I purchased some new, brighter headlight bulbs for my '88 F-250. Is it really necessary to remove the batteries in order to have enough room to access everything at the back of the headlight assembly and replace the bulb? That seems ridiculous, but I don't see any other way to do it.

Also, do these headlights work the same as the first gen Powerstrokes where you just unclip the connector, and pull the bulb straight out?

 

There's a twist lock collar that holds the bulb and socket in the housing.
The bulb stays in the socket.

 

Yeah, I see the big black plastic collar that twists off. After that's out of the way, the female connector snaps off, and then the old bulb is pulled straight out? No unscrewing necessary?

 

The bulb stays in the connector.(socket)
It is attached to the wires and pushes in.
Go buy a new bulb.
You'll see how it attaches..

 

I have the new bulbs. I know how they attach. My question is regarding how it fastens to the back of the headlight assembly. Do you pull it straight out, or does it twist into place?

 

The bulbs just pull out. New ones push in. Don't touch the glass...

 

Thanks. Got them installed.

However, the problems continue. Now, my parking brake is stuck. That'll be a fun one.

 

I would agree this could be a fun one, my guess you'll be replacing the parking brake line, especially if you do not use it much ... that's one of the things that IS replaced on mine .... my $ 650 truck may have more than that in replacement parts installed ......

 

All of the plastic on my 89 is so brittle I dread taking anything apart. Stupid twist collar thing on the headlights broke most of the "tangs" on it when I accidently pulled the socket through it.

When I replaced the headlight switch the dash had broken apart so much I was barely able to get it to hold together. The retainer hook for my glove box busted off so I have to hold the glove box closed with a bungee cord.

Out here on the coast your parking brake shoes can rust onto the drums if you leave it parked too long. Luckily they break out when you apply enough accelerator pedal pressure.