How much improvement can I get from just new bulbs?

[boynton6spd]

I don't want to do a full LED kit with ballasts etc...

If possible, I would like to change High and Low beam bulbs...

Has anybody just swapped to a bright bulb?

If so how is it working out?

[Darksky]

A lot. More than you would have guessed. It is not an AMAZING difference, but it is enough to merit doing it. Use the search function, there are tons of threads about this. 

 

Depending on your truck- there is a TSB update that increases voltage to the lights along with upgraded stock bulbs.

 

In my 2015 HighCountry, I have tried aftermarket bulbs. NightHawks were good. Osram NightBreaker Laser (they say 150% brighter on the box) are the best performers for me, so far.

 

you can also upgrade the fogs to a Morimoto bulb assembly, they are a HUGE improvement.

 

a 30 inch curved light bar behind the grille is good as well.  Rough Country makes a kit (single row, blackout) is what I chose. It is complete and simple to install.

 

bigger upgrades, are brighter and exponentially more expensive. If you have the cabbage, you can make it daytime. But, I am content with my better bulbs, RC light bar and Morimoto fogs.

 

[Darksky]

Stay away from any of the “RICER” bulbs. The bluer spectrum IMHO doesn’t work well. At least not the ones you will find at the corner auto parts. If you opt for the yellow spectrum bulbs- just drive your truck into a creek, to spare it the shame.

[MNorby]

I upgraded my low beam H11 bulb to a H9 and my high beam 9005 to a 9011 and saw increase. Beauty is they are standard off the shelf bulbs that are under $10/pair and just a little snip with a side cutter to make fit. Google those part numbers and plenty of websites explaining how to do it. 

[Darksky]

Several types of bulbs are easily modified by cutting out a plastic tab in the female part of the slide together connection. This is a very  viable way to get better output. I have trimmed the tab out to make bulbs fit the fogs before changing to the Morimoto. In that case, there is no comparison. Buy the Morimoto. Hands down, the winner.

[jerseytaylor]

I can only speak about PIAA for my other vehicles, unfortunately not with my truck...but I had very good success just dropping in bulbs such as these.

Lasted  me years.

 

https://www.amazon.com/19665-Xtreme-White-Performance-Halogen/dp/B004FXIUSM#customerReviews

The before and after images people are posting make these look pretty attractive.

[gearheadesw]

Watching this with interest, thanks.

[avalonandl]

Silverstar bulbs DO help. Get the ZXE bulbs, pricey but worth it. you want bulbs that only hav a VERY LIGHT blue tint. I am using a H11 bulb called an XD5 from Ebay. Not available anymore.

[Chebbyfan]

I agree with the ZXE Sylvania bulbs.  I have lows, highs and fogs.  Look great and perform A LOT better than OE.