If you own a 2011 to 2016 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty and you have been thinking about upgrading those tired factory reflector headlights, this guide is for you. We recently walked through a full set of AlphaRex projector headlights on a Super Duty, and the transformation in both looks and nighttime visibility is exactly what most truck owners are after. In this article we break down the entire installation step by step, from disconnecting the battery to aiming the beams against a wall, so you can tackle this job in your own driveway with confidence. If you are shopping for the right Ford Super Duty aftermarket headlights, keep reading and follow along with the video below.

Why We Chose AlphaRex for the Super Duty

AlphaRex specializes in designing and producing superior and uniquely stylish aftermarket automotive performance lighting with innovative technology. When we tested these headlights on a 2011 to 2016 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty, we appreciated how the projector design gives the front end a modern, aggressive look while improving the beam pattern for night driving. If you want to see the full range of what is available for this truck, take a look at the Super Duty Headlight Lineup before you decide which set fits your build. The specific set we installed comes from the PRO-Series Projector Headlights family, and the installation process we walk through here applies to that projector-style upgrade. If you have done other truck upgrades before, you may find this job similar to our AlphaRex F-150 Install Guide, though the Super Duty has its own quirks around the grille and wiring that we cover in detail.

Tools You Will Need

Before you start, gather your tools so you are not running back to the toolbox mid-install. Based on what we used in the video, you only need a couple of basic items to get through this entire job.

• A Phillips screwdriver
• A 10 millimeter socket
• A crimping tool for the DRL harness fuse tab

That simplicity is one of the reasons the Super Duty is such a friendly platform for a headlight swap. There is no cutting of factory wiring required, since the side marker bulb and turn signal socket are reused and connected right into the new AlphaRex housing.

Step-by-Step AlphaRex Headlight Installation

Below we break down the process exactly as we performed it. Take your time on each step, and remember that both sides follow the same procedure once you have done the driver side.

Step 1: Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

Whenever you are working on your vehicle, always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. This is the single most important safety step in the whole process. It protects you from shorts and protects the truck’s electronics while you are handling the wiring later on. Do not skip this, even if you are only planning a quick swap.

Step 2: Remove the Grille

The grille has to come off before you can reach the headlight housing bolts. Begin by removing the four 10 millimeter bolts located on the top of the grille. Using the Phillips screwdriver, push down and unlock the three clips located on the bottom of the grille. Then remove the two plastic clips located at the upper corner of each headlight. Carefully unfasten and remove the grille, and set it aside for later reinstallation.

Step 3: Unbolt the Headlight Housing

With the grille out of the way, you can access the four bolts holding the headlight housing in place. Remove the 10 millimeter bolt located on the top of the headlight housing. Next, remove the two 10 millimeter bolts located on the radiator side of the headlight housing. Finally, remove the 10 millimeter bolt located on the bottom of the headlight housing. Keep these bolts organized because you will reuse them to secure the new AlphaRex headlight.

Step 4: Remove the Factory Headlight and Harnesses

Carefully pull out the headlight and remove the parking, turn signal, and headlight wiring harnesses. Unplug the running light and turn indicator light bulbs from the old headlight. Take your time here so you do not tug on any connectors harder than necessary. The factory connectors will plug directly into the new AlphaRex unit later, so keep everything intact.

Step 5: Transfer the Side Marker and Turn Signal Sockets

Now you reuse the factory components. Remove the side marker bulb from the old headlight and connect it to the black connection coming from the AlphaRex headlight, then reinstall the side marker socket into the AlphaRex housing. Insert the factory turn signal socket into the split connection for the turn signals. This is one of the details that makes the AlphaRex install clean, since you are carrying over the factory bulbs and sockets rather than replacing them.

Step 6: Route and Wire the DRL Harness

Route the daytime running lights harness to the two headlights, and start at the driver’s side, which is closest to the truck’s battery. Crimp the gray wire from the daytime running lights harness to the fuse tab, then go to the fuse box and tap into fuse number 50. This is the step where your crimping tool comes in handy, so make sure the connection is solid before moving on.

With the gray wire tapped into fuse 50, finish the DRL power connections at the battery. Connect the red wire to the battery positive terminal and the black wire to the battery negative terminal. These two leads provide power and ground for the daytime running light function, so double check that each is on the correct terminal.

Step 7: Connect the Headlight and Secure It

Now connect the turn signal, low beam, high beam, daytime running lights, and turn signal wiring harnesses to the AlphaRex headlight. Then finish the installation by securing the headlight to the truck using the 10 millimeter bolts you set aside earlier. Once the driver side is buttoned up, repeat the previous steps for the opposite side headlight. When both headlights are installed, follow the previous instructions in reverse to reinstall the grille.

Step 8: Test and Aim the Headlights

Test the functions of your AlphaRex headlights to ensure everything works properly. Check the low beams, high beams, turn signals, and daytime running lights before you consider the job finished. Once everything has been tested, aim your AlphaRex headlights by parking 25 feet from a wall and leveling the headlight beams evenly. Turn clockwise to lower the light and counterclockwise to raise the light. Getting this aim right is what keeps your beam pattern legal and comfortable for oncoming traffic.

Final Thoughts on the Super Duty Upgrade

Once everything has been tested and aimed, you are ready to use and enjoy your AlphaRex headlights along with the stylish new look and improved night driving on your 2011 to 2016 Ford F-250 or F-350. We found the whole process straightforward with just a Phillips screwdriver and a 10 millimeter socket, and reusing the factory side marker and turn signal sockets keeps the wiring clean and reversible. If you are still comparing options for your truck, it is worth looking at a few alternatives. Some owners prefer a plug-and-play style upgrade like the LED Projector Headlight Kit, and you can browse even more choices in the Super Duty Headlight Shop to find the exact look and function you want. Whichever route you take, the installation fundamentals we covered here, from grille removal to final aiming, will carry over and help you get the job done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools are needed to install the AlphaRex headlights on a Ford Super Duty?

The video shows using a Phillips screwdriver and a 10 millimeter socket to remove the grille and headlight housing bolts before installing the new AlphaRex headlights.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before installing these headlights?

Yes, the installation instructions specify disconnecting the negative battery terminal before beginning any work on the truck.

How is the daytime running light harness wired on the AlphaRex Super Duty headlights?

The gray wire from the DRL harness is crimped to a fuse tab and tapped into fuse number 50, while the red wire connects to the battery positive terminal and the black wire connects to the battery negative terminal.

How do I aim the new AlphaRex headlights after installation?

Park the truck 25 feet from a wall and turn the adjuster clockwise to lower the beam or counterclockwise to raise it until the light is level.

Which factory components are reused when installing the new AlphaRex headlights?

The factory side marker bulb and turn signal socket are removed from the old headlight and connected to the matching connectors on the new AlphaRex headlight.