Replacing headlamps

[Harken]

Hey guys, I'm new here and just bought a 97 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC.
I want to replace the headlamps because the passenger side wiggles a tiny bit up/down and the drivers side is heavily scratched.
I understand the corner lights must be removed first so I just purchased a pair of clear ones.
Here is my question: I asked a few body shops in the area for pricing to R&R my headlamps and they come back with $50-$80. Is this reasonable or is it pretty easy and straight forward to do this myself?
If so, does anyone have the procedure and maybe a few pictures so I know what to expect? I'm sure if these monkeys in a body shop can do it I sure can but not knowing the assembly procedures leaves me wondering if I could get myself into a problem especially if any special tools are needed.
Thanks in advance....

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

i replaced my dad's after a wreck..the hardest part was getting the little push pin thingy's out..they where a pain..but it's pretty easy..and don't use the header panal for leverage..it's fiberglass and will brake..

im only 14 so if i can do im sure you can..i can get pic's in the AM

 

[Bill Kemp]

Doing a search for headlights will get you a bunch of info on replacing them.
If you are going to be doing some mods or just general maint. the best reference is a Haynes repair manual.
The first time you use it, it has paid for itself.

 

[Harken]

Got a Haynes manual

Thanks Bill. I just purchased a Haynes manual from Pep Boys ($17) and see what it takes to r&r my headlamps. No need to pay a bodyshop monkey what a screw driver and myself can do in a matter of minutes.
Its clear how the side markers are removed as a matter of fact I just had one out this evening in the dark using a flashlight to see by. Just couldnt wait.
The only issue I have now is where are those damn clips that hold the headlamp housing to the body? I see the headlamp adjusting points. I see one plastic clip on the outboard side of the housing that looks like if you squeezed it, it could be pushed through the metal hole. If this is the right one and there are only two of them, then does the grill have to be removed to access the inboard one? Are there only two? Any pictures available? Once I understand how many and exactly how to get to them it should be a piece of cake.
Id like to know exactly what I'm looking for before getting myself in trouble if you know what I mean.
Unfortunately the Haynes manual doesnt give that much detail in this area.

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[jimbo74]

$50-80 dollars in labor means its a 20 minute job at most... i work at wheel works, but its still the automotive industry, and the local labor rate where i live is $85 an hour... however, the customer always gets charged for a job rounding up to the next hour... so if they are quoting between $50-80, in reality it will only take about half the time that you are getting charged for, if that.....

 

[Bill Kemp]

Ya , you gotta remove the grill. Screws on top & sides, in marker light area and clips along the bottom.
There are three gizmos to squeese w/pliars to unclip the headlight lense.

 

[Harken]

Just ordered parts !

I just purchased the "clear" corner lights ($22.00 plus ship) and NEW headlamps from ebay ($40.00 plus ship). What a killer deal !
Thanks for your help Bill. As I thought, I need to remove the grill. Seems pretty easy.
Now I want to get all new bulbs. no sense in using the old ones right? I figure why not get all Syvania? Not sure where to get the SilverStar signal light bulbs part #3157A or #3157A ST (not sure of the difference).

Any suggestions?

Were making progress NOW !

 

[Harken]

Also....

These "gizmos" (clips), if I break one, are new ones on the new lenses?

Thanks again for all your knowledge.....

 

[bobdreadknot]

yup. the new lensens come with the clip dealy-ma-bobs attatched to them. i just put my new ones in last night.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Dont break the clips!!! From what I remember the clips are connected to the adjusters and you gotta do a whole lot to replace the adjusters.