2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight assembly removal with Buckstop

[Kalaehina]

Just curious if anyone out there that has a Buckstop bumper on their truck ever try to change out the headlight assembly?..... Without loosening the bumper? I have new headlights to install but cannot get the old ones out, seems like there is not enough clearance space to do this. Or if someone has done this and maybe knows the trick, can you please help me out. I don't really want to loosen up my front bumper just to do this, but if I have to I will, just want to make sure there is no other way. Thanks for any help.

 

[CRWilliams]

I don't see any way around it. I believe the factory service manual even says to remove the stock bumper to remove the headlight assembly. I've changed several sets of headlights in these trucks and have never figured out a way to do it without at least loosening the bumper and moving it out far enough to remove the headlight.

 

[KSears]

are you wanting to change just the bulbs or the whole assembly?

 

[Kalaehina]

The whole assembly, but even the bulbs are a PITA. Anyway, I finally decided not to install the Halo lights I have, just too much to do, and I realized that if a bulb has to be changed, the entire process has to be repeated, even if it's the turn signal, because these headlight assemblies are all one piece. Not worth the agony.

 

[JGK]

I have removed both headlight capsules and I think at least 1 mounting bracket without loosening my bumper. My bumper is stock and there is no excessive gap between the capsule and the black plastic top bumper cover.



It isn't easy. You have to remove the metal spring clips that hold the ball end of the adjusting screw and the other retaining knob in their brackets and pop the ball out with a screw driver. Then it will come out. Its a little more challenging to get the ball end back into the bracket and pop the spring clip on again. Especially the bottom one at the adjusting screw. Needle nose pliers or a set of hemostats and a long skinny flat blade screw driver is needed.



Once the capsule is removed I believe its possible to work the bracket out if needed. Its just been a while since I had to do it.



-Jay

 

[DHayden]

I have a buckstop and I have replaced my headlights, the bulbs not the whole assembly. As I recall it was a bit of a PITA but I didnt have to loosen my bumper.