1999 Dodge Durango One Piece Headlight Install



  • OVERVIEW:
 Instructions on removing the original headlight/parking light assemblies and installing the new, one piece
headlight assembly.  These instructions show how to do the passenger's side.  The drivers side is same
as the passenger side.  If you install and you have large gaps, you can go **here** to get instructions
on how to fix the gap. 

Front Shot of Durango with new lights

View from head on with lights already mounted. 



  • Procedure:
What you'll need (besides the 1 piece headlight assemblies). 

Tools you'll need
Tools needed (worked well for me).
    Top to Bottom:.
  • Torx T10 driver
  • 1/4" drive ratchet
  • 1/4" drive 10 mm socket
  • 1/4" drive extension (longer the better)
  • 10 mm combination wrench.  I use a "Gear Wrench", makes life much easier
  • (not pictured) large flat screwdriver (pry bar).

Bulbs

Bulbs needed (prices I paid here in Hawaii):
    Amber bulbs are the new ones I bought from NAPA with part #'s.
    Clear bulbs are originals. 
  • You'll need:
    • 4ea LMP 3157NA
    • 2ea LMP 194NA




Open the hood.

Remove the rubber seal/gasket from the light assemblies. 
Passenger rubber piece
Passenger side rubber piece 
Pull rubber piece over plastic mounting tabs....
Overall

.....and remove rubber piece.



Using the Torx driver
  • Remove the small screw between the headlight assembly and the parking light assembly.
  • Pull the parking lamp assembly straight forward
  • Remove the bulbs and sockets from the assembly by twisting and pulling out (back)
  • Remove bulbs, set aside and install new ones. 
  • Set the assembly aside. 
parking lamp screw location


Detailed picture of torx screw holding
parking lamp assembly in place.
detail view - parking lamp assembly
Detailed view of lamp assembly
removed. 


Now remove the three bolts holding the headlight assembly in place. 
Headlight assembly
Three bolts holding headlight assembly in place.
The one in left corner will probably have to be
removed with a wrench.  The other two are
easily removed with a ratchet and socket.

Remove the light assemblies from the vehicle. 
After you've pried (pulled) the assemblies from the body, unplug the headlight socket from the assembly.

Removeal of assembly

Using a screwdriver (or pry bar),
pry the assembly away from the
front of the vehicle. 
If you like, you can also give a good
tug, this should separate the unit
from the vehicle.   




Assembly removed



This is another view of the back side of the assembly
right after it's been pulled away from the body. 
Notice the ball that locates in the socket
to the left. 


OK,  I ran out of pictures so I'll try to describe as best as I can from here on out.
  • Install the headlight bulb but don't plug the socket in. 
  • I  partially installed the parking/turn signal bulbs and sockets into the new assembly.
    • If you try to fully install, some of the connectors point down and inhibit the assembly from sliding into place. 
  • Now position the light assembly inside of the bumper but not fully on.
  • Install the headlight connector. 
  • Push the assembly into place so the ball snaps into the socket (upper corner of the assembly).
  • Using nimble fingers, start the two inside bolts but don't tighten.
  • From underneath, start the third bolt but don't tighten.
  • Using the 1/4" drive set up, you should be able to hold the assembly in position (that you want) and then tighten down.  I doubt a 3/8" drive set up will fit.
  • Now from underneath, use the wrench to tighten the third bolt.  This is where having one of those gear wrenches (ratcheting wrenches) is very helpful. 
  • Now check the gap, if it is not to your liking, then go to this link to fix it. 
  • When you're satisfied with the gaps and installation, install the rubber pieces. 
There, now go and do the other side.  This job took me a bunch of hours because I was trying to figure out how to fix the massive gap.  I hope it's much quicker and easier for you.