Need headlamp replacement "how to"

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Steph

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Hello all, I have a 2001 Expedition with the common hazed/yellowed OEM headlamps. Thought about trying to "restore" them, but the bulbs are also original, and therefore weak (low light output).

So I figured I would replace both the driver and passenger side headlamps, bulbs and all. The set I found online has both left and right lenses with bulbs ready for install.

Never installed headlamps before, so is it fairly easy, and what steps should I take, tools needed, etc?

Thanks in advance.
 
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KWT2000

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nice and easy, a pair of pliers will make it easy, lift the hood and above the light you will see 2 tabs (see pics below) pull those up and it will release the headlight housing and you will be able to work side to side and get it out this is the easiest way to replace the bulbs and such, you can do it with them in the truck if you have small hands

IMG_20131021_160653_912.jpg
IMG_20131021_160639_552.jpg
 
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Steph

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Awesome! Thank you!

I haven’t purchased the headlamps just yet, I was trying to find ones styled like the factory ones. But I’m not going to Ford for them, as I’m sure Ford wants gold for them.
 

tonydiv

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I put in the Lightning / Harley edition headlights and was very happy with them.
Most of the projector type headlights suck. I hated mine.
 

71Rcode

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I changed mine out last year -- removed the grill and painted it while I was at it. Glad I did as the headlamp fasterners (rubber? plastic?) and beam adjusters were frozen up with age and grime. I ended up lubing the new ones during the install so I could adjust as needed. Dumbest thing I did was to install the BULB/SOCKET in the back of the new headlamp lens upsidown. couldn't figure out for the life of me how to adjust the headlight beam for a few days. Man...getting old.
 
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Steph

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I haven’t done any modifications to mine. Its all stock. A hand-me-down from my parents. I like the stock look of it.

I drive it back-and-forth from college and work. Its not exactly the ideal college vehicle. I kind of wanted a smaller vehicle, but my parents always persuaded me against them. I think they like knowing I’m safe in the Expedition – sort of like having my own personal bodyguard on four wheels.

It’s kind of funny that it belongs to me now, as looking back to when I was a child, I remember going with my parents to shop for Expeditions.

My parents bought it brand-new; it had just been delivered to the Ford dealer and rolled off the car-carrier. Its leather seats were wrapped in plastic and tape was run all along its trim and on the inside the liftgate. I wasn’t too thrilled about being there, and I was mostly hungry, only having a can Pepsi and bag of chips from the vending machines in the dealer lobby. The test drive was equally boring, could have cared less about what the salesman had to say. Lots of "blah blah heated mirrors, blah blah child safety locks, blah blah"...

Its been a good vehicle, has 232,000 miles, most of which were spent road tripping on family vacations; Smokey Mountains, Maggie Valley, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Charleston, Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, etc. Lots of fun family memories.

Never once has the Expy complained or given us trouble. Though it does like to eat alternators almost as much as it likes gasoline. Overall its been more faithful than a Labrador retriever.

I just hope it lasts me through college. It does use a little oil, but the engine runs quiet, no knocking or rattling sounds.


Took a photo of it after I got back from college, was unloading my books and equipment. Just your average ordinary Expedition.
 
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IMINYOURCHAIR

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could any of you post a pic of your headlights aimed at a wall from 25 ish feet away? high and low beam. I would like to replace my housings eventually but I want to get an idea of the beam pattern on the aftermarket lenses.
 

speedrich

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Wish my 2006 looked as good as your truck!
Very clean and good looking vehicule!

I haven’t done any modifications to mine. Its all stock. A hand-me-down from my parents. I like the stock look of it.

I drive it back-and-forth from college and work. Its not exactly the ideal college vehicle. I kind of wanted a smaller vehicle, but my parents always persuaded me against them. I think they like knowing I’m safe in the Expedition – sort of like having my own personal bodyguard on four wheels.

It’s kind of funny that it belongs to me now, as looking back to when I was a child, I remember going with my parents to shop for Expeditions.

My parents bought it brand-new; it had just been delivered to the Ford dealer and rolled off the car-carrier. Its leather seats were wrapped in plastic and tape was run all along its trim and on the inside the liftgate. I wasn’t too thrilled about being there, and I was mostly hungry, only having a can Pepsi and bag of chips from the vending machines in the dealer lobby. The test drive was equally boring, could have cared less about what the salesman had to say. Lots of "blah blah heated mirrors, blah blah child safety locks, blah blah"...

Its been a good vehicle, has 232,000 miles, most of which were spent road tripping on family vacations; Smokey Mountains, Maggie Valley, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Charleston, Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, etc. Lots of fun family memories.

Never once has the Expy complained or given us trouble. Though it does like to eat alternators almost as much as it likes gasoline. Overall its been more faithful than a Labrador retriever.

I just hope it lasts me through college. It does use a little oil, but the engine runs quiet, no knocking or rattling sounds.


Took a photo of it after I got back from college, was unloading my books and equipment. Just your average ordinary Expedition.
 
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