Cab clearance light lenses

[46mech]

Well, I did a search of this topic and it seemed as though I only saw discussion about clearance light lenses cracking by some of you driving earlier models than mine. Anyone with the '07 to '09's (or later) having issues with the clearance light lenses cracking? Just about 2 months ago I replaced the center one because it was completely gone and noticed the other 4 are cracked. Well, I see that the one I replaced is cracked again! Service writer at my local dealership and I have a pretty good relationship so I don't think he's BS'ing me when he tells me that I'm the first one he's come across with this problem. Maybe it's because no body around here is looking at their cab lights closely and it won't be an issue until it leaks ... . I don't know. But... . is this something where I could put L. E. D. bulbs in there? Possibly the OEM bulbs are too hot? If there's an L. E. D. bulb to put in there, is it just a straight swap?



Thanks

 

[Prairie Dog]

I've had the newer style parts on my truck for almost three years now with no problems.

 

[07 ThunderRoad]

I just had my new clear cab lenses delivered. I looked up the bulb size needed for the 2011 Ram. The new clear lenses use a 194NA bulb. The 2007 amber lenses uses a 168 bulb. The difference is the 194 bulb (NA is an amber colored bulb) is 1 watt less and is "cooler" operating than the 168 bulb.
My amber colored lenses are cracking around the screw holes also. I think sun light is more of a problem than the bulb.
Did your dealer replace the plastic nuts in the roof panel when they changed the lenses? The nuts are $4. 00 each! The service manual states that the nuts must be replaced every time the lens is removed.

 

[46mech]

07 TR, ... doubt they changed the plastic nuts, but that's good info to know. I only had the dealer replace that broken one because the truck was in for an oil change already; I don't remember seeing any charge for anything other than a lens.

 

[pjorlando]

The original amber lenses on my truck were cracked, I suspect from sunlight like thunder road wrote. I liked the clear/clean look of the newer style, bought the set from a dealership on Ebay for a decent price. Inside the kit came all new screws and the press in plastic nuts that go into the roof. I think the entire job took about 20 minutes to complete. I used the 194 amber bulbs and like how they look. My understanding on LEDs is they are directional, not a 360 degree glow like the 168 or 194ambers used.

 

[07 ThunderRoad]

The original amber lenses on my truck were cracked, I suspect from sunlight like thunder road wrote. I liked the clear/clean look of the newer style, bought the set from a dealership on Ebay for a decent price. Inside the kit came all new screws and the press in plastic nuts that go into the roof. I think the entire job took about 20 minutes to complete. I used the 194 amber bulbs and like how they look. My understanding on LEDs is they are directional, not a 360 degree glow like the 168 or 194ambers used.

what dealership did you get the lenses from?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Here's the best place I've found to buy them: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-RAM-CAB-ROOF-RUNNING-LIGHTS-CLEARANCE-CLEAR-MOPAR-/330752462747?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d02620f9b&vxp=mtr#ht_2508wt_1007

 

[pjorlando]

Here's the best place I've found to buy them: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-RAM-CAB-ROOF-RUNNING-LIGHTS-CLEARANCE-CLEAR-MOPAR-/330752462747?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d02620f9b&vxp=mtr#ht_2508wt_1007

I believe this is where I got mine from, Prairie Dog is correct. The local stealership is selling for well over 100 bucks, plus NY's inflated tax rate. This is a good deal. You just have to add your own amber bulbs.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Those 196NA bulbs were hard to find in my area. NAPA only had a couple and wanted a lot for them. I ultimately found that I could buy a package of ten at Rock Auto and have it shipped to me for the same price as buying 5 of them locally. So I have 5 extras.