LED Tail Light Replacement Help

Sed_7

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Joined
Mar 24, 2022
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32
Location
Los Angeles, California
Hi everyone! My new to me TJ has Grote LED tail lights installed. I need to replace them as some diodes have failed. I purchased some replacements and need some help.

The Grote tail lights have the mounting screws attached.
G5092_600px_x_600px.jpg

Now, I thought they would be like the quadratec or original ones where you can use stock bolts and attach them to the body from INSIDE the tail light...
ED_Tail_Light_Kit_01-06_Jeep_Wrangler_TJ_Back_Left.jpg

but no, the lights I need to replace are mounted to the body from the inside of the Jeep body (sorry not sure if I'm explaining not this right!)

Does anyone know how I can remove/replace these tail lights by accessing it from within the Jeep?

Thanks!
 
Usually those have studs that you’ll have to drill out the tub holes for. I would maybe return them. Although I guess if you already have Grote lights you probably are already drilled out anyways.

As said above just reach up through the splash guard and undo the nuts.
 
Thanks all! Learning more and more everyday.

Reaching into the wheel well did the trick; I was able to access the bolts with ease. No I've got to run to the hardware store and get some solder seals, cable cutter and a heat gun.
 
If it were me...
I would replace the long bolts with appropriately sized carriage bolts push them in through the tub & put the nut inside the light housing so that it doesn't corrode and turn to crap in a couple years.
It will be far easier to replace them if the threads have not been exposed to the elements and any grime that gets above the wheel well liner.

Carriage bolts would require that the hole in the tub is sized to prevent the bolt from spinning, so you may decide to go w/ standard bolts instead.
 
If it were me...
I would replace the long bolts with appropriately sized carriage bolts push them in through the tub & put the nut inside the light housing so that it doesn't corrode and turn to crap in a couple years.
It will be far easier to replace them if the threads have not been exposed to the elements and any grime that gets above the wheel well liner.

Carriage bolts would require that the hole in the tub is sized to prevent the bolt from spinning, so you may decide to go w/ standard bolts instead.
That definitely makes sense! Though, I gave Grote a call and they said removing the included and attached bolts, while possible, is very tricky and will likely damage the housing. I tried and it nearly stripped the bolt in the process! So, I think I'm stuck with the attached bolts.
 
That definitely makes sense! Though, I gave Grote a call and they said removing the included and attached bolts, while possible, is very tricky and will likely damage the housing. I tried and it nearly stripped the bolt in the process! So, I think I'm stuck with the attached bolts.
You're not even trying! ;)

I can certainly understand not wanting to mess up new parts, but there is no reason for new parts to be made wrong to begin with.
 
You're not even trying! ;)

I can certainly understand not wanting to mess up new parts, but there is no reason for new parts to be made wrong to begin with.
They aren't made wrong, they are a universal application for use on trailers or such being re-purposed for the jeep.

I wonder if you could take a MAPP torch and heat the studs up enough to pull them out of the plastic housing with a pair of pliers?
 
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