2000-2004 Headlight Revisions

Hey guys:

My baby is in the bodyshop this week (car vs. deer) getting some front end work done. The car is a 2000, and I want to replace the headlamps with the newer black bezel /smoke lens style, but I have found there are a few revisions to this part since it was initially introduced. Was it first introduced on the '00 Cobra R or across the board with the '01 models? Are they different parts?

I ask because I'm finding discrepancies on the part numbers. Across the Internet, the part # that suppliers sell and people commonly reference is 1R3Z13008AD (RH headlamp assembly for example). However, if you call a Ford dealership they will reference OEM part# 3R3Z13008DA. Does anyone know what Ford changed with these revisions?

My body shop ordered the latter part (3R3Z13008DA) and the lens appears only vaguely darkened compared to the pictures and vehicles I've seen on the road - my perception was that they were much darker (perhaps I was hallucinating and it was wishful thinking). I'm wondering if the lenses have been lightened over the last few years due to regulatory concerns that they were too dark? Any insight you guys can provide to this mystery would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-electro

Awesome insight, guys. Totally makes sense about the extra light getting in from above, behind, and through the holes prior to installation. I'll put them in the car and see how they look...

Thanks!