned them up good with one of those kits that comes with wet/dry sandpaper, solvent, and sealant, then popped in those PIAA's. Holy cow what a difference. Living where I do, it's important to be able to see the deer, elk, Black Angus, and occasional horse on the road at night, and I really don't think anything legal could be better. Auxiliary driving lights, sure, but nothing inside the factory holes.
I went down the highway tonight and with that plain Jane stocker in the passenger side where I popped the low beam filament out of my Xtreme Whites, and I just can't see as well into the ditch where the deer lie in wait for a car to jump in front of. And can't make the call on whether or not the relay kit makes a difference until Saturday when my new Xtreme Whites arrive. That weak yellow lamp on one side just plain sucks.
To the OP: Try cleaning your IAC (Idle Air Controller) to see if that's your culprit in the flaky idle problem, and be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before you start. Don't move or twist the pintle while you've got the IAC out, as it might damage the thing. Y'see, the PCM diddles the controls when vehicle speed drops below a few MPH, so it's likely moving the IAC a few steps (likely outward) at that point and cleaning up your idle. Once the IAC and the bore it rides in are all cleaned up, find a spot where you can cruise at 40MPH for about a minute, as that's when the PCM calibrates the IAC -- and don't sweat it if your idle is screwy before you do your 40MPH cruise.
Oh, and welcome to DF!
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Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,011
Likes: 6
From: Meeker, CO
Haha Im 17 too. Welcome to the forum. An I just clean my headlights with restorer and use offroad lights that are around my front tag. Works pretty good for me and I ain't hit a deer yet (got close though)
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: North Carolina
I've been hunting around all day for some OEM Ram headlights and seems as though people are inflating the price. Along with the PIAA bulbs it'd come out to around $200.. figure for that I might as well fork out a little extra and go to HID/Projector. Are Spyder Projectors well performing/reputable or complete crap? I know you have to re-aim them otherwise you blind every other driver on the road. I don't plan on buying them off ebay, just want some "name brand" Saw some people on here talking about DDM tuning and retrofits?