It's weird... I've owned a 97 since it had only 60k on it, and I owned a similar year mustang for years at the same time... but I only just noticed how ford had a "curves everywhere" thing going with the sn95 and the f150.
I used Gorilla super glue on a couple of dabs and worked fine...good to know I'm not the only one who broke off the lamp ring. Just make sure to push that light down so it does not hit the frame.
Great video, I do like when everything doesn't go perfectly because it rarely does in real life. The only thing I would add is to test to make sure the light works before you reassemble it all back in place, shit happens especially with older bulbs.
Did you not listen to what he said.. these are not Ford OEM..these are Chinese made cheapo and most likely are not clear coat protected..this would raise their prices if they included that.. stick with USA, their coated, or you can buy China ones and either DIY or pay a paint and body shop to do it..
@@bbjazzmanjazzman7721 what are you bumbling about LMAO. I never said they were Ford OEM ??? I have no problem with chinese headlights. I have my own clear coat to spray them with.
Thanks for the Video! Installed mine today,on my 2003 F150 and I did the exact same thing you did, same light. I broke the mounting clip when I pushed it in. Had to glue it back on. But, Everything is on now and looks Awesome!
Update on these lights? Still holding up? How does the illumination compare to the stock lights? Any melting? I like the look of these, but i drive alot at night.
Same here. Same truck. I've tried the clean and polish method about three times over the years. Doesn't last, they just haze up again. After market ones are pretty cheap, price wise, on amazon. Looks easy enough. Good Luck.
How have these lights held up after the last year? my lights are so hazed up they might as well be opaque and I am looking to replace them. I wanted to get a 1 piece set of lights but they all look like cheap garbage, especially with the craptacular LED strips they have, but these dont seem to look too bad.
He had been keeping it garaged for almost a year, so I would wait till he puts a full season of changing weather.. not everyone keeps thier Truck garaged..SMH..
Did you have to modify/ cut out..a section of the housing because mine won't fit on passenger side and i have the identical lights..only having problem w passenger turn signal.. everything else is fine..crazy.. and im stuck
You can’t turn the bulb connection on the turn signal all the way, you have to back it off until it lines up with the indentation in the fiberglass behind the light.
This is helpful, despite some of the issues I encountered. Firstly, the three adjusters swivel all over the place at the "ball joint", so trying to get all three into the respective slots took a lot of patience. Also..... the turn/marker light harness can't rotate around (as shown here) to avoid breaking the end off..... once they snap in place (at 90 degrees), that's where they stay. I had to "modify" the metal behind them to create a relief. The three "slots" in the new housing were molded about 30 degrees off from the factory housings...... seems lame. If you're going to go to the trouble of making these housings, why would you not position the slots the same?
Hi there. To do it in real time you need a special tool (cheap on Amazon) that allows you to adjust left-right and up-down movement of your headlight. I bought an aftermarket set of headlights and the pre-set tabs on the back which impact the adjustment were WAY OFF. It took quite some time to fine tune the angle of each headlight. 😢
Same thing happen to me when I installed lights I got from American Truck. Same style as yours but in black. JB Weld worked. Strange it was even the same left hand side. Great video by the way.
I just installed the black trim version of these on my 99 F-150, my turn signals work when I flick them on but my sidemarker doesn’t come on at all when headlights are on do you have the same problem because I can’t find any info on these anywhere your the only video on TH-cam with these same headlights
I am in need of same upgrade. I always wonder about quality of inexpensive auto products at amazon. Great prices ,but don't always know about fit and durability.
I’m 2 years late, but I’m thinking about buying these for my 97. if you still have these headlights, how is the visibility at night? Are you constantly getting flashed by other people? Is the light just scattered everywhere? Thanks
Visibility is good, i'd say slightly better than stock. You only get the scattered light if you put LEDs in them. These housings are meant for halogen bulbs, so if you use halogens, then you won't have any problems. Assuming you have them aimed correctly, of course. LOL
Not sure if this comment section is that active anymore but what is the piece called that surrounds the headlights and grill? Is the whole piece just called a grill? I’m in need of a new one and I’m not sure what to look for
Mine still look new, but the truck has also been sitting inside for the last 9 months for the turbo install. And yes, I had to adjust them. Thanks for watching!
@@AutoDetour so, you really haven't put true road traveling wear on them.. Give them a full season run through including summer Sun exposure.. THAT'S the real litmus input I'm listening for before I give my cash to support a socialist country..
Love the F150. I have a 2002 F150 4x4. I would clean up the driving lights below . I need to get me a set of those . Mine is not a full 4 door truck but all 4 of my doors open .
Hi... Did you actually have to do any mods or filing to get those to fit correctly? You mentioned something at the end but did not go into detail. Doing those headlights , the bumper valance with the clear fog lights like you have too but using 11W H-10 bulbs and turning them into daylight running lights . About those clear fog lights, lots of reviews saying they are being melted in the back using the stock halogen bulbs ( one of the reasons for me going w a 11W H10 LED daylight / driving light type bulb, also some comments about water getting in them and peeling reflective material. ) My truck is a 2000 Ford F150 , 5 speed , 4.2 V-6 I have had since it had 11,000 miles on it ...its at about 126,00 now . Putting a clutch in, just put some 16x8 black star shaped after market rims with a +10 off set ( stock is 16x7 , +14 offset ) with 265/75/R16 Mud tires, about the biggest you can fit under there with out scrapping. A little noisier, but my god, the ride is so much smoother now..who would have thought ? . It's 2WD but I like the look and extra 1-1/2 total tire height. Also putting a 2 inch leveling kit ( urethane on top of the springs) as I have a single overload springs on the rear and a 2 inch leveling kit will make it sit nice and even . Also, a 2 inch kit is as big as you can go with out changing the upper control arms out I believe. Mine is the Super cab, not the super crew, and the styleside. Also will be putting the black nerf bar steps , a Walker Bull bar with a set of small oval amber fog lights, and I found a set of after market tail lights , the only ones I liked out of all of the many on ebay. www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-97-07-FORD-F-SERIES-STYLESIDE-BLACK-HOUSING-TAIL-LIGHT-BRAKE-PARKING-LAMPS/202320896530?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
I did trim right behind the driver's side turn signal (the one I broke) before I realized you can just rotate the connector to make it fit. I adjusted the headlights after this video and was able to make the gaps better on the lights. Not a perfect fit, but looks pretty good. Sounds like you are giving your truck quite a bit of love. That's awesome! I did read that the bulb shield can melt and fall off in the housing on the fogs, so LED's is probably a good idea. I haven't had any issues with mine yet, but I don't put alot of miles on it. Thanks so much for watching!
@@AutoDetour Thanks Ryan ! 57 years old w a three year old son and a 20 year disability pension from CalFire, so need to fix the old girl up rather than buy a new one. My Dad has a 2005, and believe me, anything made between 2004 and 2014 ? w/the new style plugs and the hydraulic cam shifters is bad news ! Keep yours forever ! The only thing bad about mine , the super cab ( not crew like yours) , is that in a rear end collision the bed and the cab bend in the middle towards the road , not a good thing. Not sure how the Super Crew did in the crash tests, but when the AMKUS extrication tool guy showed the crash test videos and I saw mine I was not too happy !!!! I will be also adding the 60" tailgate LED strip too !! also, the back window mastic tends to dry out and separate and you will get a drip and wet carpet. Took out my slider and had the glass shop put in an ebay solid window, pretty happy with it and I don't miss the slider. I have a temperature gun, so I will shoot both bulbs and let you know how hot they rate !
Nice vid thx! Have you considered replacing the fog lights and would you go with an amber so they actually work during heavy fog, or would you go with the clear, will that work just as well in fog? BTW, I have 117k miles on my 1997 f150 5.4 L 4x4 extended cab.
Hello there, I was wondering what your thoughts were on these headlights now that you've had them a few years. I'm looking at putting the same ones or maybe the Harley Davidson style on my 97 4.6 xl. Appreciate your content, I've had a 10th gen a long time and have been looking for content like this for quite some time!
Hey Patrick! I still really like them. They still look good and the bulbs that came with them are still working. In my opinion, they can't be beat for the price. I appreciate you watching!
jus put em on my black 2003 F150,,, jus wish knew, was available with black trim around, the round part, instead of silver, ,,, otherwise great !! too, when i do headlight's, I wax, with a good UV, rated one, to prevent oxidation again. thx sharing, look's good.
These are great trucks I have a 2000 4.2 one owner truck with 85k on the clock.My truck is black do you recommend the black headlights from amazon?btw congrats to your build you made a 407 hp beast it sonds great 👍
Nice look, but I just did the opposite. In fact, I just received my new OEM style headlights and signals for my 97, to replace the "lightning" lights that my son installed.....My 97 just turned 25 years old, so its now registered with "Classic Truck" plates, so I figured I'd go back to the original look.
hy ryan i have the same truck i had my truck ship from huston about 2 months ago 2001 triton her name is goldie beautiful leather interior in fact i owen 3 f150 2001 2002 2oo3 i am from the cayman island happy trucking
If you figure, even if you manage to bring your headlight lenses back to a decent clarity and do the clear coat protection your self, you've almost spent the cost of buying a new set..clear coat spray here is close to $20 per can.. So ya..go figure..
Ya, they look nice and impressive but, chinese made replacements area often put together with subpart adhesives and fastening hardware.. they like to paint over things and use potted tin or cast the part which tends to snap in two when factory spec torque is applied.. USA spec made and supported is the way to go.. with most plastic manuf..it gets by.. but I wouldn't trust made in China metals that depends on high torque, weight and High repetitive movement.. Sometimes buying cheaper replacements doesn't deliver.. I would also keep an eye on those new headlamps and watch how soon they start to haze over..I bet thier not clear coat protected..
Such a humble guy... and what a terribly terrific video. Shows you everything he does..i wish I could give it 3 thumbs up...
I love this body style of F150s.
I do too. Used to think they were the ugliest trucks ford made, but they are built tough! Great trucks
It's weird... I've owned a 97 since it had only 60k on it, and I owned a similar year mustang for years at the same time... but I only just noticed how ford had a "curves everywhere" thing going with the sn95 and the f150.
You can buy mine
I recently inherited my fathers 1998 f150 3dr 5.4 flare side and love it Alan Jackson said it this piece of my childhood will never be forgotten
That’s awesome! A truck with a story is so much better!
I used Gorilla super glue on a couple of dabs and worked fine...good to know I'm not the only one who broke off the lamp ring. Just make sure to push that light down so it does not hit the frame.
in the future one small suggestion. Don't pull plastic all thje way off new lights till they are installed prevents scratches. Great video Thanks.
I was happy to see how EASY it was to replace the headlights for this F150. Thanks for this video, I definitely will order the lighting headlights.
Dude, nice editing skills! Keep it up brother. Thank you for the video.
Thank you so much!
Refreshing to see an install that even shows the mistakes, and the repair. Subscribed! 03/04/21
Thanks John!
Great video, I do like when everything doesn't go perfectly because it rarely does in real life. The only thing I would add is to test to make sure the light works before you reassemble it all back in place, shit happens especially with older bulbs.
Ford actually made a simple design ! sweet ! Just did mine today with LEDs. They look awesome !
Did you not listen to what he said.. these are not Ford OEM..these are Chinese made cheapo and most likely are not clear coat protected..this would raise their prices if they included that.. stick with USA, their coated, or you can buy China ones and either DIY or pay a paint and body shop to do it..
@@bbjazzmanjazzman7721 what are you bumbling about LMAO. I never said they were Ford OEM ??? I have no problem with chinese headlights. I have my own clear coat to spray them with.
I just copped a 97 Ford F-150 & I'm ready to work on it 😊
IO just put a newheadlights on my 2003 F 150 Lariat in made a big difference in the lights they were the clear lens awesome lights
How are they ,far as brightness goes? Alot brighter or minimal?
Thanks for the Video! Installed mine today,on my 2003 F150 and I did the exact same thing you did, same light. I broke the mounting clip when I pushed it in. Had to glue it back on. But, Everything is on now and looks Awesome!
Update on these lights? Still holding up? How does the illumination compare to the stock lights? Any melting? I like the look of these, but i drive alot at night.
I will be changing my head lights after Christmas in my 2002 150.Great video.Much thanks.
Same here. Same truck. I've tried the clean and polish method about three times over the years. Doesn't last, they just haze up again. After market ones are pretty cheap, price wise, on amazon. Looks easy enough. Good Luck.
I got them. They like nice but have to remove the grill to aim them.
@jon Same here.
How was the brightness at night compared to the originals
I purchased new headlights with day time running lights for my 2008 ford f-150. Do have anything on connecting the wires?
At night how was the light alignment?
How have these lights held up after the last year? my lights are so hazed up they might as well be opaque and I am looking to replace them. I wanted to get a 1 piece set of lights but they all look like cheap garbage, especially with the craptacular LED strips they have, but these dont seem to look too bad.
Were the bulbs LED ?
What’s the bolt size for the head light that hood the turning signals
how much better are your headlights now? I mean a big difference in the light output from before or no? How are these lights still holding up?
He had been keeping it garaged for almost a year, so I would wait till he puts a full season of changing weather.. not everyone keeps thier Truck garaged..SMH..
You still have the truck. And are the head lights still working, one to when you.Bought them. Looking for an update to this vid.
Did you have to modify/ cut out..a section of the housing because mine won't fit on passenger side and i have the identical lights..only having problem w passenger turn signal.. everything else is fine..crazy.. and im stuck
You can’t turn the bulb connection on the turn signal all the way, you have to back it off until it lines up with the indentation in the fiberglass behind the light.
@@AutoDetour Thx again..thought I tried it a million ways but not a quitter 👍😃
Did you do fog lights with the clear lenses as well? If so, will you paste the link? THANKS!!!!
Do you still have the truck? 5yr update.
This is helpful, despite some of the issues I encountered. Firstly, the three adjusters swivel all over the place at the "ball joint", so trying to get all three into the respective slots took a lot of patience. Also..... the turn/marker light harness can't rotate around (as shown here) to avoid breaking the end off..... once they snap in place (at 90 degrees), that's where they stay. I had to "modify" the metal behind them to create a relief. The three "slots" in the new housing were molded about 30 degrees off from the factory housings...... seems lame. If you're going to go to the trouble of making these housings, why would you not position the slots the same?
But can you take the lense apart ?,so you can clean it
Hey how do you adjust the headlight beams?
Hi there. To do it in real time you need a special tool (cheap on Amazon) that allows you to adjust left-right and up-down movement of your headlight. I bought an aftermarket set of headlights and the pre-set tabs on the back which impact the adjustment were WAY OFF. It took quite some time to fine tune the angle of each headlight. 😢
Love the truck! Sweet find to get one in such good shape...
Thanks Justin! It's been in the family since new!
Same thing happen to me when I installed lights I got from American Truck. Same style as yours but in black. JB Weld worked. Strange it was even the same left hand side. Great video by the way.
I just installed the black trim version of these on my 99 F-150, my turn signals work when I flick them on but my sidemarker doesn’t come on at all when headlights are on do you have the same problem because I can’t find any info on these anywhere your the only video on TH-cam with these same headlights
No, I don't have that problem. My markers work just like stock. Very weird!
Auto Detour that is very strange thank you for answering me quickly I needed that answer lol ,have a great day man
I am in need of same upgrade. I always wonder about quality of inexpensive auto products at amazon. Great prices ,but don't always know about fit and durability.
You ever beat ppl in a race and then have the cops chase the other guy completely ignoring old grampa😂
Werenyou happy with the light output
Fast forward to 5.5 min in. It starts there. Your welcome 🤟
you should have shown the difference between the lighting with the old and new headlights
Yeah, probably should have. I was just concerned about making the truck look better at the time. LOL
I’m 2 years late, but I’m thinking about buying these for my 97. if you still have these headlights, how is the visibility at night? Are you constantly getting flashed by other people? Is the light just scattered everywhere? Thanks
Visibility is good, i'd say slightly better than stock. You only get the scattered light if you put LEDs in them. These housings are meant for halogen bulbs, so if you use halogens, then you won't have any problems. Assuming you have them aimed correctly, of course. LOL
Auto Detour thanks for the response! Sealed my decision lol
Thank you so much! Much help
Not sure if this comment section is that active anymore but what is the piece called that surrounds the headlights and grill? Is the whole piece just called a grill? I’m in need of a new one and I’m not sure what to look for
Hey, Auto Detour - How are the headlights holding up on your F-150? Also, did you have to adjust them so that they shine at the correct angle? Thanks!
Mine still look new, but the truck has also been sitting inside for the last 9 months for the turbo install. And yes, I had to adjust them. Thanks for watching!
@@AutoDetour so, you really haven't put true road traveling wear on them..
Give them a full season run through including summer Sun exposure.. THAT'S the real litmus input I'm listening for before I give my cash to support a socialist country..
Love the F150. I have a 2002 F150 4x4. I would clean up the driving lights below . I need to get me a set of those . Mine is not a full 4 door truck but all 4 of my doors open .
I’m glad I found this video. I wanna get new lights mine are like a very dusty yellow fog now x____x
Your video made it so simple! Thank you!
Hi... Did you actually have to do any mods or filing to get those to fit correctly? You mentioned something at the end but did not go into detail. Doing those headlights , the bumper valance with the clear fog lights like you have too but using 11W H-10 bulbs and turning them into daylight running lights . About those clear fog lights, lots of reviews saying they are being melted in the back using the stock halogen bulbs ( one of the reasons for me going w a 11W H10 LED daylight / driving light type bulb, also some comments about water getting in them and peeling reflective material. ) My truck is a 2000 Ford F150 , 5 speed , 4.2 V-6 I have had since it had 11,000 miles on it ...its at about 126,00 now . Putting a clutch in, just put some 16x8 black star shaped after market rims with a +10 off set ( stock is 16x7 , +14 offset ) with 265/75/R16 Mud tires, about the biggest you can fit under there with out scrapping. A little noisier, but my god, the ride is so much smoother now..who would have thought ? . It's 2WD but I like the look and extra 1-1/2 total tire height. Also putting a 2 inch leveling kit ( urethane on top of the springs) as I have a single overload springs on the rear and a 2 inch leveling kit will make it sit nice and even . Also, a 2 inch kit is as big as you can go with out changing the upper control arms out I believe. Mine is the Super cab, not the super crew, and the styleside. Also will be putting the black nerf bar steps , a Walker Bull bar with a set of small oval amber fog lights, and I found a set of after market tail lights , the only ones I liked out of all of the many on ebay.
www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-97-07-FORD-F-SERIES-STYLESIDE-BLACK-HOUSING-TAIL-LIGHT-BRAKE-PARKING-LAMPS/202320896530?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
I did trim right behind the driver's side turn signal (the one I broke) before I realized you can just rotate the connector to make it fit. I adjusted the headlights after this video and was able to make the gaps better on the lights. Not a perfect fit, but looks pretty good. Sounds like you are giving your truck quite a bit of love. That's awesome! I did read that the bulb shield can melt and fall off in the housing on the fogs, so LED's is probably a good idea. I haven't had any issues with mine yet, but I don't put alot of miles on it. Thanks so much for watching!
@@AutoDetour Thanks Ryan ! 57 years old w a three year old son and a 20 year disability pension from CalFire, so need to fix the old girl up rather than buy a new one. My Dad has a 2005, and believe me, anything made between 2004 and 2014 ? w/the new style plugs and the hydraulic cam shifters is bad news ! Keep yours forever ! The only thing bad about mine , the super cab ( not crew like yours) , is that in a rear end collision the bed and the cab bend in the middle towards the road , not a good thing. Not sure how the Super Crew did in the crash tests, but when the AMKUS extrication tool guy showed the crash test videos and I saw mine I was not too happy !!!! I will be also adding the 60" tailgate LED strip too !! also, the back window mastic tends to dry out and separate and you will get a drip and wet carpet. Took out my slider and had the glass shop put in an ebay solid window, pretty happy with it and I don't miss the slider. I have a temperature gun, so I will shoot both bulbs and let you know how hot they rate !
Nice vid thx! Have you considered replacing the fog lights and would you go with an amber so they actually work during heavy fog, or would you go with the clear, will that work just as well in fog? BTW, I have 117k miles on my 1997 f150 5.4 L 4x4 extended cab.
Hello there, I was wondering what your thoughts were on these headlights now that you've had them a few years. I'm looking at putting the same ones or maybe the Harley Davidson style on my 97 4.6 xl. Appreciate your content, I've had a 10th gen a long time and have been looking for content like this for quite some time!
Hey Patrick! I still really like them. They still look good and the bulbs that came with them are still working. In my opinion, they can't be beat for the price. I appreciate you watching!
I got some for my 2003 f150. It was a little trouble but they fit but they show crappy so I will get some LED lights for them.
I'd like to upgrade mine to LED as well. Thanks for watching!
Love the update and cant wait to see the s8.
Me neither! Still at the dealer 😔
looks great, huge difference.
now ya need matching fog lights :)
Thanks, buddy! I was thinking the same thing!
The look is great but how are they at night? Same, better, not sure? Great video by the way. Thank you for sharing. All the best. Mitch 🙏
Good Job! -- Great fix 💥🛠
jus put em on my black 2003 F150,,, jus wish knew, was available with black trim around, the round part, instead of silver, ,,, otherwise great !! too, when i do headlight's, I wax, with a good UV, rated one, to prevent oxidation again. thx sharing, look's good.
TheYohan831 Thanks man! I appreciate the UV wax idea!
@@AutoDetour work's,,, learned hard way LOL... after 2 yrs, on a mercury, replaced again, ,, kept up, every 2-3 mos. n 4 yrs good :)
These are great trucks I have a 2000 4.2 one owner truck with 85k on the clock.My truck is black do you recommend the black headlights from amazon?btw congrats to your build you made a 407 hp beast it sonds great 👍
If you like the black background ones, go for it. They seem to be good headlights! No issues with mine so far!
Nice look, but I just did the opposite. In fact, I just received my new OEM style headlights and signals for my 97, to replace the "lightning" lights that my son installed.....My 97 just turned 25 years old, so its now registered with "Classic Truck" plates, so I figured I'd go back to the original look.
I think that does look better, however I would really like to find a alternative to the ugly rear tail lights on this truck.
Agreed! The lightning tail lights don’t do it for me. I am still looking for a good aftermarket option that I like.
Auto Detour same I have only seen one pair I like so far after a lot of looking, someone posted it on the forms I’ll see if I can find a link later
Auto Detour lmk what u think
Yeah man! Those look way better than any of the other options out there. I wish They had a picture of them lit up. I may have to try those out...
Auto Detour the only think is that if you aren’t going for a blacked out build they might look out of place idk
I couldn’t get my side lamp in can someone show me how to do it I bought the same lights on this video and I have no luck with the side lamps
Did u unscrew it
Whats the update did you made them fit?
Looks good but it still has that large gap near fender.
Excellent video
Dont blame the product for breaking. You gotta be easy when installing
Stfu
Oh, this is an Arts & Crafts show! Don't feel bad, I cracked the rear tail lamp trying to re-install Ford's plastic garbage!
My headlights aren't come out at all
Helps alot. Thanks
Anyone have any trouble "popping" the headlamp out?
A bit but much more getting it back in .
hy ryan i have the same truck i had my truck ship from huston about 2 months ago 2001 triton her name is goldie beautiful leather interior in fact i owen 3 f150 2001 2002 2oo3 i am from the cayman island happy trucking
Awesome in spanish too👍
Nice video
I don't want to be that guy but how do you want anybody to guess when you put the answer in the title just saying great video
Doing my best not to directly incriminate myself. LOL
Awesome 👍🏼
This seems pretty similar to my 2004 heritage. Hoping to replace the headlights tomorrow.
P.s. 400 sub giveaway? Dude your channel has grown so much!
It's not 'pretty similar'....it is the same truck as a 2004 Heritage. I own one. The parts are the same.
snap the other one too, you know, to even it out 😂
Tempting... LOL
Auto Detour 🤣 Thanks for sharing!
3:10 to skip this guys rambling on
Im at 5:20 and he still have not started the install,just peeling the tape off the headlights!
cool
Music too loud! My husband said shut it off too loud!
You should have wacht a video on how to do this can’t do shit without braking it first smh
CA glue
Don't mean to be a smartass but you could easily edit 14 minutes out of this video to make it more watchable.
I want sout out in u next video
Really didn't explain anything
Intro way to long
First viewer
Sorry video!
As soon as you showed me the two clips I turned off the video because you're talk too much
You talk to much. Just get to it
If you figure, even if you manage to bring your headlight lenses back to a decent clarity and do the clear coat protection your self, you've almost spent the cost of buying a new set..clear coat spray here is close to $20 per can..
So ya..go figure..
Ya, they look nice and impressive but, chinese made replacements area often put together with subpart adhesives and fastening hardware.. they like to paint over things and use potted tin or cast the part which tends to snap in two when factory spec torque is applied.. USA spec made and supported is the way to go.. with most plastic manuf..it gets by.. but I wouldn't trust made in China metals that depends on high torque, weight and High repetitive movement..
Sometimes buying cheaper replacements doesn't deliver.. I would also keep an eye on those new headlamps and watch how soon they start to haze over..I bet thier not clear coat protected..