98 TJ Tail Light Assembly - Stripped Bolts?
 

Hey guys,

I have had 3 buld burst on me in the right tail light due to the following issue.

The light assembly (enclosure) is bolted to the truck with 3 bolts. 2 of the 3 bolts on mine do not tighten. Almost like they are stripped but more like there is nothing there for them to screw into. This is causing water to enter the light housing through the bolt holes and fry my lights.

1) Does anyone know how to get into the back panel without cutting the truck open?
2) Does anyone know how to fix this?

Thanks!

Adam

Re: 98 TJ Tail Light Assembly - Stripped Bolts?
 

Just Jeeps has the service manuals online,
take a look here,

http://www.justjeeps.com/pages.php?pageid=19

Billy

Re: 98 TJ Tail Light Assembly - Stripped Bolts?
 

At the bottom of the tub, is a plastic cover. Gently pry one side out enough to reach your hand in.
If you've stripped the bolts your going to either repair the thread (Helicoil comes to mind)or go bigger !
Dont tighten them down, very light pressure dont over torque

Re: 98 TJ Tail Light Assembly - Stripped Bolts?
 

Are the nuts stripped or are bolts rusted to the point that there are no threads on a section of the bolt.

You have a couple options here. You can pry back the the plastic cover as mentioned by the previous poster or you and install a Nutsert and néw bolts. Both options will work great.