Fog Light Assembly Replacement...difficult?

[nobycane74]

Good morning...

I am curious if anyone with their 97-02 Expeditions, specifically '00-02 (which is closer to my model), has attempted or been successful in replacing their OEM fog light assemblies?
I am not looking at going all crazy with new hi-tech or fancy assembly replacements that require modifications in the assemblies or in wiring...but looking to replace the same style / size that I have now but a better looking quality for cleaner look.

OEM Style (right)........New Replacement (left) Size not to scale in pic.


I am wondering if it is rather difficult to replace them or not? It appears to look like it might be an easy pop-out and replace and plug back in....but looks can be deceiving.
I am looking for an easy way to swap them without issues.

Comments, suggestions, welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jseales]

Because of the age of our vehicles, buildup of rust on the threads can be an issue. I have a new set on my shelf waiting to be installed. From what I have read, it would probably be easier to remove the bumper for the removal and install. This is what I plan on doing when I get a chance. There are other threads discussing bolts breaking during removal.

 

[nobycane74]

Oh boy...the threads breaking. I did not take into account that, if that would occur, that might put me into a "screwed, blued and tattooed" scenario.

But are the threads the type that can be removed with a socket set? or they something different? I have not gotten on the ground and slid under the truck to investigate yet...its too hot here in SWFL to try yet.

 

[jseales]

I am in the Panhandle, hot and humid lately, get yourself a large motor floor fan. Yes, a socket set will do. From what I have read so far, you can try something to lubricate the threads after brushing them or heat the threads before removal. This is why you want to remove bumper first. On my '97 it is four big bolts and the light connectors, then the bumper is off.
I added the clear Lightning style lights, so this upgrade will make all the front lights look similar. Well worth the day, or less, it will take to remove and replace.

 

[nobycane74]

I am in the Panhandle, hot and humid lately, get yourself a large motor floor fan. Yes, a socket set will do. From what I have read so far, you can try something to lubricate the threads after brushing them or heat the threads before removal. This is why you want to remove bumper first. On my '97 it is four big bolts and the light connectors, then the bumper is off.
I added the clear Lightning style lights, so this upgrade will make all the front lights look similar. Well worth the day, or less, it will take to remove and replace.

Many thanks my friend... I am going to try to light up the underside to see the conditions of the bolts, etc.
I appreciate the suggestions and comments....

 

[1955moose]

Look at the article from about a day back on Exaust manifold I and others http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfrecomended Kano labs kroil oil. It's a good rust penetrant. You can pick it up online, or walmart. Spray the bolts well, let it penetrate. You'll stand a better chance of removing them without breakage. Hope that helps.


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[1955moose]

Sorry don't know how that craigslist prompt got there. I was bouncing back and forth and must have pasted and transferred it by mistake.


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[swagfu]

I did mine. I honestly didn't have any issues. Maybe 30 minutes total to do both sides. I did take it somewhere afterwards to have my headlights and fog lights adjusted properly. They only charged me $25. One tip I have is that you don't have to be under the truck really, I turned the wheels all the way to one side or the other and was able to do from there. You can kindof see at least one of them here.


And here you can see the headlights. I did these before the fog lamps. Together they make the truck look newer than it is.

 

[nobycane74]

One tip I have is that you don't have to be under the truck really, I turned the wheels all the way to one side or the other and was able to do from there.

Wow...thanks for the tip, I really did not consider that turning the wheels options, I did not seem to think there might not be much room to that...thanks for the tip.

 

[Jeff55v]

I replaced my headlights and fog lights. Yes, I laid on my back and did it in about an hour. I did have some rusty bolt issues. Nothing too difficult though.
I installed some clear lensed fog lights that look much more modern than the old diffused style.

 

[Club Expo]

I changed my headlights out for some harley Davidson ones , and I swear I've been looking everywhere for the clear fog lamps ! Where the heck did y'all find them

 

[nobycane74]

I changed my headlights out for some harley Davidson ones , and I swear I've been looking everywhere for the clear fog lamps ! Where the heck did y'all find them

The ones I am considering are from 1A-Auto. There are similar ones on Ebay, but looking at the reviews, people are having issues with the ones off Ebay of melting....
https://www.1aauto.com/ford-fog-driving-light-pair/i/1alfz00001?f=648561&y=2001

 

[SWWAFordGuy]

Sadly, on my Expy, the lights were not installed and I have the black blanks in place of those lights. I've heard that Ford uses the same wiring harness and the connections might be there in the event that I wish to install fog lights. I do, but would like confirmation that the wiring harnesses are really there before I start that project.

 

[nobycane74]

Sadly, on my Expy, the lights were not installed and I have the black blanks in place of those lights. I've heard that Ford uses the same wiring harness and the connections might be there in the event that I wish to install fog lights. I do, but would like confirmation that the wiring harnesses are really there before I start that project.

Sorry... that much I am not familiar with at all... I think there are topics on here somewhere in the "exterior" or even within the "1st Gen" that some have done an upgrade in adding... I also remember somewhere (and it might in the F150 parallel forum) this was done too. There is even stuff on Youtube that people have shown in a new install on their Expy's or F150's...

Mine situation is a direct swap OEM for new improved aftermarket.

If I can find the article and discussion on your scenario...I will link it you someway, somehow.

 

[swagfu]

One tip I have is that you don't have to be under the truck really, I turned the wheels all the way to one side or the other and was able to do from there.

Wow...thanks for the tip, I really did not consider that turning the wheels options, I did not seem to think there might not be much room to that...thanks for the tip.

You're welcome. I guess it would depend on tire size how much room you have in there. But it wasn't bad at all for me. No rust issues or anything.But mine was a garage queen when I got it.

 

[xJohnnyOx]

Jeff55V,

Do you have a link to where you bought those fog lights? I would like to order the same. Those look good on your Expedition.

 

[SnuffThePunkz]

If I were keeping this bumper long term I'd go with these fog lights.

Not that much over oem replacement, and LED's.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/...150-f250-ld-expedition-lincoln-navigator.html

 

[xJohnnyOx]

If I were keeping this bumper long term I'd go with these fog lights.

Not that much over oem replacement, and LED's.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/...150-f250-ld-expedition-lincoln-navigator.html

Thank you for the info. The link indicates a variety of years for the expedition, but not 2000. What year Expedition did you put them on?

 

[Brandon Sneed]

I did mine. I honestly didn't have any issues. Maybe 30 minutes total to do both sides. I did take it somewhere afterwards to have my headlights and fog lights adjusted properly. They only charged me $25. One tip I have is that you don't have to be under the truck really, I turned the wheels all the way to one side or the other and was able to do from there. You can kindof see at least one of them here.


And here you can see the headlights. I did these before the fog lamps. Together they make the truck look newer than it is.

Where did you purchase the headlights? They look really nice and a definite value added modification to the old ones. Mine are all fogged up and the passenger side one doesn't stay in the brackets any longer.

 

[MISTERgadget]

I used the Depo clear fogs on my 98. The swap couldn't have taken me more than an hour or so. It's even easier on the 99-02 style bumpers.