1989-1993 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Headlights

Headlights on the 1989-1993 Ram 5.9L Cummins

The Cummins 12-valve showed up in a body Dodge had introduced back in 1981, and that redesign is where the dual rectangular headlamps came from. Dodge freshened the grille for 1991 but held onto the large rectangular lamps and the crossbar layout. The result is one headlamp style across the whole Cummins first-gen run, from 1989 until production ended in July 1993. If you own a 1990 W250 and your buddy has a 1993 D350, the front ends follow the same pattern.

What fails and why

More than thirty years on, the weak spot is the metal around the lamp. Rust at the lamp openings is on the standard first-gen inspection list, and it shows as corroded headlamp buckets and bezels. Rust-belt trucks have it worst. Pull the bezels and look before you buy lamps, because the bucket is what holds the headlight square and lets you aim it.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Keep it stock if the truck is an original you are preserving and you want it to look the way it left the factory. Go LED if you drive it at night or tow after dark and want more usable light. LED headlamp conversions are documented on first gens, including a 1992 W350 dually and a 1993 W250, so you are not the first owner to try it on this body.

What we carry

This headlight collection carries the AlphaRex 880520 Luxx-Series Alpha-Black LED projector headlights. They pair LED projector optics with a black finish and are sold as a replacement for the stock lamps. Compare the fitment list on the product page with your truck before you order.

Fitment notes

Our navigation sorts parts by year, make and engine, but a headlight does not care what engine is in the truck. It follows the 1981-1993 D/W body. Confirm the listing covers that body, and verify by VIN if you are not sure what year the front sheet metal on your truck came from.

Frequently asked questions

Why are headlights listed under the Cummins engine if they fit by body?

The store is organized by year, make and engine so you can find everything for your truck in one place. The headlamp itself fits the 1981-1993 D/W body, so the body year is what to check on the listing.

Do 1989-1990 trucks use different headlights than 1991-1993 trucks?

The 1991 grille refresh kept the large rectangular headlamps and the crossbar appearance, so the basic layout carries through the whole run. Read the fitment list on the product page anyway and make sure your exact year is covered.

Is an LED projector headlight a sensible upgrade for a first gen?

It is a documented one. LED headlamp replacements have gone onto first-gen trucks such as a 1992 W350 dually and a 1993 W250. Fix any rust at the lamp openings first so the new lamp mounts solid.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.