Aftermarket Headlights for 2008
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 6
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From: Alberta
Aftermarket Headlights for 2008
Looking at the Halo projectors from xtralights.com
http://www.xtralights.com/05-06dodge...ctorspair.aspx
those ones in particular,
wondering if anyone has experience with these,
im curious if HID bulbs will fit in the housings.
http://www.xtralights.com/05-06dodge...ctorspair.aspx
those ones in particular,
wondering if anyone has experience with these,
im curious if HID bulbs will fit in the housings.
All Star
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 961
Likes: 1
From: Akron, OH
I do know a person that bought the same brand of aftermarket headlight, but it was for a GMC Sierra. He told me that he thought that they were very bright, and he really had no issues. I am still learning about true H I D headlights, but from my understanding… It really comes down to getting a good quality lightbulb that uses a good ballast.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,374
Likes: 28
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Unfortunately, there are no aftermarket headlights, other than copies of the factory units, available for 2008+ Dakotas. They changed the front end style, including the headlights, in 2008.
Unfortunately, they also sold less and less Dakotas due to the declining small truck market starting right before that, so there are no "bolt-on" alternatives for us. Its either a custom projector conversion or factory.
I just installed a set of HIDs from DDM Tuning in my truck today. Weather was barely warm enough for me to be outside, and I had a few hours away from the wife, so I decided to sneak them in. It was a bit more difficult setting them up then what I was hoping for, but that was not due to the HIDs themselves, but more my preference for a "factory look." I did not want anyone to be able to see the HID parts from under the hood, especially since my bumper-to-bumper warranty is still in effect. I managed to mount the ballasts behind each headlight, where they can't be seen, and the relay that connects to the battery behind the battery tray. The only real visible sign of them that can be seen from under the hood is the fused power wire running to the positive terminal on the battery.
I bought the 5000k units, since 4300k is supposed to be the most light output. I wanted something slightly whiter, and 5000k has barely fewer lumens from 4300k, so I went with them. It is actually bluer than I thought they would be, but so far I am happy. We will see if they stand the test of time, DDM Tuning are supposed to be the best bang for your buck.
The Retrofit Source is more expensive, but supposedly has the best reputation. However, after extensive reviews of HID forums of various makes/models of cars, I found that DDM Tuning sells far more sets due to their cheaper prices, but the Retrofit Source units tend to have problems just as often as the DDM sets, if not even more.
And before the guys come out of the woodworks and yell at me for installing HIDs without projectors, I have to tell you, the light pattern isn't the best, but the 2008+ headlights have a nice cutoff that cuts the light off at the same exact spot as the factory halogen lights. And in broad daylight, they appear to put out quite a bit more light. We shall see the next time I have to do some night driving.
Unfortunately, they also sold less and less Dakotas due to the declining small truck market starting right before that, so there are no "bolt-on" alternatives for us. Its either a custom projector conversion or factory.
I just installed a set of HIDs from DDM Tuning in my truck today. Weather was barely warm enough for me to be outside, and I had a few hours away from the wife, so I decided to sneak them in. It was a bit more difficult setting them up then what I was hoping for, but that was not due to the HIDs themselves, but more my preference for a "factory look." I did not want anyone to be able to see the HID parts from under the hood, especially since my bumper-to-bumper warranty is still in effect. I managed to mount the ballasts behind each headlight, where they can't be seen, and the relay that connects to the battery behind the battery tray. The only real visible sign of them that can be seen from under the hood is the fused power wire running to the positive terminal on the battery.
I bought the 5000k units, since 4300k is supposed to be the most light output. I wanted something slightly whiter, and 5000k has barely fewer lumens from 4300k, so I went with them. It is actually bluer than I thought they would be, but so far I am happy. We will see if they stand the test of time, DDM Tuning are supposed to be the best bang for your buck.
The Retrofit Source is more expensive, but supposedly has the best reputation. However, after extensive reviews of HID forums of various makes/models of cars, I found that DDM Tuning sells far more sets due to their cheaper prices, but the Retrofit Source units tend to have problems just as often as the DDM sets, if not even more.
And before the guys come out of the woodworks and yell at me for installing HIDs without projectors, I have to tell you, the light pattern isn't the best, but the 2008+ headlights have a nice cutoff that cuts the light off at the same exact spot as the factory halogen lights. And in broad daylight, they appear to put out quite a bit more light. We shall see the next time I have to do some night driving.