HIDs are "High Intensity Discharge" Xenon Lights.
How HIDs work:
Basically, they come in a "Temperature," rated in degrees Kelvin. Here's a generic picture of the different colors. You want to pick a color that you like, but remember, some of your local law officers do not like HIDs.
These colors will vary slightly from set to set as there is technically no 'hard line' between when they change.
You'll need to find out what "Size" or "Style" bulb you have. To do that, I recommend using this Bulb Fitment Chart that will tell you if you have H7, H11, 9005, 9006, or whatever....
OSRAM SYLVANIA - Replacement Guide - Start
From there, you pick what color, and what Wattage you want; 35Watts or 55watts. I recommend 35.
If you want to put HID's in all of your lighting (your Lows, Highs, and Fogs), you would need three (3) kits.
Installation is pretty simple, here's a couple tips.
These (2001 +) trucks are reverse polarity, meaning that you will have to plug the wire from the factory harness to the HID ballast in BACKWARDS.
Here's a pic of an HID slim ballast. The single red connection (which may not be red in the set you purchase) is the one you would plug in backwards to the way it looks like it should. The other two connections go to the HID bulb and can only be connected one way.
Also, on the NBS (new body style) trucks, it's helpful to remove the airbox, and the drivers side battery to get better access to the bulbs. It's not that big of a deal. Some people have no problems gaining access without removing anything, it's your call.
These #'s come from thousands of people who own chevy trucks on several different forums who have verified the bulb types for them:
(You're more than welcome to verify for yourself or provide us with corrected info if you prove otherwise)
New Body Style Fog Lights are 5202, or H16.
Old Body Style CHEVROLET Fog Lights are 9145, or H10.
Old Body Style GMC Fog Lights are 880.
More Info in light of recent threads:
OBS trucks DO NOT need anything called "Code Eliminators" or "Wiring Harnesses" You just need the kits themselves.
For NBS trucks that have low beam/DRLs it is recommended by most, if not all, companies that you purchase a relay when replacing any bulb that doubles as a DRL (daytime running light). There are TONS of people out there with NBS trucks that are not using relays with their lows/drls and have had absolutely no problems. It's up to you whether or not you decide to purchase a relay along with your kit. Luckily, us OBS guys don't have to worry about it.
"Slim" Ballasts are just smaller than the normal sized ones... They are meant for installations in tight spaces.. your truck will have PLENTY of room for the larger ones, so it's up to you on which ones you get.
You can put HIDs in just about anything. Some use them in projector headlights even. I'm putting some in my quad, why not?!
There are TONS of vendors to choose from when ordering HIDs. Do your research, make some phone calls, and decide which one is right for you. Prices range anywhere from $25 per set to $300 per set depending on who you talk to.
How HIDs work:
Basically, they come in a "Temperature," rated in degrees Kelvin. Here's a generic picture of the different colors. You want to pick a color that you like, but remember, some of your local law officers do not like HIDs.
These colors will vary slightly from set to set as there is technically no 'hard line' between when they change.
You'll need to find out what "Size" or "Style" bulb you have. To do that, I recommend using this Bulb Fitment Chart that will tell you if you have H7, H11, 9005, 9006, or whatever....
OSRAM SYLVANIA - Replacement Guide - Start
From there, you pick what color, and what Wattage you want; 35Watts or 55watts. I recommend 35.
If you want to put HID's in all of your lighting (your Lows, Highs, and Fogs), you would need three (3) kits.
Installation is pretty simple, here's a couple tips.
These (2001 +) trucks are reverse polarity, meaning that you will have to plug the wire from the factory harness to the HID ballast in BACKWARDS.
Here's a pic of an HID slim ballast. The single red connection (which may not be red in the set you purchase) is the one you would plug in backwards to the way it looks like it should. The other two connections go to the HID bulb and can only be connected one way.
Also, on the NBS (new body style) trucks, it's helpful to remove the airbox, and the drivers side battery to get better access to the bulbs. It's not that big of a deal. Some people have no problems gaining access without removing anything, it's your call.
These #'s come from thousands of people who own chevy trucks on several different forums who have verified the bulb types for them:
(You're more than welcome to verify for yourself or provide us with corrected info if you prove otherwise)
New Body Style Fog Lights are 5202, or H16.
Old Body Style CHEVROLET Fog Lights are 9145, or H10.
Old Body Style GMC Fog Lights are 880.
More Info in light of recent threads:
OBS trucks DO NOT need anything called "Code Eliminators" or "Wiring Harnesses" You just need the kits themselves.
For NBS trucks that have low beam/DRLs it is recommended by most, if not all, companies that you purchase a relay when replacing any bulb that doubles as a DRL (daytime running light). There are TONS of people out there with NBS trucks that are not using relays with their lows/drls and have had absolutely no problems. It's up to you whether or not you decide to purchase a relay along with your kit. Luckily, us OBS guys don't have to worry about it.
"Slim" Ballasts are just smaller than the normal sized ones... They are meant for installations in tight spaces.. your truck will have PLENTY of room for the larger ones, so it's up to you on which ones you get.
You can put HIDs in just about anything. Some use them in projector headlights even. I'm putting some in my quad, why not?!
There are TONS of vendors to choose from when ordering HIDs. Do your research, make some phone calls, and decide which one is right for you. Prices range anywhere from $25 per set to $300 per set depending on who you talk to.
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