Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: Aftermarket Light Modifications and How to Install LED Tail Lights

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1996-2006).

There's a good reason why aftermarket lighting is so popular among automotive enthusiasts – it provides a big visual improvement over stock, improves visibility and safety, and is an easy modification to complete. Aftermarket options are plentiful, from mild to wild and inexpensive to "break the bank" status. To help you narrow things down a little, we've broken down all the popular options below.

Aftermarket Light Modifications Overview

There are several ways to improve the looks and styling of your truck's lights. The ease of installation, cost, and effectiveness of each can range greatly depending on your choice, however, so consider your needs carefully before settling on one.

As you can see, there are some very different ways to upgrade the lighting situation on your Silverado 1500. But which choice is best for your application? Let's break down each one to give you an idea of what's involved.

Blacked Out Lights

Price – $10-200

DIY Level – Moderate

Rating – Not Recommended

Protection – Low

Blacked out lighting adds a sinister look to your truck, but it also reduces visibility. This may not be a concern if you don't drive at night, but blacked out lights are also illegal in certain states. Be sure and check your local laws before taking the plunge. If you decide that blacked out lights are right for you, you can choose to spray them yourself or purchase a set that are already blacked out. DIY is relatively easy but requires a lot of sanding and careful spraying to get an even, uniform appearance.

Converting DLRs to Parking Lights

Price – $400-1,200

DIY Level – Hard

Rating – Recommended

Protection – High

If you hate your truck's daytime running lights (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), there is a way to convert and integrate those lights into your existing parking lights. It isn't an easy mod because it requires removal of the factory DLR components and a little electrician work. You will need to modify the existing base to accept the internal socket and electrical contacts from the parking light sockets. If you feel up to the task, you can find some excellent DIY instructions here.

LED Tail Lights

Price – $100-200

DIY Level – Easy

Rating – Recommended

Protection – Medium

Installing a set of LED tail lights is an easy task that makes a huge difference in the look of your truck. LED lighting is brighter than regular old stock bulbs and it gives your truck a much more modern appearance. They're also generally very inexpensive, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. Below you can find a step-by-step guide on installation.

How to Install LED Tail Lights

Step 1 – Remove stock tail lights

Use a drill to remove the two bolts which hold each tail light in place. Lift the tail light assembly away from the truck and unplug the three bulb wiring harnesses by turning them and then pulling outward.

Step 2 – Install LED tail lights

Remove the bulb from each of the three sockets, and then connect each socket to the back of the LED tail light assembly. Make sure the black wires on the housing are lined up with the black wires on the socket to ensure proper installation. Once the sockets are installed, push the new tail light into place, reinstall the screws, and test to ensure the lights are working properly.

Featured Video: LED Tail Light Installation

Related Discussions