Lifted trucks and headlights! (a brief rant)

[rationull]

GAH!!! I don't care what people do to their rides in general, but if a person is going to spend the time and money to raise the center of gravity on a truck they're going to drive on the freeway with everyone else, is it really too much trouble to aim the fricken headlights afterwards???

Sometimes I wish CA had biannual safety inspections to go along with the smog tests we already have to pay for.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: rationull
GAH!!! I don't care what people do to their rides in general, but if a person is going to spend the time and money to raise the center of gravity on a truck they're going to drive on the freeway with everyone else, is it really too much trouble to aim the fricken headlights afterwards???

Sometimes I wish CA had biannual safety inspections to go along with the smog tests we already have to pay for.


That all would require Teutonic overthinking, as I'm sure Hoss will confirm!

 

[hr1940]

Last night driving home (3 1/2 miles up a hill with lots of curves) some clown with a jacked up truck was behind me with his brights on. I finally had to turn all the mirrors so I could drive. There we no place to pull over and he was on my bumper. The speed limit was 40 and I was going 55. I know exactly how you felt.

 

[jmac]

Too much

 

[SZR48207]

It's just as bad with cars with misaimed or out of balance headlights. And I drive a truck!

 

[moribundman]

Just take out those darn headlights with your six guns! Simle is a simple does.

 

[tom slick]

I agree and I used to drive a lifted truck. The problem is headlight adjustment according to SAE standards doesn't seem to account for height, only level and straight.

 

[moribundman]

The simple approach is preferred. Let's not over-engineer anything.

 

[SuperDave456]

Texas has been talking about adding "Headlight Direction" to their state inspection for about 10 years.

The question is "HOW?"
The Manufacturers of the Cars that have those things, and even the aftermarket Trucks, dont have anything that would work.

Although reverse engineering headlights that a driver could "AIM" like their side/rearview mirrors would be interesting. But I wouldent want my bailout money spent on it.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: SuperDave456
The question is "HOW?"


Every repair shop should have one. American shop owners and consumers can't be bothered. Too much effort is required.

 

[Shannow]

Citroen had self aiming headlights decades ago, Renault had load compensation headlights decades ago.

I hate the J Car wagons that have carried more than flowers and oasis block.

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: Reddy45
It's just as bad with cars with misaimed or out of balance headlights. And I drive a truck!


Yep, that happens all the time too. Years ago when I lifted my Jeep, I drove up to the wall and marked the center of the headlight beam. When I was done with the install, I drove up again and adjusted my lights down to that position. Every insp. station I've been to here in mAss have all had the headlight positioning check "box" at the back of the wall. It's always about perfect.

Still, sometimes vehicles just don't match up. I was in my big Ford (no lift) and pulled to a stop light with a small car in front of me. My headlight was aimed right at his sideview and shining in his face. I simply turned off the headlights and left my markers on until we started moving. He gave me a wave in thanks. Simple courtesy goes a long way.

 

[mpvue]

Originally Posted By: Zaedock
Originally Posted By: Reddy45
It's just as bad with cars with misaimed or out of balance headlights. And I drive a truck!


Still, sometimes vehicles just don't match up. I was in my big Ford (no lift) and pulled to a stop light with a small car in front of me. My headlight was aimed right at his sideview and shining in his face. I simply turned off the headlights and left my markers on until we started moving. He gave me a wave in thanks. Simple courtesy goes a long way.


you are the exception. most people are oblivious to their affect on others'. it gets worse with so many lowered cars; regular height trucks are now a problem.
IIRC, states have bumper height laws, usually intended for raised trucks. they need to inforce them for lowered vehicles as well.

 

[94supraonchrome]

so how are the lowered vehicles such a problem?

 

[soldierman]

Originally Posted By: hr1940
Last night driving home (3 1/2 miles up a hill with lots of curves) some clown with a jacked up truck was behind me with his brights on. I finally had to turn all the mirrors so I could drive. There we no place to pull over and he was on my bumper. The speed limit was 40 and I was going 55. I know exactly how you felt.


I would have stopped in the f*ckin road. Brights from behind really does me in.

 

[Gary Allan]

Oh, wait! I need to change the wiper blades on my MB's headlights!

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: Gary Allan

Oh, wait! I need to change the wiper blades on my MB's headlights!


I'm sure you'll need a few assistants to git R done. Maybe ask a tourist for help.

 

[Gary Allan]

A resident alien, maybe? A foreign national can come in handy from time to time.

 

[moribundman]

Don't look at me. I will stop only for pretty tail.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

The joys of driving.