Headlight Lens Removal: need help

[Elvisinflorida]

Okay, so I've watched most if not all of the YouTube videos regarding removing the 2004 headlight lens. I want to install LEDs. I still can't break it loose. I removed the top two screws. and backed off the vertical adjustment screw 10 turns. I've got about a quarter inch play but cannot break it loose like they do in the YouTube videos.
Unlike the common content under the video that it's an easy 10 minute job, I need some additional help here.

 

[whtbronco]

It seems like you're describing removing the headlight assembly, not so much the lens. As you know start with loosening the vertical 10mm bolt a bit, then remove the 2 10mm horizontal bolts. On the inner side of the headlight assembly there are 2 tabs that like to get caught on the upper bumper cover. Then on the outer side it just kinda snaps in to the fender.

I use a plastic putty knife to help the inner side tab slide past the upper bumper cover. Mine has 2 tabs, this pic shows just 1, but it gives you the idea so you'll be able to see them. You can also loosen the upper bumper cover if needed, but you probably won't need to.




The outer side has a pin that locks into the fender, left lower side in this pic. Once the inner side is loose just put your fingers behind the headlight assembly near the pin and give it a quick yank. I use one hand to ensure the assembly doesn't come flying out on me and just keep giving quick pulls a bit harder 'til you figure out the pressure needed to remove it.



I hope my rambling will help.

 

[Elvisinflorida]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a complete description of how to. I will give it a try.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Yep,

whtbronco about summed it up. For me, the sticking point seemed to be those little pressure-push pins at the top & sides. I did not think they would require very much force to disengage them, but after I did the 1st one, it was fairly easy to do the other side....​

Also, unless your assemblies are in pristine condition, I would suggest replacing them too, along with the LED bulbs... it made like a night & day difference (literally) in the effectiveness of my headlights, so much so that I rarely ever have to use the high-beams any more, whereas before I was using them alot, especially on side/back roads where there is little to no street lighting

 

[Elvisinflorida]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I guess I'll just have to work a little harder to break the pins loose on the inside first.
Thanks for the reminder about maybe replacing the whole assembly. So far I've kept them looking pretty good with my own polishing technique and they are due for another polishing. But I did find some on eBay for around $80 a pair which is not much.
Yeah, these are 21YO and looking a little shabby right now.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Well, I paid ~$200 for my blacked-out assemblies from da Rock, but I already had the LED bulbs to swap over from the previous assemblies, so there's that

 

[Elvisinflorida]

Thank you for your reply on the blacked out assemblies. I'll take a look into that if I ever get these ones out!!!!

 

[T Bird]

Well, I paid ~$200 for my blacked-out assemblies from da Rock, but I already had the LED bulbs to swap over from the previous assemblies, so there's that

How long ago did you do that? I'm considering replacement but I'm afraid these low cost assemblies will start to leak before too long.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

I installed them about 2 months ago,& haven't seen any evidence of leakage yet, fingers crossed

And NO, I would not trust this type of stuff from fleebay, way too much junky crap on there, and some of it is not that much less $$ than other sources, which like da Rock, which will stand behind their parts nottaproblemo......

 

[whtbronco]

I got Depo brand CAPA certified replacements from RockAuto. They are $61 each now. They've been fine. Not as good as OEM, but adequate.