There’s a certain pride that comes with keeping a classic truck on the road. For us, it’s a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500, a venerable workhorse that has hauled, towed, and powered through more than two decades of tough jobs. But time, as it does, takes its toll. The most glaring sign of its age wasn’t the odd scratch in the paint or the wear on the driver’s seat; it was the headlights. Yellowed, hazy, and hopelessly dim, the original factory assemblies had become a liability. Night driving felt like peering through a pair of dusty spectacles, reducing visibility and, frankly, making the truck look tired and neglected. We tried restoration kits, polishing compounds, and every trick in the book, but the results were always temporary. The faded plastic was a safety hazard and an eyesore. It was clear that a simple polish wasn’t going to cut it; we needed a full replacement to restore both safety and pride to our old rig.
- Fitment: Head light Compatible with 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500/ Compatible with 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 3500. Do Not Fit Sport Models & Ram Van Models
- Interchange Part Number: 55076749AD 55076748AD 55076749AO 55076748AO CH2502101 CH2503101
What to Know Before Upgrading Your Truck’s Headlights
A Headlight Assembly is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for safety, performance, and aesthetics. For owners of older vehicles like the venerable 2nd generation Dodge Ram, a new set of headlight assemblies is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make. The primary benefit is, of course, drastically improved visibility. Modern assemblies with clear polycarbonate lenses and advanced reflector technology cast a brighter, wider, and more focused beam of light than the aged, oxidized originals ever could. This directly translates to safer night driving, allowing you to see farther down the road and identify potential hazards sooner. Beyond safety, a new assembly can completely revitalize the look of your vehicle, replacing a tired, yellowed facade with a sharp, modern appearance that can make a 20-year-old truck look a decade younger.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common issues of an aging vehicle: diminished light output, condensation inside the lens, or cracked and faded housings. This is typically a hands-on owner who is comfortable with basic automotive work and is looking for a cost-effective way to improve their truck’s function and form. It’s a perfect upgrade for daily drivers, work trucks, or restoration projects. However, it might not be the right choice for someone seeking absolute, concours-level OEM perfection, as aftermarket parts can sometimes have minor fitment quirks. It’s also not for individuals who aren’t prepared to double-check vehicle compatibility, as units like these are designed for very specific model years and trim levels, often excluding variations like the “Sport” models which have a different front-end design.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Fitment: This is the most critical factor. Before you even think about aesthetics, you must confirm that the assembly is designed for your vehicle’s exact year, make, and model. For the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens, it’s explicitly stated to fit Dodge Ram 1500 (1994-2001) and Ram 2500/3500 (1994-2002), but crucially, it does *not* fit Sport models or Ram Vans. Ignoring this detail will lead to wasted time and money.
- Light Output & Technology: Understand what you’re buying. These units feature an integrated LED light strip for a modern look, but you will still need to supply the main low and high beam bulbs. The quality of the internal reflectors—in this case, “metal parabolic reflectors”—plays a huge role in shaping the beam. A well-designed reflector prevents stray light from blinding oncoming drivers while maximizing the useful light on the road.
- Materials & Durability: The lens material is paramount. Polycarbonate is the industry standard for its high impact resistance and clarity, but it should have a protective UV coating to prevent future yellowing. The housing, typically made of ABS plastic, needs to be robust. Look for mentions of weather sealing; a poor seal will lead to condensation and premature failure of bulbs and internal components. DOT and SAE certification provides a baseline assurance that the product meets federal safety standards.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Many aftermarket headlights are marketed as “plug-and-play,” but this can be misleading. While the main bulb sockets may connect directly to your factory harness, features like LED strips or “halo rings” almost always require some additional, simple wiring. You should be prepared to tap into a power source like the parking lights or side markers. Also, ensure the assembly has accessible adjustment screws to properly aim the headlights after installation—a step that is legally required and essential for safety.
Keeping these factors in mind, the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Compatible With: 03-06 Avalanche 1500 / 03-06 Avalanche 2500 / 03-06 SIlverado 1500 / 03-06 SIlverado 1500 HD / 03-06 SIlverado 2500 HD / 03-06 SIlverado 3500 / 03-04 Silverado 2500 / 07 SIlverado...
- 【Compatible With】2007-2013 Silverado 1500 / 2007-2014 Silverado 2500 HD, 3500; Does NOT Fit 2007 (Old Body) Classic Models; Fits Models with Halogen Headlights Only
- 【VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY】Headlights Assembly Compatible with 07-13 Chevy Silverado 1500, 12-14 Chevy Silverado 2500, 07-14 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Classic, 12-13 Chevy...
Unboxing the PIT66: A First Look at Build and Style
Opening the box containing the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens, we were immediately struck by the visual upgrade it represented. The packaging was sturdy, with each of the four pieces—two main headlight housings and two corner light housings—securely wrapped and protected. Our first impression of the build quality was positive, especially considering the accessible price point. The black housing provides a sharp, aggressive contrast against the crystal-clear polycarbonate lens, a look often referred to as the “smoked” or “blackout” style that instantly modernizes the front end of the Ram. The lenses themselves were pristine and felt substantial. The integrated LED strip, while unlit, was cleanly installed within the housing. We noted that the kit was comprehensive, including the corner lights, which is a significant value-add as these are often sold separately and are just as prone to fading as the main headlights. Compared to the dull, cloudy OEM units we were replacing, these were a night-and-day difference even before installation. They felt solid, well-sealed around the edges, and ready to give our classic truck a much-needed facelift.
Key Benefits
- Dramatically modernizes the appearance of 2nd Gen Dodge Rams
- Integrated LED light strip adds a custom, high-end look
- Complete four-piece kit includes both headlights and corner lights
- DOT and SAE compliant for street legal assurance
- Easy to adjust for proper beam alignment
Potential Drawbacks
- Mounting brackets may have a looser fit than OEM parts, potentially requiring minor adjustments
- Reports of long-term durability issues raise quality control concerns
Putting the PIT66 Headlights to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance
An aesthetic upgrade is one thing, but a headlight’s primary job is to illuminate the road. We put the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens through its paces, from the garage installation to late-night drives on unlit country roads. Our in-depth evaluation focused on the three aspects that matter most to any truck owner: the installation process, the real-world light performance, and the assembly’s ability to withstand the elements over time.
Installation: From Box to Bumper
For any DIY mechanic, a straightforward installation is a huge win. The PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens is designed as a direct-fit replacement, and for the most part, it lives up to that promise. The process began with removing the old, tired assemblies from our Ram. This is a relatively simple task on these trucks, requiring you to pull the corner lights out first (they are held by clips) and then unbolt the three main nuts holding the headlight housing. The PIT66 units lined up perfectly with the factory mounting points.
However, we did encounter the issue one user mentioned regarding a “sloppy” bracket. The fit wasn’t quite as snug as the factory units, allowing for a small amount of play even after tightening the nuts. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to be aware of. We remedied this easily by adding a couple of small washers to the mounting studs, which completely eliminated the wiggle and secured the housing firmly. This is a simple, five-minute fix that ensures there will be no rattling down the road.
Wiring was a two-part process. The main high and low beam bulbs (which you transfer from your old headlights or replace with new ones) plug directly into the factory harness—truly plug-and-play. The LED light strip, however, requires a bit of wiring. This is standard for any aftermarket headlight with extra features. We followed the advice of another user and tapped the positive and negative wires into the power leads for the side marker bulb in the corner light housing. This was incredibly easy and had the desired effect: the white LED strip turns on with the parking lights and remains on with the main headlights, adding that custom look. As a bonus, it also blinks amber in sync with the turn signal, a cool feature that enhances visibility. Total installation time, including the washer fix and wiring, was just under an hour for both sides.
Illumination Quality and Beam Pattern
With the installation complete, the real test began after sunset. The difference was, without exaggeration, astonishing. The new, crystal-clear lenses and pristine reflectors transformed our truck’s light output from a dull, yellow glow to a bright, crisp white light that painted the road ahead. The metal parabolic reflectors in the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens do an excellent job of shaping the light. The beam pattern was wide and smooth, providing excellent peripheral illumination on dark roads, which is crucial for spotting deer or other hazards on the shoulder.
The most critical post-installation step is aiming the headlights. We found the adjustment screws on the PIT66 units to be easily accessible and responsive. As one owner correctly noted, “If it looks uneven. Just adjust the screw to how you want it.” We parked the truck on a level surface facing a wall and, using the clearly defined cutoff line of the low beam, adjusted each headlight until it was aimed correctly—high enough to illuminate the road but low enough to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. The cutoff was surprisingly sharp for a reflector housing, which helps concentrate the light where you need it most. The high beams provided a powerful, far-reaching punch of light, making highway and backroad driving significantly more comfortable and safe. For anyone still running faded factory lights, the improvement in visibility alone makes this upgrade worth considering. The enhanced safety and modern style are a powerful combination.
Durability and Weather Resistance
A great-looking headlight is useless if it fogs up after the first rainstorm or if its components fail prematurely. The PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens is built with a heavy-duty sealed plastic housing and a polycarbonate lens, designed to be fully waterproof and dustproof. During our testing period, which included several heavy downpours and a thorough car wash, the housings remained perfectly clear and free of any internal moisture or condensation. The seals appear to be robust and well-applied, a key factor in long-term durability.
However, we must address a serious concern raised in one user review: a report of the bulb socket area burning or melting after just two days. While our test unit has shown no signs of such failure, this points to a potential quality control inconsistency. This type of failure could be caused by a defective unit, a poor connection creating high resistance and heat, or the use of an incorrect, high-wattage bulb. As these housings are designed for stock wattage bulbs (65 watts), it’s imperative that users do not install overwattage halogen bulbs. Nonetheless, this report is a valid concern. We recommend carefully inspecting the sockets and wiring upon arrival and ensuring all connections are secure during installation. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty, which should provide some peace of mind against such defects, but it’s a data point that prudent buyers should not ignore.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the general consensus from other owners. The vast majority of feedback is positive, with users frequently praising the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens for its transformative looks and ease of installation. Comments like, “amazing headlights for the price, highly recommend, good quality, simple connection,” and “Love it, looks great and easy to install,” are common. Many, like us, found the process straightforward and were thrilled with the aesthetic result. The adjustability is also a frequently mentioned positive, allowing owners to dial in the perfect beam pattern.
On the other hand, the negative feedback, though less common, highlights important potential issues. The complaint about a “super sloppy” mounting bracket confirms our own experience that a minor tweak (like adding washers) may be necessary for a perfectly firm fit. The most severe criticism involved a burned-out bulb socket, indicating that while most units are fine, there may be occasional quality control lapses. It serves as a reminder that with budget-friendly aftermarket parts, it’s wise to inspect everything carefully before installation and during the first few weeks of use.
How the PIT66 Stacks Up: A Look at the Competition
While the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens is an excellent choice for its specific application, the world of automotive lighting is vast. Here’s how it compares to some other popular options available online.
1. OPT7 Aura Pro Halo DRL Headlight Accessories
- Vibrant Halo Light Show: Transform your Dodge Challenger into a showstopper with unlimited lighting effects! Whether you're going for a chill blue halo or a fierce red demon eye, take full control...
- Seamless Dual Control: Tap to ignite! Use the included remote control to effortlessly switch between 12 bold colors, 24 dynamic modes, and 10 levels of speed & brightness. Want even more...
This product isn’t a direct competitor but rather a different approach to lighting customization. The OPT7 Aura Pro is an accessory kit that adds multi-color “demon eye” or “angel eye” halo rings to your existing headlight assemblies. It’s for the vehicle owner, particularly of a modern car like the Dodge Challenger, who prioritizes dynamic, app-controlled color-changing style over a complete housing replacement. If your primary goal is a light show with infinite color options and you’re willing to open up your factory headlights to install it, the OPT7 is for you. In contrast, the PIT66 is a complete, bolt-on assembly replacement for older trucks, focused on providing a clean, modern look and improved primary illumination, not customizable colors.
2. AUTOSAVER88 Headlight Assembly for Chevy Silverado Tahoe Suburban
- Vehicle compatibility: headlights assembly compatible with 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2500 / 2001-2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD 2500HD 3500 / 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 2500 /...
- Waterproof: fully sealed with solid silicon & designed with one-way vents to prevent moisture from being trapped inside the housing, no corrosion or moisture worries in sorts of weather conditions
The AUTOSAVER88 assembly is a much more direct competitor to the PIT66, serving the same purpose for a different family of classic trucks. Designed for late 90s and early 2000s Chevy and GMC models, it offers a similar value proposition: an affordable, all-in-one kit to replace old, faded headlights and modernize the vehicle’s appearance. Like the PIT66, it comes as a complete set with bumper lights included. An owner of a classic Silverado would choose this for the same reasons a Ram owner would choose the PIT66—to restore visibility and style. The choice between them is dictated entirely by vehicle compatibility, not features.
3. ONLINE LED STORE 5×7 7×6 Inch H6054 LED Headlights
- BRONCO STYLE LOOK - Your classic car with rectangle 2b1 headlights deserves better than those old 7x6 inch OEM halogen bulb headlamps. Give it a mean new attitude with a new pair of bright 5x7...
- SHARP Z CUT-OFF LINE - Backed by reputable DOT and SAE Approvals, the high and low LED projector beams of these 5x7 LED headlights brighten hard-to-see spots without blinding oncoming traffic. Unlike...
This product represents a universal upgrade path. The TRUE MODS H6054 is a sealed-beam LED headlight designed to fit any vehicle that uses the standard 5×7 or 7×6 inch rectangular headlight, such as a Jeep Wrangler YJ, Cherokee XJ, or older Ford and Chevy trucks. This is a pure performance upgrade, swapping an entire sealed halogen unit for a modern, powerful, and DOT-approved LED unit. A user would choose this for its universal fitment and raw light output. It lacks the custom-molded, vehicle-specific styling of the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens, which is designed to integrate seamlessly into the unique front-end design of a Dodge Ram.
The Final Word: Is the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly the Right Upgrade for Your Ram?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens to the right owner. If you have a non-Sport 2nd generation Dodge Ram (1994-2002) and are looking for a significant aesthetic and functional upgrade without breaking the bank, this kit is one of the best values on the market. It delivers a sharp, modern look, drastically improved light output, and comes as a complete four-piece set, making it a one-stop solution for a front-end refresh.
However, this recommendation comes with two small caveats. Be prepared for the possibility of minor fitment adjustments, like adding a washer to the mounting studs for a rock-solid fit. Secondly, given the isolated report of a critical component failure, a thorough inspection upon arrival is prudent. For the DIY-savvy truck owner, these are minor hurdles. The end result is a truck that looks a decade younger and provides a safer, more confident driving experience at night. It’s an investment that pays dividends in both pride and safety.
If you’ve decided the PIT66 LED Headlight Assembly Clear Lens is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API