Headlights/Clear Corners?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Headlights/Clear Corners?
I had to pick my sister up from the Ford dealer today where she left her Focus for some warranty issues.
While waiting for her, I saw a Ranger like mine (97 4X2 SuperCab) parked in the service lot too. Overall, mine is nicer, but that one had some recent mods. The headlights had been replaced with new ones. The lenses were completely clear, and it had really sharp segmented reflectors. The blinker light assemblies were clear instead of amber, but they were reflective instead of "see-through."
Anyway, my headlight assemblies are starting to look a little faded. Not as frosted as a lot of guys, but they don't look great. What would you recommend for headlight assembly replacement? I think I'll leave the amber corners, but I would like to replace the headlights.
Also, I've thought about replacing the grille since the "chrome" is fading off in a few places. I've wondered if an Explorer grille would fit. If so, I'd imagine I'd have to swap the whole thing, headlights, corners and all. Anybody know? I like the Explorer grille better than the Ranger, and would consider a complete swap if it wasn't too pricey.
I'm up for any other suggestions you have too. Keep in mind I'm getting to be an old man, so there's a limit to how much "rice" I'm interested in :-)
While waiting for her, I saw a Ranger like mine (97 4X2 SuperCab) parked in the service lot too. Overall, mine is nicer, but that one had some recent mods. The headlights had been replaced with new ones. The lenses were completely clear, and it had really sharp segmented reflectors. The blinker light assemblies were clear instead of amber, but they were reflective instead of "see-through."
Anyway, my headlight assemblies are starting to look a little faded. Not as frosted as a lot of guys, but they don't look great. What would you recommend for headlight assembly replacement? I think I'll leave the amber corners, but I would like to replace the headlights.
Also, I've thought about replacing the grille since the "chrome" is fading off in a few places. I've wondered if an Explorer grille would fit. If so, I'd imagine I'd have to swap the whole thing, headlights, corners and all. Anybody know? I like the Explorer grille better than the Ranger, and would consider a complete swap if it wasn't too pricey.
I'm up for any other suggestions you have too. Keep in mind I'm getting to be an old man, so there's a limit to how much "rice" I'm interested in :-)
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
Check Ebay--there is good stuff on there.
I bought my Euro lamps before I got my truck. The factroy units were dulled and had water in them, to boot. I left all the other lights alone, since I want *some* color to the Ranger.
If you can find the parts, you'd need everything, go ahead and swap to a similar year Exploder grill. Your call there. I had thought of swapping a 4x4 Ranger grille--yeah, the ones with the vertical "bars" on them--but with the Camaro needing an engine, that comes first right now.
I bought my Euro lamps before I got my truck. The factroy units were dulled and had water in them, to boot. I left all the other lights alone, since I want *some* color to the Ranger.
If you can find the parts, you'd need everything, go ahead and swap to a similar year Exploder grill. Your call there. I had thought of swapping a 4x4 Ranger grille--yeah, the ones with the vertical "bars" on them--but with the Camaro needing an engine, that comes first right now.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: crete, illinois
the 4x4 grille is vertually the same and will easily swap out the 4x2. ebay is a great place for all this stuff, thats where i got my clear corners for a killer price. there is literally pages full of different types of headlight, turn-signal, taillight and third brake light assemblies. good luck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
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My truck had clear corners on it when I bought it and they're made out of really thin and cheap plastic. Nowhere near the durability of the stock lenses. Mine have a couple of cracks in them from rocks or maybe even just normal expansion and contraction from heat and cold. In any event, you'll be getting what you pay for. Since its my beater I haven't put that much thought or effort into swapping them out right now.
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Originally Posted by Bart99GT
My truck had clear corners on it when I bought it and they're made out of really thin and cheap plastic. Nowhere near the durability of the stock lenses. Mine have a couple of cracks in them from rocks or maybe even just normal expansion and contraction from heat and cold. In any event, you'll be getting what you pay for. Since its my beater I haven't put that much thought or effort into swapping them out right now.
Also, I'm trying to remember the difference between the 4x2 Grille and the 4x4 grille...
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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i would say if you are looking for a really uniqe look go on ebay and look up projector lights. NOt only are they really futuristic looking that provied excellent light projection and land coverage. But also if you want to maybe keep the stock lights the fadding/yellowing can be polished out with car polish to make them clear as new
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Jacksonville Florida
wow thats werid..my 94 2wd had the grille with 2 veritcal row and 2 horizontal rows witht he emblem in the middle
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Originally Posted by frdrngrlvr
different year and body-style. your truck is about three years older than the grilles we're talking about. '97 to '00 they were the same.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Blytheville, AR
I just got a combo headlight. It has the projector bulb and my factory bulb. the kit included the wiring for the projector part. It's a job that can be done in about an hour. (that's how long it took me.) I also got some clear corners that are black instead of reflective on the back. They are sharp. I would highly reccomend the combination.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: crete, illinois
Originally Posted by ColonyPark
No, the 97 and 98 are way different. The bodystyle changed in 98. Maybe that's why we're not thinking the same.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Blytheville, AR
Body stayed the same, front clip just changed. Correct me if I'm wrong. Different tail lights, different front clip. I think that's the only differences. Also the 2.3L L4 became the 2.5L L4 starting in 98 if I'm not mistaken. As far as the body goes, I think that's all the changes.
~~Important note~~
When you put different bulbs in your Ranger, make sure you don't put bulbs that are for over 55w in there. I made the mistake and melted my plugs. They are $30 a piece from the dealership. I had to swallow my pride today and buy some. I still regret my blue bulbs I put in there.
~~Important note~~
When you put different bulbs in your Ranger, make sure you don't put bulbs that are for over 55w in there. I made the mistake and melted my plugs. They are $30 a piece from the dealership. I had to swallow my pride today and buy some. I still regret my blue bulbs I put in there.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
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From: Blytheville, AR
Yeah, headlights. Big mistake. They weren't near as bright as my factories, so that was an overall $100 venture for nothing. I could've kept my stock and avoided burning them up. That could've been abunch of Big Macs, lol. Or my overhead console