I think the HELLA/Optilux 80/100watt bulbs ($25/pr or less) and a relay harness in the '02-'04 lenses put out more usable light than the Retro's - even in '05 lenses. They are about 4000k and WHITE and since the factory optics are retained, they are NOT annoying to other drivers. I just replaced my first set of bulbs after 100k miles.
If ya do the '05 lenses, save yourself the aggravation of screwing with the POS 9008/H13 bulbs and their dinky little pigtail pins. I guess they finally came out with ceramic pigtails to 'bandaid' this crappy design, so if ya wanna use these and xenon bulbs go ahead and get the ceramic!
My F350 has true dual-beam HID's I bought from electrosport - no longer available... :fustrate: They have (2) bulbs on each capsule and the angle of the bulbs helps mimic the factory-designed optics. Low beam is still comparable to the 80watt lows in the '04 lenses - but high beam is 35watt x 4 - 140watts of 5000k HID is nothing short of impressive. I wish someone would figure out where to get these, they are well worth what I paid for them. Vendors???
