headlight adjustment screw not budging

[Germanshepherd]

trying to adjust my headlights and having a horrible time. two problems, the drivers side left/right adjustment screw will not budge no matter how hard i try. did they locktite those things but the passenger side is fine.
2nd problem, for mine to be where it needs to be, the top adjustment screw (drivers side) has to come out so far that the whole light assembly now wobbles in place, its not tight. only way to get it tight is to tighten the adjustment screw abut 10 or more times but then the light is aiming too low.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Spray some Kroil, Liquid-Wrench, or Break-Free on the threads to help. Also, the 'bucket' that the headlight sits in is known for stripping out its holes that the headlight aiming screws screw into. I had to replace one of my buckets for that reason, the headlight flopped in & out at that location.

 

[Germanshepherd]

Spray some Kroil, Liquid-Wrench, or Break-Free on the threads to help. Also, the 'bucket' that the headlight sits in is known for stripping out its holes that the headlight aiming screws screw into. I had to replace one of my buckets for that reason, the headlight flopped in & out at that location.

Tried wd40 which is all I had around but no dice. Where can one find those replacement buckets? Thx

 

[Chris]

Tried wd40 which is all I had around but no dice. Where can one find those replacement buckets? Thx

I don't know why they cost so much money used, but here you go:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=112385924572

I believe it's because they are no longer made. If WD-40 or Kroil doesn't fix it, you may be forced to replace it. Kroil seems to fix any stuck bolts in my experience.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I found my replacement bucket used on eBay.

 

[Germanshepherd]

I don't know why they cost so much money used, but here you go:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=112385924572

I believe it's because they are no longer made. If WD-40 or Kroil doesn't fix it, you may be forced to replace it. Kroil seems to fix any stuck bolts in my experience.

Thx . Wonder if the stripped screw is my problem. It will tighten up but then out of adjustment.

 

[lovemachine]

I still have my factory head lights, and never adjusted them since I lifted my jeep.

I probably should do that....

But I also want to invest in the TruckLite LED headlights. Dumb question, but do you get new "buckets" with new head lights? Or do you re-use the factory "buckets"?

 

[Chris]

Thx . Wonder if the stripped screw is my problem. It will tighten up but then out of adjustment.

That would be my guess, the stripped screw. That's got to be it.

I still have my factory head lights, and never adjusted them since I lifted my jeep.

I probably should do that....

But I also want to invest in the TruckLite LED headlights. Dumb question, but do you get new "buckets" with new head lights? Or do you re-use the factory "buckets"?

No, you have to re-use your stock headlight buckets.

 

[RaymondT]

I still have my factory head lights, and never adjusted them since I lifted my jeep.

I probably should do that....

But I also want to invest in the TruckLite LED headlights. Dumb question, but do you get new "buckets" with new head lights? Or do you re-use the factory "buckets"?

You have to reuse the factory buckets, retaining rings, screws etc. I installed the TruckLite LED's and they were way higher than the sealed beams. You definitely need to adjust them. Invest the few bucks and get a thin-shaft T15 screwdriver (bits and holders are too thick!). My adjustment screws didn't want to budge and I wasn't about to strip them. Remove the chrome retainer rings and beams. Then the whole plastic frame that the adjusters thread into can easily be removed - 3 bolts per side from the back. When you have the blocks out, spray the threads with penetrating oil on both ends. Warm the plastic frames up around the adjuster with a heat gun or hair dryer, then carefully break the screws loose with the T15. Reassembly everything. Set up your lights 25' away from a wall on a level surface. There's lots of instructions in the factory service manual or on the 'net on how to do this. Then, with your T15 with you, fine tune it on the highway. You'll be damn close with using the wall but you may need a twist or two. Mine are now absolutely perfect the way I want them.