How To: 91-94 X Head light & corners swap | Ford Explorer Forums

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How To: 91-94 X Head light & corners swap

Tbars4

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City, State
anaheim hills,california
Year, Model & Trim Level
95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4
...It was time to update my stock headlights...I had recently purchased a brand new set of Diamond cut headlights with clear corners and blinkers...By the time I replaced my old lights today, they were so fogged and one was holding moisture...:(

...So on to the task of swapping out these old lights...:hammer:

...Tools Needed..

6 way screwdriver (or phillips head, a 5/16 nut driver, and a 1/4" nut driver)
7/16 socket
______________________________________________________________________________

...First, remove your grill...It's pretty simple...There are I believe 2 fender screws you need to access thru the grill, and a couple on top...After you remove your grill, pic a side to start on...

...Let's start with the drivers side...:D
headlights_002.jpg


...You will first need to remove the 2 screws and 1 plug screw from the top......I jumped the gun and also pulled these 2 fender screws first, but it's no problem as they need to be removed..
headlights_003.jpg


...Next, you will need to pull the head light frame from the side closest to the grill, outward...
headlights_004.jpg


...These 3 little clips at the bottom may give you a little problem so watch this area and remember, your head light trim is plastic and may be brittle...;)
headlights_005.jpg


..Once that is removed, remove these 2 hidden fender screws by the wheel well...
headlights_006.jpg


...Now that you have this whole assembly all out, here are some pics of what you are dealing with...
headlights_008.jpg


...This picture is the back side of the lamp trim with the old corner and blinker lamp still attached..(The new clear corner is shown on top and the new blinker lamp is shown on bottom)
headlights_010.jpg


...Remove the old corner with a 7/16 socket (2 self tapping screws)
headlights_011.jpg


...Next, remove the screw that holds the blinker lamp with a 1/4" nut driver...(The screw has a phillips head but it didn't want to turn)
headlights_012.jpg


...Now just pull out the blinker lamp from the head light frame..
headlights_013.jpg


...My lamps came sealed at the holes where you plug the bulbs in...Remove the seal that covers these holes...
headlights_015.jpg


...Insert the tab on the blinker housing into this slot on the headlight frame...
headlights_016.jpg


...and then slide your new blinker housing into the frame and re attach the 1 screw with a 1/4" nut driver..
headlights_017.jpg


...Now re attach your new corner into the head light frame using the 2 7/16 self tapping screws...

...Re attach your head light bulb and mount your new head light assembly using your original 4 fender screws, 2 on each side...
headlights_018.jpg


...Take and re install your head light frame, (that now holds the new corner and blinker housing), by pushing it in at an angle, (reverse of what was shown for removal), and re fasten the 3 screws on top...

..Now you can move on to the passenger side...(This is the passenger side complete)
headlights_001.jpg


...A before...
thjan084bnz4.jpg


...And an after pic...
headlights_019.jpg

_________________________________________________________________________________

...This really can be as fast, or as slow of a job, as you make it...It would make for a good Saturday job while slowly drinking some beer and taking in some sunshine...;)
 



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yup it alot better now than before IMO i always thought the paint on the side was hokie looking. :dunno:
 












Great writeup, Tbars4. Even I could change headlights now.
Plus they look great on your truck. Congrads.
 












...Thanks guys...:salute:

..The headlights are a heck of a lot brighter and I already have the Sylvania bulbs in...They may be a little too sexy for my X...:dunno:

...:scratch:...A few trail runs and we will see..:D
 






Those look good on there. :thumbsup: I had some on my old grey '92.



They may be a little too sexy for my X...:dunno:

...:scratch:...A few trail runs and we will see..:D
Follow me... :p:
 






...Lol...That was my first thought when I put them on...

...The good is I'll have better light in the notches...The Bad, The notches love reaching out for new lights...:D
 






man those things look good i have a set also but haven't put them on yet because im putting in hids in them but now im back to try to fix my motor so it got put on hold.do they put out the same beam pattern or is it different from stock,i know you said they were brighter?and the big question i have is, are they legal?:dunno:
 






Nice write up tbars! Been thinking of swapping out mine as well. Just been pushing it off but you make it seem so easy, I may have to get back into doing them.

Can you tell the differences in them compared to the old ones? How do they light up in the dark?

What about info on where you got those diamond cuts and clear corners from and how much they cost?
 






TBar got them from a guy on craigslist in SoCal for $100 Cash Brand New. it looked light the guy had more of them also was selling individual or lots. Hope that Helps:thumbsup:
 






...As for beam pattern, I'm no expert...

...I installed them and at night, I shined them against a block wall to briefly check the pattern and alignment...The pattern on these seem to be better than the ones on my Ranger, without the small shadow spot in the center...

...They seem to be a great replacement...In fact, I would highly suggest them..:biggthump ...They do have a D.O.T. stamp and an S.A.E. stamp on them...:dunno:

....As CJexplorer mentioned where I got them from, It was one of those Ebay sellers that were closing their doors...I tried to find them just now on Ebay but no luck...Most of those companies that sell auto lighting on there are actually located out here in Cali...The down side to that is they charge us State tax and the same shipping and handling as everyone else...

...As for the difference to what I took off...:scratch:...The old lights, even with Sylvania's in them, (and on a really lifted truck), was like having no lights at all...I now have good lighting on the streets and they get a lot of looks...

...It's funny how much people notice the little things on our trucks...I have gotten a lot of compliments on them..
 






...I am looking for the little chrome 194 bulbs for the corners, (the ones that look chrome or clear and show amber when on)...

...If anyone knows of major parts stores that carry them, let me know, thanks...:D
 












Nice write up....too bad this wasn't up when I did mine. I broke my headlight door and had to order new ones due to be doing it wrong....
 






....Just an FYI, you need to be an "Elite" member to sell anything on this Forum...You might want to edit your signature..;)

...How did you break you headlight frames???..Did you try to pry them off or just tried to pull them straight forward???
 






...I am looking for the little chrome 194 bulbs for the corners, (the ones that look chrome or clear and show amber when on)...

...If anyone knows of major parts stores that carry them, let me know, thanks...:D

try stangmods.com that is where i got mine along with the chrome ones for the front. they can sell them as a package deal which is really good but we don`t have to worry about ambers bulbs here in nebraska
 






....Just an FYI, you need to be an "Elite" member to sell anything on this Forum...You might want to edit your signature..;)/QUOTE]

Sent PM.....Please clean up your signature. Thanks......
 






...Just a little update on the 194 bulbs...

...I found a major dealer by me but they only have hyper white 194's but said they might get some amber's in their next shipment at $15 for 2...I did however find some at AZ of all places and will be trying them out and they are $10.50 plus...They are clear and burn amber, Hyper Bright Amber LED non polarized bulbs...194A...
LED_004b.jpg
 



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that looks good! I want those, Put some hids and it would be sweet!
 






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