2000-2004 Headlight Revisions

[electro]

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

 

[BAFMustangGT]

They are pretty dark from the factory and i have a 03. I think they will apear darker once they are covered by the hood ect. More light is getting into them from the back and top which if i remember correctly, isent it lighter on top thus light will be getting in?
Anyway, i think they will be dark once you install them and i dont think there was any differnce, they should fit.

 

[missouri_guy197]

They are darker if you look at them from the side, from the front, esp with the lights on they are hard to tell they are tinted...

 

[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!