License plate light assembly replacement

[Woody1298]

I’m sure this has been talked about before, but I’ve searched here and google and can’t get a good answer, so I’ll apologize now if I’ve overlooked something. But both tag lights are out on my 99 and all screws are rusted in place. I’ve already broke one side trying to get the lens off. Is there a trick to replacing the assembly?


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[spartacus]

I’m sure this has been talked about before, but I’ve searched here and google and can’t get a good answer, so I’ll apologize now if I’ve overlooked something. But both tag lights are out on my 99 and all screws are rusted in place. I’ve already broke one side trying to get the lens off. Is there a trick to replacing the assembly?


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there are two small screws on each light. no trick to it. just make sure you got a Philips head that fits. if they are rusted in then put some antisize on them before putting them back in again.

 

[MediocreJohnson]

I just bought my Runner and while putting on my license plate, I saw my tag light screws are beyond screwed. I hope the bulbs last a long time because there is zero change of the screws coming out .. Let me know when you find out haha.

 

[octanejunkie]

The screws thread through the lenses into the light buckets which mount to tabs in the license plate bezel. You can find both the lenses and buckets in junkyards if you are willing to do the work to retrieve them; however these are often cracked and broken too. Attached are the part numbers I could easily find for my 99's license plate lights/lenses etc.

When you do disassemble the lights to replace the bulbs, be careful, the plastic of the license plate bezel will be brittle, and if they break or crack (which is common) they are easy to fix with the right epoxy; just like the lock cylinder mounting screw bosses.

Remove the bezel (lots of write ups on that) and try to catch any broken plastic pieces. Epoxy the broken pieces, filling the screw holes, and let dry for a few days. You can drive without the bezel in place, just tape over the holes in the hatch and screw your license plate back on. When the epoxy dries, drill holes in the repaired screw bosses smaller than the screws and thread the screws back in.

Pro Tip: reinforce all the screw bosses on the underside of the plate bezel (from the inside) with epoxy and upgrade to SS screws :yo:

 

[TheDurk]

Like all Phillips screws on these trucks, be sure to use a JIS standard screwdriver or expect to strip that screw. Even if you strip it with an SAE Phillips driver, there is still a chance with a JIS driver.

 

[sakoluvr]

Yes, JIS screwdriver and work on the lights with the hatch in the raised position. Much easier that way.

 

[Woody1298]

Thanks for all the replies. I tried last night to take the bezel off and after a few choice words, I got pissed and put everything back together. I ended up prying on the lenses enough that the screws just fell out. Replaced the bulbs and screws and we have light. I had already bought the new light assembly but it’ll have to wait to be put on if ever.


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