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One question I see asked quite often on forums and social media pages is about headlight upgrades. What kind will work, what everyone is using, and which headlights should be used? Headlight technology has come a long way since kerosene lamps eventually evolved into sealed beam bulbs. And eventually, those were surpassed by halogen bulbs, and now, we have light-emitting diodes (LEDs). As headlight technology advanced, lights got brighter and can now do more than just light up the night sky in front of our trucks. One company that is quickly becoming one of the go-to sources for the latest in LED headlight upgrade options is AlphaRex.
When I purchased Project WorkHorse, it was outfitted with a traditional halogen lighting system that was adequate in regard to lighting the roadways at night. But I am building this truck to be not only a functional tow vehicle, but a great-looking truck as well. So, when AlphaRex released its headlight system for the fifth-gen Ram truck, I knew it would be a great upgrade.
This LED Headlight Upgrade Comes In Threes
When choosing which headlights you want for your truck, you have three options within the AlphaRex lineup, the NOVA Series, the LUXX Series, and the PRO Series. All three deliver a high-quality lighting unit and plug-and-play installation process. Choosing between the three different headlight types really just comes down to budget and style preference.
The first step is to disconnect the batteries and then remove the cover panel from over the radiator.
The Budget Friendly
Let’s start with the PRO Series housings. With this budget-friendly headlight system, you are getting an LED daytime running light (DRL) and side marker light, however, for the low beam, high beam, and turn signal, you will be using OE-style bulbs. Since the PRO-Series headlights use halogen bulbs, the output is 4300K stock white, and it is not as bright compared to stock LED or stock halogen headlights.
With the radiator cover removed, next comes the chrome trim under the headlights. These simply pop off of the truck. I used a plastic molding tool to get behind the trim pieces and "lift" them off of the truck.
Budget Meets Versatile
The AlphaRex LUXX Series is what some might call a “mid-level” headlight. It does have an LED daytime running light with the “dancing” start-up sequence, and an LED side marker. However, it also utilizes LED low and high beams. It does not have an individual LED turn signal. It uses a traditional incandescent bulb for this function. The Luxx-series headlights use DOT-compliant LEDs with a bright 6000K white light output. The Luxx has a projection cutoff line that is super clean.
The chrome trim under the grille is retained by two visible bolts (one on each end) and three hidden nuts that must be loosened from behind and under the bumper. With a ratchet, a long extension, and a socket, you can reach the three nuts. With the two visible bolts removed and the three hidden nuts loosened, you can pull the trim off of the truck.
Top Of The Line
Finally, we have the NOVA Series. This headlight system has an LED daytime running light that also features an animated start-up sequence. It utilizes an LED parking light, LED low and high beams, and a sequential turn signal. Essentially, the entire housing is powered by LEDs, making for a nearly no-maintenance headlight. The NOVA-Series headlights use Osram Oslon LED chips with AlphaRex’s patented Ice Cube 3D projector lens and are DOT approved.
You have probably read somewhere on the internet that some aftermarket headlights are not DOT-compliant, and that is something you need to keep in mind when purchasing aftermarket lights. If you want a DOT-compliant headlight that has LED output and a bright 6000K white light, the NOVA series is going to be your pick. The NOVA also delivers a projection cutoff line that is super clean. When adjusted properly, oncoming traffic is not “blinded” by your headlights.
Taking Aim
Now that you have your new LED headlight upgrade completed, you need to make sure they are properly aimed. Headlights that are not properly adjusted (aimed) are dangerous. If your headlights are too high, you will blind oncoming drivers. If they’re aimed too low, night vision is hampered, and you might not see obstructions in the road ahead until it is too late. Luckily, adjusting the AlphaRex headlights is a lot easier than you might think.
All you need is roughly 25 feet of open area in front of your truck, a vertical wall (I used the garage door), some tape, an 8mm socket, and a ratchet. With your lights on low beam, the top of the light’s cut-off line should be at or slightly lower than the height of the center of the headlight. If you need to adjust the height, simply turn the adjustment bolt on the back of the light.
Pros And Cons Of Each
Pro-Series Pros:
The Pro-series is a more affordable option, and you can apply an aftermarket HID kit or LED bulbs to these headlights.
Pro-Series Cons:
Many newer vehicles, such as Ram, have very sensitive computers. If the computer detects an incorrect voltage draw with the addition of LED running and marker lights, it might throw an error code to your dashboard or reset the headlights and lead to flickering.
Nova and Luxx-Series Pros:
These are DOT-compliant with the stock vehicle configuration (no lifting or change of bigger wheels). Although Nova and Luxx headlights have a brighter output, when properly adjusted, will not blind drivers in front of your vehicle or those driving toward you. The LED chips are durable and produce a very stable output.
Nova and Luxx-series Cons:
The LED chips are not replaceable. If the LED burns out, you will need to replace the entire headlight assembly. However, AlphaRex does provide a two-year warranty on their headlights.
To remove the grille and headlights, there are bolts across the top that first need to be removed (arrows) Once the grille bolts are removed, the grille can be lifted out of place. The headlights have a hidden bolt to remove.
A Day In The Life After The LED Headlight Upgrade
I know I am old because I can remember when changing a headlight in a truck consisted of removing a few screws to remove the trim ring, popping the old light bulb out and plugging in the new one, and replacing the trim and screws. The task used to only take a few minutes. Now, however, the premise is the same, but the task is a lot more involved.
The hidden bolt is undone from under the light in the fender well opening.
You need to know upfront that the AlphaRex headlight swap is quite involved. With a fifth-gen Ram, changing the headlights requires the removal of a lot of pieces. First, is all the front chrome around the factory headlights and grille and the grille itself. While this sounds simple enough, it is not surprising that there are many bolts and clips that are in concealed locations. The chrome trim under the headlights simply “pops” off of the truck. But removal of the under-grille chrome and the grill itself requires locating and removing screws on top of the grille as well as behind and under the grille.
An Easy Upgrade
Once the factory headlight assemblies are removed, installing the new AlphaRex lights requires installing the Daytime Running Light controller and then bolting the new headlights in place, and snapping the chrome trim back on the truck. This upgrade is not terribly difficult, just time-consuming. However, it can be completed in your driveway, but again, it is a relatively involved process.
The AlphaRex headlights are a plug-and-play design, however, the Daytime Running Light and animation functions require the installation of a controller (left) if you wish to have the animated lighting and daytime running lights function. Before installing the new headlights, you will need to remove the plastic trim-retaining pieces (middle and right) from the original headlights and install them on the new AlphaRex headlights. Once that is done, reassembly with the new headlights is simply the reverse of disassembly.
The upgrade took me the better part of the day. I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, and I am not trying to dissuade you from attempting this swap on your own. I only want to prepare you for when you undertake this upgrade. And yes, you can do this yourself in your driveway with simple hand tools.
A little animation of the four-way flasher function.
Was This LED Headlight Upgrade Worth It
There is no denying the OE lights in the Ram lit up the night very well. However, they left a lot to be desired when it came to having any style. They were basic and got the job done. By adding the AlphaRex Nova headlights, I still have an exceptionally bright headlight. But the added style it brings, and the rugged durability of the LEDs make this a truly worthwhile upgrade for any truck.
