I've done a few small things to the truck over the past few days--removing the factory rear underseat storage caddy and installing a legitimate box (DU-HA), adding some (very close match) granite crystal overlay/inlay decals to the front and rear Ram badges, mud flaps (RokBlokz--great quality) install, and now a lighting upgrade. The only one I really felt was worth documenting were the lights.
I've seen several videos that, in my opinion, went far more in depth than this project required, so I'm mainly here to document it and to express my satisfaction with it. It's unbelievable to me that trucks this expensive still come with dim halogen bulbs, but it is what it is. I went with these bulbs from Lasfit, as I saw them recommended across multiple sources. Of note, 4 red bulbs are required for the taillights, (pictured below in the center, part number L2-7443R) not 2 as pictured. My other shipment arrived an hour or so after I took this, so I didn't get the other box in the shot.
I'm impressed with the quality and feel of the bulbs. I will say, I believe Lasfit markets themselves as an American brand (and I've seen them stated as such in various install videos), but their bulbs are clearly labeled as being made in China. Just something to note, in case that's a make or break kind of thing for you. For the taillights (2 red bulbs and 1 white bulb per side), it took less than 5 minutes per side. Nothing to go in-depth on here--simply remove 2 torx head screws and 2 plastic rivets, then pull the housing to the rear of the truck to release. The results, even in daylight, were immediately apparent.
Halogen Bulbs:
LED Bulbs:
They're much brighter and provide a much deeper red. The reverse lights are also much brighter and are a purer white, though I didn't get a picture of this. Now, for the front turn signal upgrade: This warrants some talking about.
I commend Ram for making the bulbs easier to grab with the paddle-type housings the bulbs click into, but they can still be difficult to reach. I haven't seen anyone else mention this, but my advice is to grab a 19mm socket or box wrench. This size fits nicely over the paddle that you need to twist to remove the bulbs and allows you to generate torque in that tiny space. My hands were too big, and the bulbs were too tight, to do it by hand. A socket made it a breeze, and both sides only took about 10 minutes total once I figured that out. For those that haven't seen it, the paddle in question is pictured below--the textured piece at the bottom-center of the picture. This point of view is standing in front of the passenger headlight and looking down into the engine bay. You need to turn that paddle counterclockwise and back the bulb out.
Again, great results here. The amber is deeper and much brighter, and being switchbacks, they also stay on as white lights while running. They almost appear to be an extension of the white headlights.
Halogen Bulb:
LED Bulb:
Quite a difference overall! For a fairly inexpensive mod, I'm very impressed with the results. Definitely recommended!
On my end, it'll likely mostly be smaller projects like this until time and budget free up in the spring. I'm planning on bringing a couple of things over to the Ram from my Jeep, though. We'll see how that goes. Stay tuned!
