2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Hit a deer - need headlamp assembly

[MFalkinham]

After 22 years of accident-free driving, I clipped a deer tonight on my way home from work in my '98. It was running at full gallop across the road, and I hit it before I even knew what had happened.

Fortunately, the damage was minor. I caught it's foot or leg in the passenger-side headlamp assembly, which was destroyed. The sheetmetal wasn't touched, although the front bumper fascia has some minor damage that probably isn't worth fixing (other than washing off the deer hair).

I don't want to file an insurance claim since I have a $1000 deductible. Rather than replace the discolored headlight assembly with another discolored headlight assembly from a salvage yard, are there any decent aftermarket options (DOT legal) you can recommend? What about these from eBay? Anyone try them? Thanks!

eBay Motors: 94-02 NEW DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK HEADLIGHT HEADLAMP SET (item 270183638955 end time Nov-11-07 08:44:08 PST)

 

[GOlsen]

They look pretty much stock. Not a bad price, though. I bought a set of one-piece lights off of ebay, and am very disappointed. They look good, but don't fit quite right, and were a PITA to put in. They're also not adjustable with them in the truck. I'll attach some pictures. I have, however, heard good things about these: Sport Truck Direct - Matrix / APC / CarWear - Headlights - Corners - Parking Lenses - Bulbs A little more expensive than the ones you're looking at, but I've heard the quality of lighting is much better. Anyway, here are the pics of mine.

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[CSnyder]

I just ordered that set from Ebay for a customers truck and will have them installed Monday when they come if your in no hurry for feedback on them.

 

[MFalkinham]

Someone on DTR has offered me a used OEM assembly that's sitting on their shelf, so I'm probably going to get that one. Down the road I may end up replacing both sides with new assemblies due to the yellowing, but for now I just want to get the truck driveable again.

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[DieselDoghouse]

OUCH!! (and that's not even the deer talkin) If you do go with aftermarket lamps (I did to get 4-light function) I found you can often install the new light into your old lamp baskets (if it wasn't damaged) since the lamp baskets I got weren't exactly the same as my OEM. Also, for the future I have had good luck chasin game with these: The Hornet Deer Whistle - Electronic Deer Avoidance System. Unlike the wind whistles they don't plug up with flies. They do seem to have a range of about 1/4 mile. I run two so they warble against each other!!.