Fitting New Headlights

[gwoiler]

I need to replace the headlights on my 1996 Outback Wagon. I see on some sites, that there are 2 versions available. One light is for vehicals up to May 1996, and the other light is for vehicals from June 1996 and onward. Does anyone here know the difference in the lights? Is the mounting different? Thanks

[vtlegacy95]

the earlier versions are one piece, the later versions have the headlight and turn signal seperate, also the headlight bulbs are different between the 2.

someone correct me if I am wrong

[Wiscon_Mark]

I know the headlight bulbs are different for 1999, but that's not a lamp dependant thing, that's harness dependant, so you'd keep the same bulbs.

Actually, I think the headlights all went two piece for the 98 model year, not the 97 model year, so they might be slightly off.

Either one will work. Forum wisdom has been saying that the one piece (older) headlights have a slightly better lense design, but they're honestly both awful headlights. I'd look into getting European lamps, or even JDM projector headlights instead.

[gwoiler]

Well, I got a pair of brand new lights from our local wrecking yard. They are Japanese lights and they just do not fit right. So I am wondering if there is any difference in the mount locations on the light.

[Plays_with_Toys]

All of the 95-99 lights bolt in to any other 95-99. What about them is not fitting right?

[Reason]

all 95-99 headlight housing are interchangeable. Your lights are Japanese because you out back was mad by the Japanese (smart ass remark). It takes 10 mins to change out both housings, just jump into it. The grill has to come off first to reach all the bolts.

Mark I think in 97 it was early 97 1 piece, late 97 2 piece.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Well, I got a pair of brand new lights from our local wrecking yard. They are Japanese lights and they just do not fit right. So I am wondering if there is any difference in the mount locations on the light.

They're all stamped Japan on them. They all fit.

i'm guessing it's that threaded alignment rod by the turn signal assembly that's throwing you off. When you put them in, just try getting it all lined up, and the push with some force, and it should pop right in there.

If it came off any 2nd gen Legacy (95-99) then it will bolt onto any other 2nd gen Legacy. I guarantee you it.

[gwoiler]

With the lights in place, and the bolt in the inside position next to the grill mount, It all looks right but the upper mounts are not on the threaded holes. The longer upper mount is about 1/2 inch away fromt hole! I have measuyred everything against a 1998 Outback wagon and everything seems to be in the right place. The radiator support got bent in from hitting a deer. I have pulled and beat on it and it looks good. Holes measure out from the firewall as the 1998 but lights are giving me a fit. Grill fits OK but about 1/4 inch inward than it should. I don't like body work!

[Wiscon_Mark]

Still sounds to me like that threaded rod. Give the headlamp a good thump with the heel of your hand. Inwards, of course.

[gwoiler]

I wish it were that easy. That threaded rod has nothing to do with the outside dimensions of the housing. Turning it will not lengthen or shorten a mount. BUT... I will look more closely at the Rod so I don't end up eating crow over this. :)

[Wiscon_Mark]

Do you have any pictures? That might help.

[gwoiler]

Here are some shots I took last week..... not sure if the problem is clearly seen... ooppss..... I guess I can't put up a pic because it looks like they have to be on the internet to begin with? They are on my local hard drive. I also found out that the difference in the years only applies to Japanese cars. So these lights are supposed to fit. Guess I need to get out the slide hammer!

[Wiscon_Mark]

www.photobucket.com (http://www.photobucket.com)

[gwoiler]

OK..... The larger top mount is off by almost 1/2 an inch. I don't want to brake anything. The grill is inward a little more than it should be. I have used sledge hammer, cum-a-long, and muscle to get the radiator support where it is and the top mounts measure from the firewall just as an identical car. Stumped.
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[Wiscon_Mark]

I've seen this before with my headlights. Either something's in the way, or you just need to put some muscle into it and pop it in there!

[gwoiler]

Will be selling car as soon as the replacement hood is finished painted and I do the timing belt.

[gwoiler]

I've seen this before with my headlights. Either something's in the way, or you just need to put some muscle into it and pop it in there! If I muscle the top mounts in place, then the whole light angles up with a gap twice the size to the bumper.