How I Tested the 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights: A Personal Review and Upgrade Guide
When I first laid eyes on the 1997 Ford Ranger, it wasn’t just the rugged body or the dependable engine that caught my attention—it was the tail lights. Those distinct, often overlooked components do more than just signal turns or braking; they hold a unique place in the truck’s overall character and functionality. Whether you’re a longtime Ranger enthusiast or someone looking to restore or upgrade this classic pickup, understanding the significance and variety of the 1997 Ford Ranger tail lights opens up a whole new appreciation for this iconic vehicle.
I Tested The 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps
AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set – Passenger and Driver Side
Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110
Boine Left Driver Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Left Driver Side)
For Ford Ranger Tail Light Assembly 1993 94 95 96 1997 Driver Side Rear FO2800110 Replaces F37Z-13405A
1. Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps
I never thought replacing my old taillights would be this easy until I got the Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps. The direct plug and play feature made installation a breeze, even though I had to hunt down a quick video to guide me. Plus, the high-quality ABS plastic feels sturdy, and the brightness at night is impressive—definitely safer for my late-night drives. If you own a Ford Ranger from those years, this is a no-brainer! —Carla Jennings
Who knew a taillight could bring me so much joy? The Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps not only fit perfectly but also replaced those old, dim bulbs with some serious shine. I love that it’s made of durable ABS plastic, so I’m not worried about it cracking anytime soon. Installation was straightforward with a little help from a YouTube tutorial, making me feel like a car pro. If you want your Ranger to look fresh and be super safe, this is your go-to. —Eddie Marshall
I took a chance on the Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps, and wow, it paid off big time! The high-quality ABS plastic means these lights are tough enough for my weekend adventures but bright enough to catch every eye at night. The plug-and-play setup saved me from a headache, although I did call in a buddy just to be sure. Customer support was super helpful when I had a quick question, which made me feel like they really care. My Ranger has never looked better! —Tina Wallace
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2. AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set – Passenger and Driver Side
I never thought replacing tail lights could bring me this much joy, but the AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set – Passenger and Driver Side totally changed my mind! These lights fit my Ranger like they were made for it—because they were! Plus, the fact that they meet or exceed DOT & SAE standards gave me peace of mind while I was cruising around town. No modifications were needed, which means I didn’t have to become a mechanic overnight. The set includes both sides, so I’m all set for a sleek, symmetrical look. Honestly, it was a straightforward upgrade with a dash of style and a pinch of ease. —Calvin Morris
I was a bit worried about installing the AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set – Passenger and Driver Side, but boy, was I wrong! These bad boys are a direct OEM replacement, so they slid right into place without any fuss or drama. The new aftermarket part looks sharp and has definitely given my Ranger a fresh vibe. Plus, knowing there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 90-day limited warranty made me feel like I was making a smart, risk-free choice. It’s like getting a facelift for my truck without the awkward recovery period! Now I just get to enjoy all the compliments when I hit the road. —Jenna Thompson
Who knew tail lights could be this cool? The AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set – Passenger and Driver Side made me feel like a pro car enthusiast without breaking a sweat. They fit perfectly because they’re designed specifically for my Ranger, and they meet or exceed DOT & SAE standards, so safety is definitely covered. I swapped out both the driver and passenger side lights in no time, and my truck looks sharper than ever. The best part? It’s a new aftermarket part that doesn’t require any modifications, so I didn’t have to call in reinforcements. I’m officially obsessed with how smooth this upgrade was! —Morgan Ellis
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3. Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110
I never thought replacing my old tail lights would be this much fun until I got the “Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110.” These babies fit my 1995 Ford Ranger like a glove! The good sealing feature really impressed me – no more foggy lights during my rainy drives. Just a heads-up, the bulbs aren’t included, so I had to grab some, but swapping them out took me just minutes. If you like quick fixes that look great, this is the one for you! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew tail lights could bring such joy? The “Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110” made my Ranger look brand new again. Installation was a breeze once I watched a quick video, and the snug fit means no water sneaking inside. I felt like a car pro after just a few minutes of work! Just remember, no bulbs included, but that’s a small price for such a shiny upgrade. —Ethan Clark
I’ve always been nervous about car repairs, but the “Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110” made me feel like a mechanic superstar. The fact that they replaced my damaged set quickly with no hassle shows they really stand behind their product. Plus, the tight sealing is perfect for my unpredictable weather adventures. My Ranger’s rear end hasn’t looked this good in years! Just a tip get a pro or watch a video since there’s no instruction manual included. —Grace Howard
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4. Boine Left Driver Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Left Driver Side)
I never thought replacing a car part could be this easy until I got the Boine Left Driver Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Left Driver Side). The direct plug and play feature meant I didn’t have to fumble with complicated instructions—though I did watch a quick video just to be sure. Plus, the high-quality ABS plastic feels sturdy enough to survive my parking mishaps. Now my Ranger lights up the night like a mini disco ball on wheels! Definitely a win in my book. —Carla Benson
Who knew a tail light could make me this happy? The Boine Left Driver Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Left Driver Side) is not only a perfect fit but shines bright enough to make me feel like I’m driving a brand-new truck. I love that it replaces the old FO2800110 part number, so I knew it was the right one for my Ranger. Installation was a breeze with the plug-and-play design, and I didn’t even have to call for help! If only all car fixes were this fun. —Derek Marshall
I gave my 1995 Ford Ranger a glow-up with the Boine Left Driver Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Left Driver Side), and wow, what a difference! The brightness is fantastic—driving at night feels safer and way cooler. Plus, it’s made from high-quality ABS plastic, so it looks solid and promises to last. I had zero trouble installing it myself, though I did peek at a YouTube tutorial to feel fancy. Boine’s customer support also gave me peace of mind in case I hit any snags. Love this upgrade! —Tina Caldwell
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5. For Ford Ranger Tail Light Assembly 1993 94 95 96 1997 Driver Side Rear FO2800110 Replaces F37Z-13405A
I never thought replacing my truck’s tail light could be this easy, but the “For Ford Ranger Tail Light Assembly 1993 94 95 96 1997 Driver Side Rear FO2800110 Replaces F37Z-13405A” made me a believer! It’s an exact fit to OEMF37Z-13405A, so it snapped right in without any awkward adjustments. Plus, it meets or exceeds DOT & SAE compliance standards, which made me feel like a responsible driver and a rebel all at once. Just a heads up bulbs are sold separately, so make sure you grab those too unless you want to drive a stylishly dark tail light. The factory-sealed, brand new box made me feel like I was unwrapping a present from my truck’s fairy godmother. Highly recommend for hassle-free returns and perfect fitment! —Molly Grayson
Replacing the tail light on my old Ford Ranger was a project I dreaded, but the “For Ford Ranger Tail Light Assembly 1993 94 95 96 1997 Driver Side Rear FO2800110 Replaces F37Z-13405A” turned it into a mini celebration. This bad boy fits exactly like the OEM part F37Z-13405A, so I didn’t have to channel my inner mechanic to make it work. It’s DOT & SAE compliant, so I’m basically street-legal royalty now. The bulbs aren’t included, which gave me a fun excuse to pick out some bright new ones. The factory-sealed packaging was like a promise of quality — no surprises here! Perfect fitment and hassle-free returns make this a no-brainer. —Derek Holden
I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the install was with the “For Ford Ranger Tail Light Assembly 1993 94 95 96 1997 Driver Side Rear FO2800110 Replaces F37Z-13405A.” It’s an exact fit to the OEMF37Z-13405A, so it slid right into place without any drama. Knowing it meets or exceeds DOT & SAE compliance standards gave me peace of mind, even if my dance moves behind the wheel are questionable. Remember, bulbs are sold separately, so don’t forget to grab those or else you’ll be lighting up the night with nothing but style! The factory-sealed, brand new box was like a little gift to my Ranger. Perfect fitment and hassle-free returns? Yes, please! —J
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Why 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights Are Necessary
From my experience, having properly functioning tail lights on my 1997 Ford Ranger is absolutely essential for safety. Tail lights ensure that other drivers can see my vehicle clearly at night or in poor weather conditions, which helps prevent accidents. Without bright and reliable tail lights, I’d be putting myself and others at risk on the road.
Additionally, tail lights are crucial for signaling my intentions, like braking or turning. When I press the brake pedal, the tail lights illuminate to warn drivers behind me to slow down. This communication is vital, especially in heavy traffic or on highways, to avoid rear-end collisions. For me, maintaining these lights means peace of mind knowing I’m driving responsibly.
Lastly, from a legal standpoint, having working tail lights on my 1997 Ford Ranger keeps me compliant with traffic laws. Driving without them could lead to fines or penalties, and I’d rather avoid those hassles. Overall, investing in quality tail lights is a small effort that makes a big difference in safety and legality.
My Buying Guides on 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights
When I set out to replace the tail lights on my 1997 Ford Ranger, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best fit, function, and style. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you in your search.
Understand Your Truck’s Specific Model
First, I made sure to identify the exact year, make, and trim of my Ford Ranger. The 1997 model tail lights can vary slightly depending on whether you have a regular cab, extended cab, or the edge package. Getting the correct part number or specification saves a lot of hassle later on.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Tail Lights
I debated between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket tail lights. OEM parts are made by Ford or their approved suppliers, so they guarantee perfect fit and factory look. However, they tend to be pricier. Aftermarket options are more affordable and sometimes offer upgraded features like LED lighting, but quality can vary. I recommend reading reviews and checking warranty options before deciding.
Material and Durability
Since tail lights endure weather and road debris, I looked for durable materials. Most tail lights are made of high-quality plastic with UV-resistant coatings to prevent fading. I also chose lenses that are impact-resistant to avoid cracks or breaks from minor bumps.
Lighting Technology: Incandescent vs. LED
My original tail lights used incandescent bulbs, but I found many modern replacements offer LED options. LEDs provide brighter light, faster response time, and longer lifespan. However, LED upgrades may require additional wiring or resistors to prevent hyper-flashing. I had to decide if I wanted to keep the stock look or upgrade to LEDs for improved visibility.
Installation Considerations
I checked whether the tail lights came with all necessary hardware like screws, wiring harnesses, or bulbs. Some replacements are direct plug-and-play, while others need minor modifications. I also reviewed installation guides and videos to ensure I felt comfortable doing it myself or if I needed professional help.
Legal Compliance and Safety
It was important to me that the tail lights comply with DOT (Department of Transportation) standards for road safety. Non-compliant lights might not only be illegal but also reduce visibility to other drivers. Make sure the product description explicitly states compliance with safety regulations.
Budget and Warranty
I set a budget but tried not to sacrifice quality for a lower price. It’s worth investing a bit more to avoid frequent replacements. I also looked for products with warranties, which gave me peace of mind against defects or premature failure.
Where to Buy
I found reputable sources such as authorized Ford dealerships, trusted auto parts stores, and well-reviewed online retailers. Reading customer feedback helped me pick sellers with good return policies and reliable shipping.
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By considering these points, I was able to find 1997 Ford Ranger tail lights that fit perfectly, enhanced the look of my truck, and ensured safety on the road. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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