If you own a 2018-2020 Ford F-150 and you are tired of dim factory lighting, an F-150 LED headlight upgrade is one of the most satisfying weekend projects you can tackle. We got our hands on a set of AlphaRex projector headlights and walked through the full installation on the truck, from disconnecting the battery to aiming the beams against a wall. In this guide we share exactly what we did, what tools you need, and every bolt and wire you will touch along the way. The result is a cleaner front-end look and noticeably better night driving.

Why We Chose AlphaRex for the F-150

AlphaRex specializes in designing and producing stylish aftermarket automotive performance lighting with innovative technology, and the fit and finish on these units showed it. Before diving into the wrenching, we spent a little time confirming the exact application. If you are shopping around, the full 2018-2020 F-150 Headlight Lineup is worth a look so you can match the style you want. We installed the black-housing option from the LUXX-Series Projector Headlight Set, which gave the front of our truck a much more aggressive appearance. Choosing the right lighting for your specific truck matters just as much as the install itself. If you want a deeper primer on trim years and connectors before you buy, our guide to finding the right lighting fit for your truck is a good starting point. Some owners also cross-shop a Plug-and-Play LED Headlight Assembly when they want a simpler wiring path, so it helps to understand your options going in.

Tools and Prep

The install does not require exotic equipment. We gathered a 10mm socket, an 8mm socket, a 7mm socket, a ratchet with an extension, trim clip removal tools, a crimping tool for the daytime running lights harness, zip ties, and a socket wrench for the fuse tab. Whenever working on your vehicle, always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. This is not an optional safety step, it prevents accidental shorts while you are routing power wires near the battery.

Step 1: Remove the Radiator Shroud

We started by removing all the clips holding the top plastic radiator shroud in place. Once the clips were out, we lifted the shroud off and set it aside to be reinstalled later. Take your time popping the clips so you do not crack any of them, because you will reuse the shroud when everything goes back together.

Step 2: Remove the Bumper Trim

Next we moved to the wheel wells. Each side has two 7mm bolts holding the bumper trim piece in place. We removed the two 7mm bolts from inside each wheel well, then carefully pulled the bumper trim piece from the truck and set it aside for later installation. Pulling gently and evenly helps release the hidden tabs without damaging the trim.

Step 3: Remove the Grille Assembly

With the trim off, we tackled the grille. We removed the two plastic clips and the four 10mm bolts from the top of the grille. Then we removed the 8mm bolt from below each headlight. After that we removed the plastic clips securing the light wiring and unplugged the two connections for the active grille at the top of the radiator area. With everything free, we removed the grille assembly and set it aside to be reinstalled later.

Step 4: Remove the Factory Headlights

Now the headlights are accessible. Each headlight is secured by six 10mm bolts, one 8mm bolt, and one push clip on top. There is one more fastener that catches people off guard: one 10mm bolt is located behind the fender flare. Do not skip that one, or the headlight will not come free. Once all fasteners were out, we carefully removed the headlight by sliding it forward, then unplugged the wiring connection from the back of the headlight housing and set the old unit aside.

Step 5: Wire the DRL Harness

This is the part that requires the most attention. We routed the daytime running lights harness to the two headlights, starting at the passenger side because it is closest to the truck’s battery. We crimped the gray wire from the daytime running lights harness to the fuse tab, then went to the fuse box and tapped into fuse number 36 or fuse number 10. From there, we connected the red wire to the battery positive terminal and the black wire to the battery negative terminal. Finally we zip tied and secured the yellow connection to the daytime running lights harness so nothing rattles loose while driving.

Step 6: Install the AlphaRex Headlights

With the harness in place, we connected the stock headlight connectors and the daytime running lights connector to the AlphaRex headlight, then installed the headlight onto the truck. We reversed the removal sequence, reusing the same six 10mm bolts, the 8mm bolt, and the push clip, plus the hidden 10mm bolt behind the fender flare. We repeated the exact same removal and installation steps on the opposite side headlight to complete the pair.

Step 7: Test the Functions

Before buttoning everything up, we tested the functions of the AlphaRex headlights to ensure everything worked properly. Checking low beams, high beams, and the daytime running lights at this stage saves a lot of frustration, because if a connector is loose you do not want to discover it after the grille and bumper trim are back on the truck.

Step 8: Aim the Headlights

Once everything tested good and the grille, bumper trim, and radiator shroud were reinstalled, we aimed the headlights. We parked the truck 25 feet from a wall and leveled the headlights evenly. Turning the adjuster clockwise lowers the light and counterclockwise raises the light. Getting this dialed in is what separates a proper F-150 LED headlight upgrade from one that blinds oncoming traffic or points too low to be useful.

Reassembly and Final Thoughts

Reassembly is simply the reverse of the teardown. We reinstalled the grille assembly and reconnected the two active grille connections and the light wiring clips. Then the bumper trim went back on with its 7mm bolts in each wheel well, and finally the top plastic radiator shroud snapped back into place with its clips. Reconnect the negative battery terminal last, and give the lights one more function check with everything assembled. After spending an afternoon on this install, we were happy with both the look and the performance. The projector design gives a cleaner beam pattern than the factory reflectors, and the DRL signature transforms the face of the truck. If you follow the sequence carefully, take your time with the wiring, and aim the beams properly at the end, you will enjoy the new look and improved night driving of your 2018-2020 Ford F-150. Visit AlphaRex to see all of their performance lighting products for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step before installing AlphaRex headlights on a 2018-2020 F-150?

Always disconnect the negative battery terminal first before beginning any work on the vehicle.

How many bolts secure each factory headlight on the F-150?

Each headlight is held by six 10mm bolts, one 8mm bolt, one push clip on top, and an additional 10mm bolt located behind the fender flare.

How is the daytime running light (DRL) harness wired in during installation?

The gray wire from the DRL harness is crimped to a fuse tab connected to fuse 36 or fuse 10, the red wire connects to the battery positive terminal, the black wire to the battery negative terminal, and the yellow connector is zip tied and secured to the harness.

What parts need to be removed to access the headlights?

You must remove the top plastic radiator shroud, the bumper trim pieces, and the front grille assembly before the headlight mounting bolts can be accessed.

How do you aim the new AlphaRex headlights after installation?

Park the truck 25 feet from a wall and level the headlights by turning the adjuster clockwise to lower the beam or counterclockwise to raise it.